Quick answer: To ship car parts from the USA or Canada to Saudi Arabia, choose a carrier or forwarder, give the receiver full National Address and contact details, and clear customs through ZATCA. Shipments of SAR 1,000 or less (about US$267) are duty-free, but 15 percent VAT applies to almost all imports regardless of value.
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Saudi Arabia has a thriving car culture, and enthusiasts need a reliable way to order and ship automotive parts from American and Canadian suppliers. This guide covers the sourcing and shipping process, the parts and vehicles most commonly involved, the shipping methods available, and customs clearance into the Kingdom.
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Sourcing and Shipping Process, USA and Canada to Saudi Arabia
Specific details vary by the nature of the goods, volume, and shipping preference, but the key steps are consistent:
- Identify the auto-parts supplier.
- Request quotations, with shipping either to a local US address or direct to Saudi Arabia.
- Arrange packaging and labeling, or have our team arrange prepaid domestic shipping.
- Choose the shipping method (options are discussed below).
- Ensure the shipping details on the invoice and bill of lading are accurate.
- Arrange customs clearance in Saudi Arabia before shipping.
- Coordinate delivery and distribution through a forwarder with local partners.
Our team provides guidance and helps ensure compliance with all regulations, making the sourcing and shipping of auto parts from North America to Saudi Arabia efficient and reliable.
Temperature-controlled goods to Saudi Arabia
For goods requiring refrigeration during transit, Jet Worldwide's specialists can help you navigate dry-ice requirements so perishable goods remain frozen and compliant throughout transit.
Common Car Parts Ordered From North American Suppliers
Regular maintenance items are readily available in Saudi Arabia, but specialty parts are usually ordered overseas:
- Performance parts: exhaust systems, air-intake kits, suspension upgrades, turbochargers, and tuning components.
- Body kits, spoilers, aftermarket grilles, LED lighting, and other exterior accessories.
- Wheels and tires.
- Brakes and suspension: sway bars, coil-overs, brake pads, rotors, calipers, air suspension, and performance shock absorbers.
- Interior upgrades: aftermarket seats, steering wheels, shift knobs, and gauges.
- In-car entertainment: audio speakers, subwoofers, and head units.
- Electrical parts and related components.
Jet Worldwide assists with shipping to Saudi Arabia from the USA and Canada by air or ocean freight, from a single package to several pallets of auto parts, with standard and premium service from any location in North America. Our logistics teams are based in Saudi Arabia, the USA, and Canada.
Popular Vehicles Up-Fitted in Saudi Arabia
Off-road vehicles
- Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus GX
- Nissan Patrol
- Jeep Wrangler
- Ford Raptor
- Chevrolet Tahoe and Z71
- Mitsubishi Pajero
- Land Rover Range Rover
Classic American muscle cars
- Ford Mustang
- Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird
- Dodge Charger
- Chevrolet Corvette
- Plymouth Barracuda
- Pontiac GTO
- Oldsmobile 442
Simply classic cars are also common, including the Chevrolet Impala, El Camino, Ford Torino, Mercedes W123, Volkswagen Beetle, BMW 2002, and Porsche 911. Owners, coachbuilders, up-fitters, and aficionados rely on global suppliers and shipping solutions.
Best Shipping Options From North America to Saudi Arabia
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| USPS International (US) | Individuals shipping small, non-urgent packages |
| Aramex Shop and Ship | Forwarding from retailers such as Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target |
| Couriers (FedEx, UPS, DHL) | Express, tracked air shipments |
| Ocean freight forwarders | Large, bulk shipments with inland transport |
| Jet Worldwide | Receiving, consolidation, and special handling for car parts, with local support in the Kingdom |
Confirm the Correct Address for Shipments to Saudi Arabia
Provide the receiver National Address to ensure faster delivery. Commercial carriers do not deliver to P.O. boxes. A complete National Address includes:
- Building number
- Street name
- Neighbourhood or district
- City
- Postal code
- Additional number
Include the consignee phone number and email, which are required on all consignments to Saudi Arabia.
Export Declaration When Shipping to Saudi Arabia
From the United States, goods valued over US$2,500 generally require Electronic Export Information (EEI) filed through the Automated Export System (AES). From Canada, goods valued at CAD 2,000 or more require a CERS export declaration. Restricted goods require a declaration regardless of value. Contact our North American team for details.
Shipping Terms to Consider
The common default for international parcels from North America is DAP, formerly called DDU, which assigns import duty, taxes, and other fees to the receiver or importer. Note that this is different from EXW (Ex Works), which places even the export leg on the buyer; carriers sometimes use the terms loosely. We offer flexible shipping terms to fit your arrangement with the buyer.
Correction noted: an earlier version treated DDU and EXW as the same term. DDU, now DAP, is a delivered term where the receiver pays import charges; EXW places the maximum obligation on the buyer from the seller premises. For the detail, see our Incoterms guide.
Customs Clearance, Duty, and VAT in Saudi Arabia
All consignments to Saudi Arabia require full shipper and consignee details, including phone number and email. Customs clearance is administered by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA).
The thresholds, correctly stated: shipments with a CIF customs value of SAR 1,000 or less (about US$267) are generally exempt from customs duty. This is a value threshold, not a personal-use rule. Above it, the minimum GCC common external tariff is 5 percent on CIF, higher for some categories. 15 percent VAT applies to virtually all imports regardless of value, so there is effectively no VAT de minimis. VAT is charged on the CIF value plus duty plus any selective tax.
Corrections noted: an earlier version framed the threshold as a "business-to-consumer purchase under US$266" and implied low-value goods clear tax-free. The correct rule is a SAR 1,000 (about US$267) duty threshold applied by value, and 15 percent VAT still applies below it. The VAT rate is 15 percent, raised from 5 percent in July 2020.
Other requirements for commercial imports
- Country of origin must be marked on the item and stated on the commercial invoice.
- Commercial Registration: business importers must hold a Commercial Registration number matching the business activity, and provide it plus an accurate invoice before delivery.
- SABER conformity: many regulated consumer products, including a range of automotive parts, require certificates through the SASO SABER platform, a Product Certificate of Conformity plus a per-shipment Shipment Certificate of Conformity. Confirm the requirement for your HS code before shipping.
- Payment reference: the importer provides a payment method for customs charges, including the required reference number.
Correction noted: import approvals are no longer handled by "SAGIA." SAGIA became the Ministry of Investment (MISA) in 2020 and handles investment licensing, not product import approval. Product conformity runs through SASO and the SABER platform, and customs through ZATCA.
For commercial shipments, an accurate invoice and a copy of the Commercial Registration are required before delivery. We recommend that shippers verify all details with the receiver before shipping.
Information gain, from Jet Worldwide lane data: across the North America to Saudi Arabia auto-parts shipments Jet handled in the last 12 months, about [JET-PROPRIETARY-PERCENT]% of clearance holds traced to a missing SABER certificate or an incomplete National Address rather than to duty or valuation. (Placeholder: insert a real Jet Worldwide operational figure before publishing.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a duty-free threshold for shipping to Saudi Arabia?
Yes, for customs duty. Shipments with a CIF customs value of SAR 1,000 or less, about US$267, are generally exempt from customs duty. However, 15 percent VAT applies to virtually all imports regardless of value, so there is effectively no VAT de minimis.
What is the VAT rate in Saudi Arabia?
The standard VAT rate in Saudi Arabia is 15 percent, raised from 5 percent in July 2020. Import VAT is calculated on the CIF value plus any customs duty and selective tax, and is administered by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA).
What customs duty applies to car parts in Saudi Arabia?
Above the SAR 1,000 duty threshold, the minimum GCC common external tariff is 5 percent on the CIF value, with higher rates for some categories by HS classification. Goods of GCC origin can enter duty-free with valid proof of origin.
Do car parts need a SABER certificate to enter Saudi Arabia?
Many regulated consumer products, including a range of automotive parts, require conformity certificates through the SASO SABER platform, a Product Certificate of Conformity and a per-shipment Shipment Certificate of Conformity. Customs clearance is administered by ZATCA. Confirm the requirement for your specific HS code before shipping.
What address is needed for delivery in Saudi Arabia?
Provide the receiver National Address, since commercial carriers do not deliver to P.O. boxes. A complete National Address includes the building number, street name, district, city, postal code, and additional number, plus the consignee phone number and email.
Do I need a US or Canadian export declaration?
From the United States, goods valued over US$2,500 generally require Electronic Export Information filed through the AES. From Canada, goods valued at CAD 2,000 or more require a CERS export declaration. Restricted goods require a declaration regardless of value.
Disclaimer: Jet Worldwide content is for general information only. Confirm current rules with ZATCA, SASO, and your customs broker before shipping.
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