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KSA Customs Duty Calculator

Estimate Saudi Arabian customs duty by category - standard 5 percent CIF, protected categories 12 to 25 percent, tobacco 50 percent, plus 15 percent VAT on the duty-paid value.

Last reviewed 4 May 2026.by .Source: zatca.gov.sa
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How Saudi customs duty works

Saudi Arabian customs follows the GCC Common Customs Law as its base, with elevated rates introduced in 2017 and 2020 to protect specific sectors. The standard rate is 5 percent ad valorem on CIF, but 575 product categories attract 12 to 25 percent, including textiles, dairy, processed foods, and certain machinery. Tobacco attracts 50 percent customs duty plus 100 percent excise. KSA VAT at 15 percent applies on the duty-paid value (CIF + duty). Goods of GCC origin enter duty-free under the customs union.

Worked example

Importing electronics with CIF SAR 10,000 at standard 5 percent: duty = 500. VAT = (10,000 + 500) x 0.15 = SAR 1,575. Total SAR 12,075. Same shipment in textile category at 12 percent: duty 1,200, VAT 1,680, total SAR 12,880.

A typical 3-bedroom Riyadh villa using 1,500 kWh in winter months: energy charge = 1,500 x 0.18 = SAR 270. Meter charge SAR 10. Subtotal SAR 280. VAT at 15 percent = SAR 42. Total bill SAR 322. Summer cooling can push consumption past 6,000 kWh; the marginal rate for that excess is SAR 0.30 per kWh.

Frequently asked questions

What is the standard Saudi customs duty?
5 percent on the CIF value of most goods, increased to 12 to 25 percent on 575 protected categories under Saudi Council of Ministers Resolution.
How is VAT calculated on imports?
Saudi VAT at 15 percent (rate raised from 5 percent in July 2020) is applied on the duty-paid value, meaning CIF plus customs duty.
Are GCC-origin goods duty-free?
Yes. Goods of GCC origin (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE) enter Saudi Arabia duty-free under the GCC customs union, subject to certificate of origin verification.
Is tobacco taxed differently?
Yes. Tobacco attracts 50 percent customs duty plus 100 percent excise tax (introduced 2017) on top, before VAT.
Why is my actual ZATCA invoice different?
Real invoices may include excise tax on sugary or energy drinks, port handling, anti-dumping duty for specific origins, and HS-specific exemptions. Verify with your customs broker or ZATCA portal.