Import from China to Saudi Arabia

The Growing Import Movement Between China and Saudi Arabia

The trade relationship between China and Saudi Arabia has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, making it one of the strongest economic ties in the region. Today, Saudi imports from China account for a significant percentage of the Kingdom’s total imports, reflecting the increasing demand for Chinese products across multiple sectors.

As the largest economy in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is considered the most vital market in the region, attracting global manufacturers and traders. For Chinese exporters, the Kingdom represents a golden opportunity, as every import from China to Saudi Arabia opens doors to a diverse and expanding consumer base. It is no surprise that many businesses are eager to learn how to import goods from China to Saudi Arabia efficiently and profitably.

However, to succeed in this flourishing market, importers must adhere to the strict Saudi regulations designed to ensure product safety, quality, and compliance, making them an essential consideration in every import journey.

Trade between China and Saudi Arabia: A Strategic Partnership

China and Saudi Arabia share one of the strongest and most rapidly expanding trade relationships in the Middle East. In 2023, the bilateral trade volume reached nearly $110 billion, cementing Saudi Arabia’s position as China’s top trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for more than a decade.

This robust partnership is built on energy, diversified trade, and growing investment, making it a cornerstone of economic cooperation between Asia and the Arab world.

Trade Statistics & Key Products

• Saudi Arabia has been China’s leading trading partner in the MENA region for over ten consecutive years.
• The value of trade between the two countries reached approximately $110 billion in 2023.
• Saudi Arabia is China’s largest crude oil supplier, a role that underpins the strategic importance of their partnership.
• These include broadcasting equipment, vehicles, iron, and steel products.
• Key imports consist of machinery, electronics, vehicles, and petrochemical products, reflecting China’s role as a primary supplier of manufactured goods.

Strategic Economic Partnership

The trade relationship between China and Saudi Arabia extends well beyond oil and energy.

• Chinese investment in the Kingdom increased by 30% in 2024, surpassing SR31 billion.
• More than 750 Chinese companies now operate in Saudi Arabia, with notable participation in megaprojects such as NEOM.
• Saudi Arabia’s unique position at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe makes it a vital logistics hub for China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), strengthening economic interconnectivity.
• Beyond energy, trade is expanding into mining, manufacturing, and advanced materials, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 diversification goals.

Compliance is a must to access the Saudi market

Importing goods from China to Saudi Arabia is a regulated process managed by SASO and ZATCA to ensure safety, quality, and smooth customs clearance. To succeed with Saudi imports from China, businesses must follow strict compliance at every stage.

Key Regulatory Bodies

– SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization): Sets product standards and manages the SABER platform.
– ZATCA (Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority): Oversees customs duties, VAT, and clearance procedures via the FASAH platform.

Certification Requirements

• – SABER Registration: All products must be registered electronically.
  – Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC): Proves the product complies with Saudi standards, valid for one year.
  – Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC): Mandatory for each shipment, issued through SABER.

How to Import Goods from China to Saudi Arabia

• Importer must have a valid commercial registration with ZATCA.
• Identify applicable SASO Technical Regulations using the HS code.
• Register products on SABER and obtain PCoC.
• Secure SCoC for every shipment.
• Submit customs declaration via FASAH at least 48 hours before arrival.
• Pay applicable customs duties and 15% VAT.

Essential Import Documents

• Commercial Invoice (in triplicate, attested).
• Bill of Lading (B/L) or Airway Bill (AWB).
• Certificate of Origin (attested in China).
• Packing List.
• Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC).
• Insurance Certificate.
• “Made in China” permanent marking.

Product-Specific Requirements

-Food, Beverages, Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals: Require SFDA approval,
-Electronics and Electrical Products: May need IECEE certification or energy/water efficiency labels.
-Prohibited Items: Alcohol, narcotics, pork products, pornography, and used vehicles older than five years.

The role of SASO in regulating product quality and safety

The Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) plays a central role in ensuring product quality and safety for all goods entering the Kingdom.

For businesses planning to import from China to Saudi Arabia, compliance with SASO’s regulations is essential. SASO sets national standards and operates the SABER platform, where importers register products and obtain necessary conformity certificates.

These include the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC).

Understanding how to import goods from China to Saudi Arabia depends largely on meeting SASO requirements, making it a cornerstone of successful Saudi imports from China.

Importing from China to Saudi Arabia: How Tabseer Simplifies the Process with SABER

Tabseer is an accredited conformity assessment body serving businesses targeting Saudi and Gulf markets.

Product Classification & HS Code Review, ensuring the product matches SASO requirements
By facilitating product certification (PCoC, SCoC), classification under HS codes, and audits, Tabseer helps importers and manufacturers align with market safety standards and access Saudi markets more smoothly

Registering the product on the platform correctly

It provides technical support across industrial and economic sectors in the GCC, including product registration on the SABER platform, conformity testing, sample testing, and ensures compliance with SASO’s technical regulations.

The Certificate of Conformity (CoC):

A mandatory compliance document ensuring imported goods meet Saudi standards, enabling smooth customs clearance and market entry.

What a CoC is and why it’s required for imported goods:

The CoC confirms product safety and quality, protecting consumers while ensuring importers comply with Saudi regulations for all regulated products.

Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC):

Issued per product model, valid for one year, confirming compliance with SASO Technical Regulations before importation into Saudi Arabia.

Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC):

Required for every shipment, confirming consignment compliance with standards. Issued through SABER and presented during customs clearance procedures.

Key documents and certificates required (CoC, Product Registration, Shipment Certificate) :

Importers must secure product registration, CoC, and shipment certification to ensure regulatory compliance, customs approval, and market accessibility.

Contact Tabseer today to simplify your importing process from China to Saudi Arabia

With expert guidance on compliance, certification, and customs, Tabseer ensures your products meet Saudi standards smoothly.

920010756 – info@tabseergroup.com – RHFB3571, 3571 Imam Saud Bin Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Rd, King Fahd Dist., Riyadh.