GCC Customs Union
The six Gulf states apply a common customs law and a common external tariff to goods from outside the GCC. Foreign goods pay duty once at the first point of entry and then move freely between members, while goods made in a member state are treated as national products across the GCC.
What you get
- Common external tariff: 5%
Most goods imported from outside the GCC pay 5% duty. About 417 basic items (foodstuffs, agricultural, medical and pharmaceutical goods) are exempt, and tobacco pays 100%.
Source ↗ - Single point of entry
Customs duty on foreign goods is collected once, at the first GCC point of entry. The goods can then move on to other member states without paying duty again.
Source ↗ - National product treatment
Goods produced in any GCC state move duty-free and are treated as national goods in all member states.
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Exceptions
- Free-zone goods (Saudi Arabia)
Saudi Arabia generally does not grant GCC origin to goods manufactured in, invoiced from or shipped from GCC free zones, so they may pay the 5% duty on entry. Goods must also be shipped directly from the producing GCC state.
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