Import Duty from China to Saudi Arabia
Exactly what you’ll pay to import from China to Saudi Arabia — duty, VAT and clearance, worked out before you order, not after the container lands.
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Tell us what you’re importing to Saudi Arabia. We reply on WhatsApp, usually within a working day.
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Door-to-door to Saudi Arabia
Sea and air freight to Jeddah Islamic Port, FASAH clearance and last-mile — handled end to end.
This is the practical guide to import duty from China to Saudi Arabia: how the duty is calculated, what tax stacks on top, and the rate by product category. Saudi Arabia applies the GCC Common External Tariff — a 5% base customs duty on CIF — but a 2020 tariff reform raised many finished consumer goods, and finished furniture now attracts roughly 10–15% rather than 5%. Duty is charged on the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight), not the factory invoice. With finished-furniture duty at 10–15% and 15% VAT stacked on CIF-plus-duty, the effective import tax on a furniture consignment runs to roughly 30% of CIF — the heaviest in the Gulf, which is exactly why the classification and the SABER certificate have to be right.
How duty and tax are calculated
Saudi Arabia applies the GCC Common External Tariff — a 5% base customs duty on CIF — but a 2020 tariff reform raised many finished consumer goods, and finished furniture now attracts roughly 10–15% rather than 5%. Duty is charged on the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight), not the factory invoice.
15% VAT then applies to CIF plus duty. With finished-furniture duty at 10–15% and 15% VAT stacked on CIF-plus-duty, the effective import tax on a furniture consignment runs to roughly 30% of CIF — the heaviest in the Gulf, which is exactly why the classification and the SABER certificate have to be right. If you are VAT-registered in Saudi Arabia, import VAT is recoverable as input tax through your ZATCA return.
Import duty by product category
| Product | HS heading | Saudi Arabia rate | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furniture | 9403 | 10–15% | Saudi’s 2020 reform raised finished furniture (HS 9403) above the 5% GCC base to roughly 10–15% on CIF — the highest furniture duty in the Gulf — and a SABER CoC is required. |
| LED & Lighting | 9405 | 5–12% | Electricals were raised in 2020; LED and lighting need a SABER CoC and the Gulf G-Mark. |
| Marble & Tiles | 6802 / 6907 | 5–15% (+ anti-dumping on tiles) | Natural stone was raised toward 10–15%; Chinese ceramic tiles (HS 6907) also carry a GCC anti-dumping duty of 17.6–106% — natural marble (6802) is exempt. |
| Mattresses & Bedding | 9404 | 5–15% | HS 9404; bedding was raised in 2020 — verify the exact line, and note flammability labelling. |
| Sanitaryware & Kitchen | 6910 / 7324 | 5–15% | Ceramic and metal fixtures were raised in 2020; a SABER CoC applies to regulated items. |
| Machinery & Equipment | 84xx | 5% | Mostly the 5% base; some lines higher, and SABER applies to regulated equipment. |
Rates are indicative of the current schedule; your exact rate depends on the full HS classification of your goods. We confirm it before you order.
Reviewed by verified import specialists
The duty, tax and clearance guidance on this page reflects ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority) and SASO practice and the applicable tariff schedule as of August 2026. Rates and procedures can change — we re-verify this page each quarter and confirm the rate for your specific HS code before you commit to an order. This is practical guidance, not a customs ruling on your particular goods.
A worked landed-cost example
On a US$20,000 order with US$2,200 freight and insurance (customs value US$22,200):
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Customs value (goods + freight + insurance) | US$22,200 |
| Customs duty (a 5% base duty, rising to roughly 10–15% on finished furniture) | US$3,330 (15% on furniture) |
| VAT on CIF plus duty | US$3,830 (15% VAT) |
| Duty + tax total | US$7,160 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty from China to Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia applies the GCC Common External Tariff — a 5% base customs duty on CIF — but a 2020 tariff reform raised many finished consumer goods, and finished furniture now attracts roughly 10–15% rather than 5%. Duty is charged on the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight), not the factory invoice.
Is duty charged on the goods value or the total?
On the customs value, which includes freight and insurance to the border, not the factory invoice alone. That is why the landed cost is always higher than the factory price.
What tax is charged on top of duty?
15% VAT on CIF plus duty. If you are VAT-registered in Saudi Arabia, import VAT is recoverable as input tax through your ZATCA return.
How do I find the exact duty rate for my product?
Send us the product and we classify it to the correct HS code, then give you the exact current rate and a full landed cost — free, before you commit to an order.
Get your landed cost before you commit to an order
Send us your product list or a supplier link. We classify the goods, confirm the rate against the HS code, and come back with one landed-cost figure delivered to your door in Saudi Arabia — goods, freight, duty, tax and local charges in a single number.
Related guides
Furniture & project cargo, straight from the source
Six categories we move most for Saudi Arabia buyers — each with the real duty rate and a factory-direct quote.
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Living, bedroom and dining sets straight from the Foshan factory floor.
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Chandeliers, track, architectural and outdoor lighting, CE/SAA-ready.
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Slabs, porcelain and mosaics — heavy cargo we consolidate to cut freight.
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Pocket-spring and foam, compressed and roll-packed to save CBM.
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Basins, tubs, faucets and cabinetry for fit-outs and projects.
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Production lines and equipment, inspected before they ship.
Duty & sourcing for Saudi ArabiaGet your landed cost before you commit to an order
Send your product list or a supplier link. We classify the goods, confirm the duty against the HS code, and come back with one number to your door in Saudi Arabia — goods, freight, duty, tax and local charges.
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