International · SA

How to Ship to Saudi Arabia from the US

Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the Arab world and a major importer of US goods — particularly electronics, medical equipment, industrial products, fashion, and food items. US brands are highly regarded and ecommerce is growing rapidly. Saudi Arabia applies a 15% VAT introduced in 2018 (raised from 5% in 2020) on most goods and services.

Saudi customs (ZATCA) has a relatively low de minimis threshold — imports below SAR 1,000 (~$267 USD) for commercial goods may face duty-free treatment under some rules, but VAT applies broadly. Saudi customs is thorough and shipments must comply with halal requirements and local content regulations. Religious and politically sensitive materials are strictly controlled.

Typical 1 lb cost

$25-$45 USD

Typical transit

5-14 business days

Carrier Options to Saudi Arabia

USPS Priority Mail International

7-14 business days. Delivered by Saudi Post (SPL). Can face customs delays.

DHL Express Worldwide

3-5 business days. Best coverage in Saudi Arabia. Strong customs handling.

FedEx International Priority

3-5 business days. Reliable service to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.

UPS Worldwide Expedited

4-6 business days. Good for commercial B2B shipments.

Customs Forms Required

CN22 for items under $400 USD. CN23 + commercial invoice for items over $400. Detailed Arabic or English descriptions required. Halal certificates needed for food.

Commonly Prohibited Items

  • ✕Alcohol and alcoholic beverages (strictly prohibited)
  • ✕Pork products and pork-derived ingredients
  • ✕Materials considered blasphemous or offensive to Islam
  • ✕Gambling materials
  • ✕Pornographic content
  • ✕Items with the Star of David or Israeli markings (historically restricted)

Saudi Arabia-Specific Shipping Tips

  • 💡 Never ship alcohol or pork products to Saudi Arabia — these are strictly prohibited and will be seized
  • 💡 Food items must be halal-certified — include halal certificate documentation for any food shipment
  • 💡 Saudi postal codes are 5 digits; include the 4-digit add-on code if available (format: XXXXX-XXXX)
  • 💡 DHL and FedEx offer the most reliable service with established Saudi customs relationships
  • 💡 Saudi customs may require an Arabic description alongside English — use bilingual descriptions for sensitive goods

Frequently asked questions

How long does shipping to Saudi Arabia take?
USPS Priority Mail International: 7-14 business days. DHL/FedEx/UPS: 3-6 business days. Saudi customs clearance for properly documented packages is typically 1-3 business days.
What is absolutely prohibited in Saudi Arabia?
Alcohol, pork products, pornographic material, content insulting to Islam, gambling materials, and items bearing Israeli insignia are strictly prohibited. Violation can result in package seizure and potential legal consequences.
Does the recipient pay VAT in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia applies 15% VAT. Recipients may pay this at delivery or it may be included in the import clearance. Use your carrier's DDP option to pre-pay duties and taxes.
Can I ship food to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, but food must be halal-certified. Include a halal certificate from an accredited body. Pork and alcohol-containing products are prohibited. Shelf-stable halal food with proper documentation ships successfully.
What's the best carrier for Saudi Arabia?
DHL Express is generally considered the most reliable with the strongest Saudi Arabia network and customs relationships. FedEx is a close second. Both offer door-to-door delivery in major cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam).

Other International Destinations

CN
China
KR
South Korea
IT
Italy
ES
Spain
NL
Netherlands
BR
Brazil

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