The Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has recently announced significant changes to its fee structure for customs services. These changes include waiving fees for all customs services for exports and reducing customs service fees for imports through a new calculation mechanism. The new fee structure will come into effect on October 6, 2024, and is aimed at reducing import costs and enhancing the competitiveness of Saudi exports. The decision was made by the Board of Directors of ZATCA and includes specifying fees for customs services provided by the authority, as well as conditions for fulfilling them.
Under the new fee structure, imports will incur a fee of 0.15 percent of the value of incoming goods for customs declaration, with a maximum fee of SR 500 and a minimum fee of SR 15. There is also a special cap of SR 130 for shipments exempt from customs duties and taxes. This new mechanism aims to make it easier for importers to pre-calculate customs service fees and to unify the calculation mechanism for various land, sea, and air ports. The goal is to reduce import costs, support trade facilitation objectives, and enhance the confidence of importers and exporters.
ZATCA has specified that the waived customs service fees for exports include customs declaration processing service, lead seal, land port loading services, X-ray inspection, customs data exchange, and sample analysis exchange at specialized laboratories. This move is expected to encourage exporters and alleviate financial burdens, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The authority believes that these changes will not only enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of Saudi exports but also contribute to realizing positive outcomes across the logistics ecosystem.
In order to address any inquiries related to the new fee structure, ZATCA has provided various channels for customers and taxpayers to contact them. These include a 24/7 call center number, an X Account, email, and instant chatting through the authority’s website. ZATCA is committed to developing its customs services in line with its strategic objectives, with the goal of turning Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub as outlined in Vision 2030. By promoting transparency, improving trade facilitation, and enhancing the competitiveness of Saudi exports, ZATCA hopes to support the country’s economic growth and development.
Overall, the recent decision by ZATCA to waive fees for customs services for exports and introduce a new calculation mechanism for import service fees is expected to have a positive impact on Saudi Arabia’s trade environment. By reducing import costs, supporting trade facilitation objectives, and enhancing the competitiveness of Saudi exports, these changes are aligned with the country’s Vision 2030 goals. ZATCA’s focus on providing transparent, efficient, and competitive customs services will not only benefit importers and exporters but also contribute to the country’s overall economic development and growth.
