How to Import from China to Saudi Arabia?
Supplyia provides sourcing services from China to Saudi Arabia, specifically from Yiwu. We can offer product suggestions or assist you with your procurement needs.
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Shipping Options from China to Saudi Arabia
Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia is a major trade route, with strong demand for electronics, machinery, textiles, and consumer goods.
The main methods are sea freight (cheapest for bulk), air freight (faster for urgent or valuable items), and express courier (best for small e-commerce parcels). Door-to-door (DDP) services are popular, as they handle customs and delivery.
1. Sea Freight (Ocean Shipping)
- Best for: Large volumes, bulk cargo, or cost-sensitive shipments (e.g., furniture, machinery).
- Transit Time: 20–35 days typically (average 20–30 days port-to-port). Faster routes (e.g., Shekou to Jeddah) can take 15–20 days.
- Major Ports:
- From China: Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou.
- To Saudi Arabia: Jeddah (Red Sea), Dammam (Gulf).
- Costs:
Type Cost LCL (Less than Container Load) $40–280 USD per CBM (or ~1600 RMB DDP including clearance) FCL 20ft container $3,150–3,900 USD to Jeddah FCL 40ft container Higher, varies by carrier
- Carriers/Forwarders: COSCO, Maersk, MSC, Basenton, SINO Shipping, Honour Ocean.
2. Air Freight
- Best for: Time-sensitive, high-value, or medium-sized shipments (e.g., electronics, samples).
- Transit Time: 3–8 days (often 3–7 days airport-to-airport; add time for door-to-door).
- Major Airports:
- From China: Guangzhou (CAN), Shanghai (PVG), Shenzhen (SZX), Beijing (PEK).
- To Saudi Arabia: Riyadh (RUH), Jeddah (JED), Dammam (DMM).
- Costs: $4–9 USD per kg (minimum ~45 kg for standard air).
- Providers: China Southern, Saudia, DDPCHAIN, WellTrans.
3. Express Courier (e.g., for E-Commerce/Small Parcels)
- Best for: Personal shopping, small orders from platforms like AliExpress, Shein, or Temu.
- Transit Time: 2–7 days (often 3–7 days with major couriers).
- Costs: Higher per kg; varies by carrier (DHL, FedEx, UPS).
- Platforms: AliExpress (often affordable options), Shein/Temu (fast shipping).
Customs, Duties, and Regulations in Saudi Arabia
- Duties: 5–25% on CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight), depending on HS code (e.g., electronics 5–20%).
- VAT: 15% on CIF + duties.
- Key Requirements:
- Register products on SABER/SALEEM platform for conformity (mandatory for many goods).
- Documents: Commercial invoice, bill of lading/air waybill, certificate of origin.
- Prohibited: Alcohol, pork, certain media.
- Tip: Use a customs broker or DDP service to avoid delays (common issues: wrong HS codes or missing certifications).
Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia Recommendations:
- For bulk/business: Use sea FCL with a forwarder like CFC, Basenton, or Honour Ocean.
- For speed: Air freight or express couriers like DHL/FedEx.
- Rates fluctuate by season, volume, and events—always get multiple quotes.
- As of early 2026, rates are stable but subject to change.
How to Import from China to Saudi Arabia?
Importing goods from China to Saudi Arabia is a straightforward process if you follow the necessary steps, adhere to regulations, and use the right resources. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process:
1. Understand Saudi Arabia’s Import Regulations
Before importing, you should familiarize yourself with the specific import regulations in Saudi Arabia:
- Customs Duties: Saudi Arabia imposes customs duties on imports, which range from 5% to 20% of the value of goods, depending on the product category.
- VAT: Saudi Arabia has a Value-Added Tax (VAT) of 15% that is charged on imports.
- Prohibited and Restricted Items: Some products are prohibited from being imported into Saudi Arabia, including certain chemicals, alcohol, and pork products. Make sure to review the list of restricted goods from the Saudi Customs Authority.
- SABER Certification: For products to be sold in Saudi Arabia, they must comply with the country’s technical standards. The SABER certification system is used to register and obtain conformity assessments for products, particularly in industries like electronics, construction materials, and children’s toys.
2. Finding a Reliable Supplier in China
To start the import process, you’ll need to source products from China:
- Alibaba/1688.com: These platforms provide access to thousands of Chinese suppliers. Use filters to find verified suppliers and ensure they have positive reviews.
- Supplyia or Other Sourcing Agents: You can also use sourcing agents like Supplyia, which handle payments, supplier contracts, production tracking, and inspections to ensure the quality of goods.
- Factory Visits (Optional): If you plan to import in bulk, visiting factories to verify their operations may be beneficial.
3. Calculate Import Costs
It’s important to estimate the total import cost to ensure profitability. Costs include:
- Product Costs: The price you negotiate with the Chinese supplier.
- Shipping Costs: Depending on the shipment size, you can choose between air freight (faster but more expensive) and sea freight (cheaper but slower). Shipping companies like DHL, FedEx, or Maersk can provide estimates.
- Customs Duties & Taxes: Consider the applicable customs duties and the 15% VAT.
- Inspection Fees: You may need to pay for product inspections or certifications, especially for regulated products.
4. Choose a Shipping Method
You have two main shipping options:
- Air Freight: Ideal for small or urgent shipments, but can be expensive.
- Sea Freight: More cost-effective for larger, bulk shipments, with shipping lines like COSCO or CMA CGM offering services between China and Saudi Arabia. Keep in mind that shipping by sea can take up to 4-6 weeks.
5. Work with a Freight Forwarder
Freight forwarders help streamline the shipping process by handling logistics, documentation, and customs clearance. They ensure that goods are shipped safely and comply with both Chinese and Saudi regulations. Some trusted freight forwarders include:
- Aramex
- DHL Global Forwarding
- Agility Logistics
6. Prepare Shipping Documents
The required documents for importing from China to Saudi Arabia include:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin
- Bill of Lading (for sea shipments) or Airway Bill (for air shipments)
- SABER Certification (for regulated products)
- Insurance Documents: Although optional, it’s advisable to insure your cargo in case of damage during transit.
7. Clear Customs
Once the goods arrive in Saudi Arabia, customs clearance is required. Ensure you have:
- Paid the necessary customs duties and taxes.
- Provided all documentation to Saudi Customs.
8. Receive and Distribute the Goods
After customs clearance, the goods will be released for delivery. Depending on your business model, you can:
- Store the goods in a warehouse for local distribution.
- Use third-party logistics (3PL) providers for storage and delivery across the kingdom.
Tips for Smooth Importing from China to Middle East:
- Start with a Trial Order: Especially if you’re dealing with a new supplier, order a small quantity to test the product and supplier reliability.
- Monitor Shipping Timelines: Be mindful of holidays in both China (like Chinese New Year) and Saudi Arabia (like Eid), which may delay production and shipping.
- Establish Good Communication: Maintain clear and consistent communication with suppliers and freight forwarders to avoid misunderstandings.
By following these steps, you can successfully import goods from China to Saudi Arabia while minimizing risks and optimizing your supply chain.
