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
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