Exporting from Turkey to Saudi Arabia
The agreement that applies, the expected duty, and what each side asks for — for factories in Turkey selling to buyers in Saudi Arabia.
Expected duty in Saudi Arabia: GCC common external tariff of 5% on most goods, but since June 2020 many items (some foods, metal products, vehicles, building materials) pay higher rates of up to 25%. Some basics such as rice, coffee, tea and livestock are duty-free; tobacco is taxed far higher.
VAT — Saudi Arabia: 15% VAT
Other agreements (not applied): TR–GCC FTA (Not in force yet)
⚠ Before you trade
- Rules change often
Saudi technical regulations, the customs tariff (12-digit HS codes since January 2025) and port rules change frequently. Check SABER and the ZATCA tariff for each product before every new order.
Source ↗ - Additional duties change often
The additional customs duty decision was amended several times in 2025 alone. Check the current İGV rate for your HS code and origin on the Ministry of Trade site before signing a contract.
Source ↗ - Partners re-imposed duties on Turkish goods
Turkish exporters should note that Morocco (2020) and Tunisia (2023) amended their FTAs to charge duties again on many Turkish industrial goods, especially textiles and clothing. Check the buyer country's current rate before quoting.
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Importing into Saudi Arabia
- Importer registration (CR + FASAH)
The importer needs a Saudi commercial registration and must register free of charge as an importer on ZATCA's FASAH platform. Foreign factories usually sell through a Saudi importer or distributor who holds these registrations.
Source ↗ - Product conformity: SABER (SASO)
Regulated products need a Product Certificate of Conformity on the SABER platform, issued by a SASO-approved body and valid one year per model, plus a Shipment Certificate for every shipment. High-risk products may also need a factory audit.
Source ↗ - Food, cosmetics and medical products: SFDA
Food, cosmetics, medicines and medical devices are controlled by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, not SASO. The importer registers food products with SFDA before import, cosmetics are notified on SFDA's eCosma system, and the importer needs an SFDA-licensed warehouse.
Source ↗ - GCC G-mark for toys and low-voltage goods
Products covered by GCC technical regulations, starting with children's toys and low-voltage electrical equipment, must carry the GCC conformity mark (G-mark) issued under the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) system.
Source ↗ - Documents and filing in FASAH
Basic documents are the commercial invoice, certificate of origin and bill of lading, plus product approvals where needed. Documents must be submitted in FASAH at least 48 hours before arrival. Since May 2025 containerised imports at Saudi ports must be palletised (phased in over 12 months).
Source ↗ - Arabic labelling and origin marking
Labels, warnings and instruction manuals must be in Arabic or Arabic and English. The country of origin must be printed or permanently marked on every product. Prepackaged food follows GSO 9 and needs production and expiry dates; meat and poultry need halal certificates.
Source ↗ - Banned and restricted goods
Banned: alcohol, pork products, narcotics, weapons, pornography, used or retreaded tyres and used clothing. Restricted (need prior approval): seeds and live animals, chemicals, medicines, wireless equipment, religious and media materials, and alcohol-based products such as perfume.
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