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 2023.
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.
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).
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 2030
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.
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.
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. In the UK, you need a licence
to import goods like animals and animal products, hazardous chemicals
and plant products.
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 iron.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tips for successful importing from
Saudi Arabia
In
2023, Saudi Arabia was the UK’s 24th largest trading partner,
seeing a 5.3% (or £865 million) increase last year alone. If you’re
a UK business looking to import from one of the world’s
highest-income countries, here are a few tips to help you succeed.
Understand and comply
with regulations
Importing
goods into the UK from Saudi Arabia requires an understanding of and
compliance with all relevant regulations.
Saudi
Arabia requires several documents for imports, including a commercial
invoice, a bill of lading, and a certificate of origin.
Additionally,
some goods may need specific certifications or permits. The Saudi
government’s customs and import regulations can be complex, and
staying updated with the latest requirements is essential to avoid
delays or penalties.
Build strong
relationships with Saudi partners
Saudi
business culture places a high value on trust and personal
connections. Engaging with partners through regular communication can
help establish these relationships.
Understanding
cultural nuances, such as the importance of indirect communication
and respect for local customs, can also enhance business
interactions.
Adapt to logistics
and infrastructure
Saudi
Arabia has been investing significantly in infrastructure (e.g.,
roads, ports, airports, railways). It’s these logistical
improvements that make it easier for UK businesses to import goods.
Leveraging
these logistical advancements can improve the efficiency of your
import processes. For instance, Saudi Arabia has developed several
major ports, including the King Abdullah Port, which is designed to
handle large volumes of cargo efficiently.
FAQs
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 restricted
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.
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)."
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.
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 platform
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 pallet shipping prices must
also select from our list of pallet 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.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66321af869098ded31fca75d/saudi-arabia-trade-and-investment-factsheet-2024-05-03.pdf
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66321af869098ded31fca75d/saudi-arabia-trade-and-investment-factsheet-2024-05-03.pdf
https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en/
https://www.gov.uk/import-goods-into-uk
https://www.basenton.com/list-of-goods-prohibited-from-import-and-export-from-saudi-arabia/
https://www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/banned-and-restricted-goods
https://fasah.sa/24hourEN/
