Import from Saudi Arabia to UK
Why import from Saudi Arabia?
Businesses that import from Saudi Arabia to UK are trading with the 19th largest economy in the world. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has significant purchasing power, and imports from the country to UK totalled £4.2 billion in 20231.
Strategic economic partnerships
Importing goods from Saudi Arabia can significantly strengthen the UK's ties with the largest economy in the Middle East. The UK is one of Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partners, with the trade in goods and services totalling £17.3 billion last year (2023).
This robust trade relationship is underpinned by substantial Saudi investment in UK, particularly in sectors like healthcare, infrastructure, and education.
By importing from Saudi Arabia, UK businesses can leverage these established economic connections to facilitate smoother, more profitable trade interactions.
This robust trade relationship is underpinned by substantial Saudi investment in UK, particularly in sectors like healthcare, infrastructure, and education.
By importing from Saudi Arabia, UK businesses can leverage these established economic connections to facilitate smoother, more profitable trade interactions.
Diverse range of high-quality goods
But what can you import from Saudi Arabia?
The Kingdom is renowned for its involvement in the power sector, with mechanical generators being the second-most imported goods from the country to UK (making up £618.1 million or 19% of all imported goods)1.
The UK also imports significant quantities of scientific instruments, telecoms and sound equipment, and general industrial machinery from Saudi Arabia.
These imports not only meet the demands of the UK's manufacturing and industrial sectors but ensure that businesses have access to the high-quality materials essential for their operations.
The Kingdom is renowned for its involvement in the power sector, with mechanical generators being the second-most imported goods from the country to UK (making up £618.1 million or 19% of all imported goods)1.
The UK also imports significant quantities of scientific instruments, telecoms and sound equipment, and general industrial machinery from Saudi Arabia.
These imports not only meet the demands of the UK's manufacturing and industrial sectors but ensure that businesses have access to the high-quality materials essential for their operations.
Opportunities in emerging markets and sectors
Saudi Arabia's Vision 20302 initiative is driving massive investments in non-oil sectors, which, in turn, create numerous opportunities for UK businesses to import innovative, high-tech goods.
The initiative focuses on diversifying the economy through investments in renewable energy, tourism, healthcare, and education.
These emerging markets provide UK importers with a competitive edge. By offering access to innovative technologies, importing goods into the UK from Saudi Arabia can drive growth for the country as a whole.
The initiative focuses on diversifying the economy through investments in renewable energy, tourism, healthcare, and education.
These emerging markets provide UK importers with a competitive edge. By offering access to innovative technologies, importing goods into the UK from Saudi Arabia can drive growth for the country as a whole.
Our Services
Lower product prices may benefit your business, but with a few more steps, you could save more.
Get more speed, dependability, and affordability out of your Saudi Arabian imports by comparing importers with Freight Broker's pricing comparison services. We’ll get you the cheapest shipping rates and help deliver your goods at an affordable price.
Get more speed, dependability, and affordability out of your Saudi Arabian imports by comparing importers with Freight Broker's pricing comparison services. We’ll get you the cheapest shipping rates and help deliver your goods at an affordable price.
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How to import from Saudi Arabia to UK
Any import from Saudi Arabia to UK requires preparation. By getting the following paperwork and legal documents in order, you can streamline the import process.
Find the right commodity code
Every import from Saudi Arabia to UK needs a commodity code. To determine what products are being imported, whether they are legal, if they adhere to safety standards, and whether the appropriate taxes and duties have been paid, customs officials examine commodity codes. Items with inaccurate labels risk having their entry into the nation stopped or delayed.
The UK Government Trade Tariff can be used to get the appropriate code for your products. Additionally, you can complete declarations and any other documentation using the commodity code, as well as discover more about duty costs, VAT, and tax reliefs.
Find out your EORI number
You'll have to obtain an EORI number to import goods from Saudi Arabia. UK customs can monitor all imported and exported goods via Economic Operator Registration Identification Numbers (EORI). An EORI number can be applied for online by UK businesses, and it is normally issued in three days.
Check if you need a licence
Before trying to import goods from Saudi Arabia, you check if you need a licence by visiting the Department for International Trade (now Department for
Business & Trade). In the UK, you need a licence to import goods like animals and animal products, hazardous chemicals and plant products3.
Some goods are illegal to export from Saudi Arabia, including firewood, wheat, artefacts, antiques, female and male sheep, horses, goats, cows and camels. Other goods are simply restricted, like fuel, natural mining products and scrap iron4.
Include full details on invoices and labels
The labels on your item should include accurate and complete information about:
- Commodity codes
- The quantity of your products
- The worth of your products
- Both the sender and the recipient
- A detailed description of the goods you've bought
Shipping Options
The appropriate freight service for your goods will depend on the size of your shipment.
Air freight import from Saudi Arabia to UK
It normally takes five to ten days to ship your goods by air from Saudi Arabia to the UK. Usually, they will be delivered directly to the address you have selected. It is typically a better option for smaller loads (less than 100 kg) or urgently needed items.
Sea freight import from Saudi Arabia to UK
The primary means of shipping goods weighing more than 100 kg is by sea. You can either share a container or use a full container if you're bringing in a lot of merchandise.
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Customs and Duties
To clear an import from Saudi Arabia to UK, you may be required to file a customs declaration and pay duty and VAT.
Paying duty on Saudi Arabian import
The amount of duty you owe for goods depends on what you're importing.
The relevant commodity code will tell you how much duty you must pay, and you can find it on the UK Government Trade Tariff. Some UK businesses hire a customs broker or goods forwarder to help them calculate import costs.
Paying VAT on Saudi Arabian import
Businesses will also have to pay VAT on imported goods. The current UK rate is 20%, which is based on the value of the goods plus customs duties and shipping costs.
Your goods will be released from customs after you or a customs broker have paid the necessary duty and VAT costs on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of products can I import from Saudi Arabia to UK?
Saudi Arabia is well known for its exports of refined oil, cars, medicinal and pharmaceutical products, industrial machinery and jewellery. However, some goods are banned and restricted5 for import into the UK.
Restricted items include ammunition, firearms, and explosives; you’ll need a licence to import these goods. Some banned goods include rough diamonds, indecent and obscene materials, controlled drugs or offensive weapons.
Restricted items include ammunition, firearms, and explosives; you’ll need a licence to import these goods. Some banned goods include rough diamonds, indecent and obscene materials, controlled drugs or offensive weapons.
How long does it take to import goods from Saudi Arabia to UK?
Air freight from Saudi Arabia to UK will take around 5-10 working days to arrive. Sea freight, however, can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks.
What are the different shipping options available for importing from Saudi Arabia?
Those importing from Saudi Arabia to UK typically select either air or sea freight (depending on the size of the shipments).
What duties and taxes will I need to pay when importing from Saudi Arabia?
You may be required to pay VAT, customs duty, excise duty, or delivery charges when receiving imported goods from Saudi Arabia. The parcel or courier company will inform you if you are required to pay VAT or duties.
According to the UK government's tax and duty information, "you will not have to pay anything to the delivery company to receive goods worth less than £135 unless they are gifts over £39 or excise goods (for example, alcohol and tobacco)."
According to the UK government's tax and duty information, "you will not have to pay anything to the delivery company to receive goods worth less than £135 unless they are gifts over £39 or excise goods (for example, alcohol and tobacco)."
What are the risks associated with importing goods from Saudi Arabia?
To ensure a smooth, compliant import process from Saudi Arabia to the UK, several risks must be considered.
Importing goods from Saudi Arabia involves adhering to stringent regulatory requirements.
The UK has specific import regulations that must be followed, including correct documentation and compliance with customs valuation rules.
Misclassification of goods, incorrect valuation, or failure to comply with import requirements can result in penalties and delays. Saudi Arabia also imposes its own export regulations that need to be meticulously followed.
For example, the Saudi government requires importers to present a commercial invoice, a bill of lading, and a certificate of origin for goods entering the country.
Logistical challenges are inherent in international trade, and importing from Saudi Arabia is no exception.
Transportation issues such as delays at ports, customs clearance times, and shipping route changes can affect the timely delivery of goods.
The Fasah platform6 in Saudi Arabia, which facilitates the clearing process, requires that all necessary documentation be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to the shipment's arrival.
Regulatory and compliance risks
Importing goods from Saudi Arabia involves adhering to stringent regulatory requirements.
The UK has specific import regulations that must be followed, including correct documentation and compliance with customs valuation rules.
Misclassification of goods, incorrect valuation, or failure to comply with import requirements can result in penalties and delays. Saudi Arabia also imposes its own export regulations that need to be meticulously followed.
For example, the Saudi government requires importers to present a commercial invoice, a bill of lading, and a certificate of origin for goods entering the country.
Logistical and supply chain risks
Logistical challenges are inherent in international trade, and importing from Saudi Arabia is no exception.
Transportation issues such as delays at ports, customs clearance times, and shipping route changes can affect the timely delivery of goods.
The Fasah platform6 in Saudi Arabia, which facilitates the clearing process, requires that all necessary documentation be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to the shipment's arrival.
Do I need to be registered for VAT when importing from Saudi Arabia?
If you are importing goods for business purposes, you will require an Economic Operator Registration Identification Number (EORI). You can apply for an EORI number online. If you're importing items for personal use, you don't need an EORI.
How can I get a quote for shipping costs from Saudi Arabia to UK?
At Freight Broker, our user-friendly form allows customers to compare the cost of international freight shipping. All you have to do is tell us your import and export postcodes, together with your shipping destination and the origin of the freight.
Provide us with the following information about your cargo: length, height, breadth, and weight (those comparing palette shipping prices must also select from our list of palette sizes).
Select "compare prices" once you've entered all the required shipment details, and we'll give you the best courier quotations! When you work with us, Discounts are easy to find.
Provide us with the following information about your cargo: length, height, breadth, and weight (those comparing palette shipping prices must also select from our list of palette sizes).
Select "compare prices" once you've entered all the required shipment details, and we'll give you the best courier quotations! When you work with us, Discounts are easy to find.
[1] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e93d1810f8726dc23aa224/saudi-arabia-trade-and-investment-factsheet-2024-09-20.pdf
[2] https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en
[3] https://www.gov.uk/import-goods-into-uk
[4] https://www.basenton.com/list-of-goods-prohibited-from-import-and-export-from-saudi-arabia/
[5] https://www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/banned-and-restricted-goods
[6] https://fasah.sa/24hourEN/
[2] https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en
[3] https://www.gov.uk/import-goods-into-uk
[4] https://www.basenton.com/list-of-goods-prohibited-from-import-and-export-from-saudi-arabia/
[5] https://www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/banned-and-restricted-goods
[6] https://fasah.sa/24hourEN/
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