Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia

Just like any other country, export and import to Saudi Arabia are controlled by its own customs rules and regulations, which can be a bit challenging for every trader.

That is why, it is important to understand the procedures, documents, and costs involved to avoid issues like delays, penalties, or the refusal of goods upon entry. In this part, we have prepared a comprehensive roadmap that will walk you through everything you need to know for seamless customs clearance and freight to Saudi Arabia.

What is Fasah (فسح) ?

Fasah (فسح) is a platform that lets you manage customs clearance online instead of going to customs offices when sending a package to Saudi Arabia. Governed by the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA), Fasah (فسح) launched in 2017 to upgrade Saudi Arabia’s customs clearance process by improving speed and efficiency. Thanks to Fasah (فسح) for making everything in one centralized system.  
So, if you are planning to send a shipment to Saudi Arabia, you should be aware that Fasah (فسح) is mandatory for all commercial imports (if you are a business or company) and many personal shipments (if you exceed the allowed duty-free limits). Make sure you have all your documents ready and register with Fasah (فسح). 

 7 Main Documents for Customs Clearance in Saudi Arabia

Who wouldn’t want a trouble-free customs clearance when importing to Saudi Arabia, right? So, make sure you got all the complete documents ready that you need to submit to Fasah (فسح) to cut down clearance time and avoid potential problems. As you scroll down, make a checklist of the documents you have so you can focus on the ones you still need to prepare.

Commercial Invoice | الفاتورة التجارية

A commercial invoice is one of the main documents you need when shipping to Saudi Arabia.  It provides the details of your shipment, specifically the quantity of your products the value per unit, and the total value of your shipment. It is typically used by customs regulators to determine the duties, taxes, and other customs-related fees applicable for your shipment.

Packing List | قائمة التعبئة

A packing list is another document issued by your seller that shows the list of all the products that you want to order and ship to Saudi Arabia. It highlights the seller and buyer’s information, goods description, HS code, the weight and size of your shipment, and the packaging type. When shipping to Saudi Arabia, customs officials use the packing list to confirm what is inside your shipment and to ensure it matches with your commercial invoice.

Certificate of Origin (COO) | شهادة المنشأ

A certificate of origin is an official document that proves which country your products were produced in. Let’s say you want to import pet dry food, make sure to ask your seller for a valid Certificate of Origin (COO) to facilitate customs clearance and ensure accurate tariff classifications.

Valid Import License | رخصة الاستيراد

A valid import license is one the essential documents that you must have when importing to Saudi Arabia. If you are importing as a business entity, you generally need to obtain a commercial registration from the Ministry of Commerce and Investment (MCI).

If you are importing for personal use only, you typically don’t need an import license, however please make sure to consult with your shipping company from China to Saudi Arabia most especially for special type of products like medicines, food, agricultural products, and electronic devices.

SASO Certificate (SABER Certification) | شهادة المطابقة

A SASO Certificate, also known as the SABER Certification is an official document confirming that the goods you want to import meet the country’s quality and safety standards. You can apply for and obtain the SABER certification through SABER digital platform managed by the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization.

When shipping from China to Saudi Arabia, please check the list below to see which products require a SASO certificate. If you are not aware of this requirement, it could be one of the reasons you are facing customs clearance issues in Saudi Arabia. 

Importer’s Commercial Registration (CR) | السجل التجاري للمستورد

An Importer’s Commercial Registration (CR) is an official license that allows a registered company to legally import and export goods in Saudi Arabia. You can obtain this from the Ministry of Commerce, which helps customs authorities to verify that you are legally allowed to engage in trade and you follow the trade regulations when shipping goods to Saudi Arabia.

SFDA Approval | موافقة الهيئة العامة للغذاء والدواء (SFDA)

Did you know that Saudi Arabia has a regulatory body that ensures the quality and safety of certain goods based on national standards? It’s called the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). If you are shipping specific products like food or medicine, you need SFDA approval to prevent your shipment from being denied entry into Saudi Arabia.
If you have goods in China ready for dispatch and you are not sure if it needs SFDA approval for shipping to Saudi Arabia, please refer to the table below.

Now that you know the seven (7) major documents for customs clearance in Saudi Arabia, you might be feeling overwhelmed with information. Let’s break it down simply so you can remember them easily when shipping from China to Saudi Arabia.

Steps for Customs Clearance in Saudi Arabia

Step 1: Register an importer with Saudi Customs (ZATCA)

• Visit Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) and create an account.
• Apply for Importer Tax Number if your business revenue is more than SAR 375,0000

Register as an Importer with Saudi Customs Clearance System (FASAH)

• Visit Fasah official Portal and create an account.

Sign up for the SASO Certificate (SABER Certification) if your shipment requires product compliance certificate for customs clearance in Saudi Arabia.

Step 2: Arrange Shipment from China

Once you have your business licenses and certifications in place in Saudi Arabia, you are ready to arrange your shipment from China. At this stage, your focus should be on finding a reliable supplier for your goods and freight forwarder from China, like DDPCH shipping company, to handle the everything smoothly from China to Saudi Arabia.

Step 3: Pre-Clearance & Document Submission

Once your shipment is loaded into a container and on its way to Saudi Arabia, it’s time to start the customs clearance process. At this stage, you need to complete all the required paperwork and obtain the necessary licenses through Fasah. In case you use door to door shipping from China, you don’t have to worry about the customs clearance in Saudi Arabia as DDPCH will take care it for you.

Step 4: Customs Inspection & Clearance at Saudi Ports
Let’s say your shipment arrives at Dammam Port (King Abdul Aziz Port), customs officers will review the documents submitted by you or your freight forwarder to ensure they match the declared goods. Some shipments may require a physical inspection, but this is not always necessary. Once the documents are verified, duties are paid, and any inspection is cleared, customs will issue a release order, allowing you or your DDPCH freight forwarder to collect the shipment.

Step 5: Post-Import Compliance

Once your shipment is cleared and delivered to you, make sure you follow Saudi regulations. If you are selling food, medicines, or agricultural items, you surely need SFDA approval. Please keep in mind that labels must include Arabic for ingredients, warnings, and instructions. Keep all import documents for at least five years in case of an audit. Once everything is set, you are ready to sell and distribute your products that you import in Saudi Arabia.

Necessary Documents for Shipping Process

When shipping from China to Saudi Arabia, having the right documents is key for a smooth shipping process from your supplier to wherever it needs to be delivered. Here are the necessary documents you will need:

• Packing List
• Pro Forma Invoice or Commercial Invoice
• Certificate of Origin (COO)
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or DGM Report (only if applicable)
• Import License
• SASO Certificate (SABER Certification)
• SFDA Approval

Please note that some products may require additional documents, while others may not need all the ones listed above. It’s best to check with the DDPCH sales team to make sure you have the right documents for your shipment. We are here to assist you anytime.

Trade Relations between China and Saudi Arabia

Here’s a little fact for today: China is now Saudi Arabia’s biggest trading partner —not only for oils, but also for infrastructure, technology, and industrial goods. The trade ties started in the 1990s and has grown rapidly ever since.

Key Imports and Exports Between China and Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia imports a lot of goods from China, mainly electronics like smartphones, laptops, and home appliances. They also bring in machinery, cars, clothing, and furniture. Since China is known for affordable and mass-produced items, many Saudi businesses rely on Chinese suppliers for retail products and construction materials.
Saudi Arabia mainly exports oil to China, as China needs a huge amount of energy for its industries. With China’s strong manufacturing sector, Saudi raw materials help fuel Chinese factories, building a strong trade relationship between the two countries.

Restricted and Prohibited Items for Shipping in Saudi Arabia

If you are planning to ship goods to Saudi Arabia, it’s important to know what can and cannot be imported under the country’s regulations. These rules are in place to protect cultural, religious, and legal standards of the country. Some products are completely restricted, while others require special approval and paperwork before entering Saudi Arabia.
Wondering which products are banned for import to Saudi Arabia? Please check the list below. 

• Pork and Port Products
• Counterfeit and Pirated Items
• Tobacco and Related Products
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Cultural and Political Materials
• Gambling Devices and Paraphernalia
• Drones and Surveillance Equipment
• Weapons and Military Equipment
• Perishable Food and Live Animals
• Narcotics and Illegal Drugs
• Tobacco and Related Goods
• Any materials offensive to Islamic Morals and Values

In worst-case scenario, if your shipment has prohibited goods and gets caught by Saudi Arabia customs, you could face legal actions such as heavy fines and penalties, getting blacklisted, and disposing of forbidden items. To avoid this, we suggest you to learn more about import regulations through regulatory bodies like Fasah and working with a powerful shipping company to Saudi Arabia like DDPCH.

China-Saudi Arabia Economic Ties: What’s New in 2025?

In 2025, China and Saudi Arabia continue strengthening their economic ties. Trade is growing, with more oil exports to China and increased Chinese investments in Saudi projects. New deals in energy, technology, and infrastructure are shaping their partnership when shipping from China to Saudi Arabia, and vice versa.

Air Cargo from China to Saudi Arabia

Many of our customers choose air freight for shipping to Saudi Arabia because it’s the fastest and safest option. If you have urgent and valuable goods under 500kg, air shipping is the best choice. Well, there’s more to why you should use DDPCH air cargo from China to Saudi Arabia, keep reading to see what makes this service ideal for your shipment.

Best International Airports in Saudi Arabia

One of the main reasons why many people use air cargo is because of Saudi Arabia’s advanced airports ensuring quick and efficient process both for cargo and passengers. You might be missing this part that’s why you are still now convinced to use air freight to Saudi Arabia.

1. King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED)

This airport started to operate in 1981 and is located in Jeddah, the largest city in Saudi Arabia. Last year, 2024, it managed more than 50 million passengers, recording a 14% growth from 2023. This is a significant boost for Saudi Arabia’s global travel and trade and demand is continue to rise this early 2025.

2. King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
   This airport has been running since 1983 and is located in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. Recently, it has achieved an impressive on-time departure rate of 86.7% with a total of 240,990 successful flights across 115 destinations. This milestone has strengthened RUH’s ranking as a top air freight hub.

2. King Fahd International Airport (DMM)

This airport has been serving since 1990 and is situated in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. This airport is well-known for its vast land area of 780 square kilometers, making it one of the largest airports in the world. Thanks to its land area, DMM efficiently manages a high volume of travelers and cargo every day.

These three hubs wouldn’t be among Saudi Arabia’s top international airports without great feedback from smooth operations to modern facilities. Let’s see what people are saying!

Air Cargo Routes to Saudi Arabia: Direct vs Indirect

When shipping from China to Saudi Arabia, you have two options: direct flights and indirect flights. To make it simple, think of it as choosing a route going to a shopping mall, one is shorter and faster but it costs you more, while the other takes longer with stops along the way is more budget friendly.
A direct flight means your shipment goes straight from a China airport to a Saudi Arabia airport without stopping in any other country. This results in a shorter transit time and fewer potential delays.

On the other hand, indirect flights have stopovers in other countries before reaching Saudi Arabia. Your shipment may be consolidated with other cargo, mainly to reduce costs.

Air Cargo Shipping Cost from China to Saudi Arabia (2025)

Air freight shipping cost to Saudi Arabia depend on factors like product type, value, weight, dimensions, and the chosen airports. Here’s a tip: the heavier your shipment, the better rate you can secure. For the latest pricing, please contact DDPCH sales team as prices change every day but we have prepared an estimated price reference for you.

PRICE TABLE

Air Cargo Shipping Time from China to Saudi Arabia (2025)

Many of our customers say the main reason they choose air shipping is the fast transit time to Saudi Arabia. Known for its speed and reliability, your shipment can arrive in your country in as fast as 1 day for direct flights and around 3 days for indirect flights under normal situations.

Sea Cargo from China to Saudi Arabia

If you are not in a hurry and looking for the cheapest shipping service from China to Saudi Arabia, sea cargo is the ideal choice. No wonder many people from Saudi Arabia choose this way because you can save a lot of money when shipping bulk order weighing more than 500kg. It may be slow but surely the most economical option in the market.

Major Global Sea Ports in Saudi Arabia

By shipping your goods by sea, you should know which ports in Saudi Arabia are best for international imports. Knowing these top sea ports will help you negotiate better rates with freight forwarders from China. Here is the list of sea ports that we prepared for you:

• King Fahad Industrial Port / ميناء الملك فهد الصناعي (ينبع) (SAYNB)
• King Abdulaziz Port / ميناء الملك عبد العزيز (الدمام) (SADMM)
• Jeddah Islamic Port / ميناء جدة الإسلامي (SAJED)
• Jubail Commercial Port / ميناء الجبيل التجاري (SAJCP)
• Yanbu Commercial Port / ميناء ينبع التجاري (SAYCP)
• Ras Al-Khair Port / ميناء رأس الخير (SARAK)
• Jizan Port / ميناء جازان (SAJIZ)
• Duba Port / ميناء ضبا (SADBA)

Top Shipping Lines from China to Saudi Arabia (2025)

This 2025, some of the largest shipping lines are making it easier to send containers from China to Saudi Arabia. Maersk, a well-known Danish company, has over 700 ships moving goods worldwide, including Saudi Arabia. COSCO, a major Chinese company, operates more than 500 ships, ensuring regular deliveries.

CMA CGM, a French shipping giant with nearly 600 vessels, also provides frequent services. OOCL, based in Hong Kong, helps with reliable schedules using its fleet. No doubt these top shipping lines handle a big part of global trade, making it smooth and efficient when shipping containers from China to Saudi Arabia.

FCL vs. LCL Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia

When using a shipping container to Saudi Arabia, you can choose between FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load). FCL means you get a whole container for your goods, making it faster and safer. It is best for large shipments and you can book based on your shipment capacity such as 20ft and 40ft general and high cube containers.

LCL means you share a container with others, which is cheaper for smaller shipments but may take longer. If you are sending a smaller load and want to save costs, LCL works well for you.

Sea Cargo Shipping Cost from China to Saudi Arabia (2025)

Did you know what makes ocean freight one of the best shipping methods to Saudi Arabia, especially for businesses? The answer is simple—it’s mainly because of its cheap shipping cost. Normally, the cost is calculated per cubic meter (cbm) since cargo sent by sea is typically larger in size rather than heavy in weight. If you want to know the exact cost both for FCL and LCL sea freight from China to Saudi Arabia for your shipment, please check with the DDPCH sales team, as rates change daily.

PRICE TABLE

Sea Cargo Shipping Time from China to Saudi Arabia (2025)

The shipping time from China to Saudi Arabia depends on whether you are using the FCL or LCL shipping method. When shipping with FCL, the total shipping time is shorter than LCL due to less time needed for container loading.

On the other hand, LCL may take longer since the container needs to wait until it is full by consolidating shipments from various customers. But to give you a general idea, the shipping time from all ports in China to Saudi Arabia is around 35 to 40 days under normal situations.

Door to Door Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia

If you want to avoid the hassle of handling shipping and customs clearance by yourself, then door to door freight (DDP) to Saudi Arabia is the best option. With our DDP service, we handle everything for you, from collecting your goods from your manufacturer in China to delivering them to your door. No hassle, no headache, no extra fees along the way, that’s what makes DDP so popular in the market.

Door to Door Air Shipping to Saudi Arabia

Did you know that door to door air shipping to Saudi Arabia is in high demand for importers who need samples and urgent items from China? In as fast as 7 to 10 working days, we can arrange everything for your shipment all the way to your place.

When it comes to shipping costs, one thing is for sure with DDPCH, our DDP service is inclusive of all fees (pickup from supplier + air freight cost + customs clearance and taxes both in China and Saudi Arabia + delivery to your door).

Please check the table below to get an idea of the approximate cost of door to door (ddp) air shipping from China to Saudi Arabia.
Door to Door (DDP) Air Shipping Cost from China to Saudi Arabia

 Door to Door Sea Shipping to Saudi Arabia