Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia

Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia has indeed become a crucial element in fostering economic growth and mutual trade between the two nations. With bilateral trade reaching nearly $87.3 billion in 2021, key sectors such as petroleum products and machinery have played a significant role in driving this interaction, leading to boosted employment and GDP in both countries. Furthe

rmore, platforms like Alibaba have revolutionized the trade dynamics, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to access the global market. These platforms streamline logistics and customs processes, making international trade more accessible and efficient, and significantly enhancing the variety of goods shipped. Overall, this has had a positive impact on the economic relationship between China and Saudi Arabia.

Benefits of LCL and FCL Shipping

 Sea freight offers an efficient solution for transporting large quantities of goods between China and Saudi Arabia. With options such as Less than Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL), businesses can choose the best shipment size and budget constraints for their needs. 

September 2024 Shipping Update: Air Freight From China to Saudi Arabia

Advantages of Air Freight from China to Saudi Arabia

• The fastest mode of transport, sea freight takes 20 to 25 days, while air freight takes 5 to 7 days

• The freight network covers the world and can deliver goods to almost anywhere.

• Easy to track goods, very reliable arrival and departure times

• Delivery schedules are reliable, as the departure and arrival of aircraft are only affected by bad weather

• No LCL shipping involved, less warehousing and fewer inventory items are required.

• Air freight requires less packaging than sea freight

• Low insurance premiums save you a lot of money.

• Safer High level of security, reduced risk of theft and damage.

Air Cargo from China to Saudi Arabia, How Long Will It Take?

Air Freight Service from China to Saudi Arabia

We can export general cargo, special cargo and battery cargo. We cooperate with the following carriers: HU, CZ, CZ, MU, EK, EY, CX, LH, SQ, BA, TK, etc. We provide professional air freight services to customers all over the world, whether you need fast service or affordable service, we can provide the best price.

We can provide you with self-operated, one-stop international charter services from Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Xiamen and other airports to Saudi Arabia.

How to Calculate the Chargeable Weight Using Both the Gross Weight and Volumetric Weight Methods:

To determine the chargeable weight, compare both the gross weight and the volumetric weight, and use the greater of the two.

To calculate the chargeable weight:

Gross Weight: The actual weight of the shipment.

Volumetric Weight: Calculate by converting the volume of the shipment into weight (CBM x 167 KG).

Chargeable Weight: The higher value between gross weight and volumetric weight.

Information on Specific Air Freight Saudi Arabian Airports

Import requirements of Saudi Arabia:

The following are some of the chief requirements for import in Saudi Arabia;

• Importers: Valid Registration for Legal Imports

  It is important for importers to have a valid commercial import registration in order to legally bring goods into the country. This registration should align with the types of goods the importer intends to bring in. The Ministry of Commerce and Investment is responsible for issuing import registration certificates to ensure compliance with regulations. It is crucial for importers to adhere to these requirements to avoid any legal issues related to their import activities.

• Verified and Triplicate Original Invoice: Importance for Customs Clearance
  

  This means that the original invoice has been verified and validated by the trade authority of the exporting country. It is an important document for customs clearance and verifying the value of the goods being exported. Having it attested in triplicate means there are multiple copies for various parties involved in the export process.

• The invoice should include details such as the value, weight, description, and brand of the goods. 

  The invoice includes the details of the goods being shipped. 

• Bill of Lading and Airway Bill: Essential Documents for Goods Transportation
  

  A bill of lading is a legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper that details the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being carried. It serves as a receipt for the goods, a contract of carriage, and a document of title. An airway bill is a similar document used for air freight shipments. Both documents are important for tracking and transferring ownership of the goods during transit.

• Insurance Certificate: Proof of Coverage for Goods and Property
  

  An insurance certificate is a document that serves as proof that goods or property are insured. It outlines the details of the insurance coverage, such as the type of insurance, coverage limits, and effective dates. It is often required when shipping goods internationally or when entering into contracts that require insurance coverage. Having an insurance certificate provides peace of mind and protection in the event of loss or damage to the insured goods.

• Steamship Certificate: Essential Details for Vessel's Journey to Saudi Arabia
  

  A steamship certificate is an official document that outlines important details about a vessel's journey. It includes the name of the vessel, its nationality, the name of the owner, the port of loading, and the ports it will touch on its route to Saudi Arabia. This certificate serves as a record of the ship's journey and is used for official and legal purposes. It is an important document for ensuring the safety and compliance of the vessel during its voyage.

• Certificate of Conformity (CoC): Ensuring Compliance for Export to Saudi Arabia
  

  A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is a document that verifies a product's compliance with approved Saudi and International standards. In the context of Saudi Arabia, this document is specifically referred to as the SASO CoC, or Saudi Arabia Certificate of Conformity. This certification is important for goods being exported to Saudi Arabia, as it ensures that they meet the necessary quality and safety requirements. Obtaining a SASO CoC demonstrates a commitment to meeting the standards set forth by the Saudi government and helps facilitate the smooth importation of goods into the country.

• Certificate of Origin: Verifying the Product's Country of Manufacture
  

  A certificate of origin of goods is a document that confirms the country in which a product was manufactured. It is typically attested by the relevant chamber of commerce of the exporting country. This document is important for customs and trade purposes, as it provides proof of the product's origin and may be used to determine eligibility for preferential trade agreements or tariffs.

• Country of Origin Label: Transparency and Compliance in International Trade
  

  The irremovable label showing the country of origin is a requirement for imported commodities in many countries. It provides important information to consumers about where the product was made and helps ensure compliance with trade regulations. This label is meant to be a transparent way for consumers to make informed purchasing decisions and for governments to track the flow of goods across borders.

• Importance of Checking Expiration Dates and Ingredients for Food Safety
  

  It is important to always check the expiration date on edible items before consuming them. This date indicates the last day the product is guaranteed to be at its highest quality and safe to eat. Additionally, it is crucial to read the ingredients list to ensure that the product does not contain any allergens or ingredients that may be harmful to your health. By being mindful of expiration dates and ingredients, you can make informed decisions about the food you consume and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

• Sample Submission for Import Approval: Ensuring Compliance with Safety and Quality Standards
  

  Before importing certain types of goods, it is important to note that you may need to submit samples to the relevant government departments and ministries for approval. This is a crucial step in ensuring that the goods meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards before they can be imported into the country. It is important to research and understand the specific requirements and regulations for the goods you are looking to import in order to ensure a smooth and compliant import process.

How to import goods from China to Saudi Arabia:

Once you have fulfilled the necessary legal obligations to import goods from China, you can place an order with the Chinese company and send an advance payment, typically around 30% of the total order value. This can be done through a bank transfer or a letter of credit. Once the goods are ready for shipment, you will need to send the remaining balance and provide instructions for the Chinese exporter to send the shipment to Saudi Arabia. It's important to ensure all necessary documentation and paperwork is in order to facilitate a smooth import process.

Custom regulations in Saudi Arabia:

Like any other country, the import of goods is subject to certain custom regulations in Saudi Arabia as well. We present some important regulations below;

1. All imported goods must be accompanied by a commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin.

2. Certain goods may require additional documentation or permits, such as pharmaceuticals, food products, and chemicals.

3. The import of certain goods, such as firearms, alcohol, and pork products, is strictly prohibited.

4. Some goods may be subject to import duties, which can vary depending on the type of product and its country of origin.

5. Saudi Arabia also has specific regulations for the import of vehicles, including requirements for vehicle registration and inspection.

6. It is important to be aware of any restrictions or requirements for specific goods before importing them into Saudi Arabia to avoid any delays or issues at customs.

Custom duty in Saudi Arabia:

• Customs Duty Exemptions for Basic Food and Consumer Items in Saudi Arabia
  

  Saudi Arabia does not impose custom duty on most basic food and consumer items, including staples like wheat, rice, meat, sugar, tea, barley, unroasted coffee, and cardamom. This is to ensure that these essential items remain affordable for consumers.

• Average Customs Duty Rate of 4.85% (Excluding Agricultural Products) for Imports
  

  The average custom duty for most items, excluding agricultural products, is 4.85%. This means that when importing goods into a country, you can expect to pay this percentage of the item's value as a customs duty. It's important to factor in these costs when calculating the total cost of importing goods.

• Promoting Local Industry: 20% Customs Duty on Select Locally Produced Items
  

  The government has imposed a customs duty of 20% on certain items that are produced locally in order to support the local industry. This measure is intended to protect domestic producers from foreign competition and promote the growth of local businesses. By imposing this duty, the government aims to encourage consumers to purchase locally-made products and support the country's economy.

• Custom Duty Calculation Methods: Ad Valorem and Weight/Measurement-Based
  

  Custom duties are typically calculated as a percentage of the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of imported goods, which is known as an ad valorem duty. However, for some items, custom duty is based on the weight and measurements of the goods being imported. It's important to be aware of these different methods of calculation when importing goods in order to accurately assess the potential costs.

• Bilateral Trade Agreements: Promoting Regional Trade with Preferential Tariffs in Saudi Arabia
  

  Saudi Arabia has signed bilateral trade agreements with certain Arab and GCC member states in order to promote regional trade. These agreements often include preferential and low tariffs for the involved countries, which helps to facilitate trade and strengthen economic ties within the region. This initiative aims to enhance cooperation and economic integration among the participating countries.

FAQ: Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia