Frequently Asked Questions

Customs clearance is the set of legal and administrative procedures required to allow imported goods to enter — or exported goods to leave — through Saudi Arabia’s ports. It includes filing the customs declaration, inspection, paying duties, and obtaining the release permit.

Anyone importing or exporting commercial goods. The law requires authorizing a licensed customs broker for any commercial shipment passing through Saudi ports. Individuals importing for personal use may not be required to, but a broker still speeds up the process.

We operate at every Saudi port — seaports (Jeddah, Dammam, Jazan, Yanbu, Duba), international airports (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam), land borders (Al Batha, King Fahd Causeway, Al Haditha, Al Khafji, Salwa, Halat Ammar), and the Riyadh Dry Port.

3 simple steps: (1) reach us by WhatsApp or phone, (2) book a free consultation to discuss your needs, (3) we send a detailed quote within 24 hours. No commitment for the consultation.

Yes — 100% free, no commitment. The consultation is how we build trust before any commercial engagement. It runs 30–45 minutes and covers an analysis of your case and proposed solutions.

(1) Prepare the Commercial Registration and Tax Certificate, (2) authorize a customs broker, (3) prepare documents (invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin), (4) submit the customs declaration via the FASAH platform, (5) pay duties, (6) obtain the release permit and receive the goods.

Base customs duty = 5% of the goods value. VAT = 15% (calculated on the value plus duty). Certain products carry special duties (such as tobacco and alcohol). You can use the customs duty calculator on the ZATCA website.

From the importer: Commercial Registration, Tax Certificate, customs authorization. From the shipping line: commercial invoice, bill of lading, certificate of origin, packing list. Additional certificates by goods type (health, halal, CIQ, SABER).

24–48 hours for shipments with complete documentation. Just 2 hours with “pre-clearance” service. Up to 5 working days when inspection is required or documents are missing. Complete documents before arrival = fastest clearance.

For personal use, individuals may import within set limits and values. For commercial import, a Commercial Registration is mandatory and its activity must match the type of goods imported.

The prohibited list includes: drugs and intoxicants, military weapons, products contrary to Islamic Sharia, indecent publications, and goods reserved for specific entities. The list is updated periodically by ZATCA.

(1) Valid Commercial Registration for the exporter, (2) sales contract or proforma invoice with the foreign importer, (3) obtain a Certificate of Origin from the Chamber of Commerce, (4) required conformity certificates, (5) file the export declaration via FASAH, (6) arrange shipping.

It is an official document proving the product’s country of origin, issued by the Ministry of Commerce or the Chamber of Commerce. It matters because without it customs in the importing country may reject the shipment, and you may also benefit from duty exemptions in some countries.

To every country in the world. Each country has its own requirements and certificates. OBOOR helps you identify the requirements of your target country. Exporting to GCC countries is easier thanks to the Customs Union agreement.

Yes. You need an Export Eligibility Certificate from the Saudi Food & Drug Authority (SFDA) via its electronic system. Every food product you export must be registered and approved.

FASAH = ZATCA’s platform for customs declarations and release permits. SABER = the Saudi Standards Organization (SASO) platform for issuing conformity certificates. The two platforms have been integrated since 2020.

For consumer products subject to SASO technical regulations: home appliances, auto spare parts, construction materials, toys, textiles, electronics, electricals, and consumer chemical products.

Product Certificate (PC) = SAR 500 (excl. VAT). Shipment Certificate = SAR 350 (excl. VAT). These are the official SABER platform fees; OBOOR’s registration and follow-up service is separate.

Shipment Certificate: 1–3 working days if test reports are ready. Product Certificate (PC): takes longer depending on the lab tests required.

We review the rejection reasons, correct documents or re-run lab tests, and re-submit. Our experience working with SASO minimizes the risk of rejection from the start.

They vary by: shipment type (regular/medical/chemical/automotive), size (FCL/LCL), procedures involved (clearance only / with SABER / with special FASAH), and the port. We provide an accurate quote after reviewing your shipment.

No. Our policy is transparent: all costs are known up front. The quote includes government fees, our service fees, and any expected charges. Any extra fees (e.g., lab inspection) are disclosed before they are incurred.

A fee charged by ports on shipments that remain after the free storage period (typically 5–10 days). It ranges from SAR 50–500 per day depending on container type. Our clearance speed helps you avoid it.

We honor our promise — if your shipment is delayed due to customs, the shipping line, or OBOOR (and not because of missing documents on your side), we cover the demurrage from day one until full release.

Costs are paid when work begins, or per agreement. For regular clients we offer monthly accounts. Government fees (customs, VAT) are paid directly to ZATCA — we either pay on your behalf or guide you on the payment method.

Yes — we have deep experience clearing pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. We handle SFDA establishment registration, MDMA certificates for medical devices, the eSDR system for drugs, and the MDIL import license for exempt devices.

Yes. We handle hazardous and non-hazardous chemicals. We obtain the import permit, chemical clearance, and coordinate with Civil Defense and the High Commission for Industrial Security.

Maximum age: 5 years for passenger vehicles, 10 years for trucks. SASO energy efficiency certificate, GCC standards conformity, clear VIN, accident-free. Duties = 5% customs + 15% VAT.

Yes — we offer dedicated e-commerce solutions: fast clearance for small parcels, monthly packages for active stores, dropshipping solutions, and SABER certificates for electronics.

Yes. We handle SFDA FIRS registration, product registration on the “Ghad” platform, obtaining the import permit, food clearance follow-up, and coordination with labs for analyses.

OBOOR Customs Clearance is an officially licensed Saudi company (License #4018) with 10+ years of experience serving import & export businesses in the Kingdom. We are authorized to operate at every Saudi port.

We serve 250+ companies of all sizes and sectors. Clients include: NEOM, Mitsubishi, Carrefour, Jarir Bookstore, Sadafco, Saudi Ceramics, Jazeera Paints, Kingdom, Ericsson, and more.

Three guarantees: (1) 24/7 support with an always-open line, (2) demurrage guarantee — we cover delays not caused by your missing documents, (3) on-time commitment — special care for time-sensitive goods. Plus free consultations for every client.

Our headquarters is in Riyadh — Al Malqa district. Our services cover every Saudi port under unified management. This model lets you work with one company for all your shipments at any port.

Multiple ways: Mobile +966 595555633 | WhatsApp +966 557034090 | Email Info@oboorlsp.com | Instagram @oboor_lsp | visit our office in Al Malqa, Riyadh.