Saudi Arabia Used Car Import Rules 2024: SABER Certification & Duty Calculator
Eligibility & Quotas
Who Can Import:
- Saudi/GCC citizens: 2 cars/year
- Iqama holders: 1 car every 3 years
- Businesses: Requires Saudi CR registration
| Vehicle Type | Passenger Cars | Trucks |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Cars | 5 years | ≥10.3 km/L |
| Trucks | 10 years | ≥9.0 km/L |
📝 Key Requirements
🚫 Prohibited Vehicles:
- Right-hand drive conversions
- Ex-police/ambulance/taxis
- Flood/fire-damaged units
💡 Exemptions:
- Classic cars (pre-1990 models)
- Supercars with <1,000 km mileage
Customs Duty Calculator
| Vehicle Type | Duty | VAT | Total Example* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (AED 80k) | 5% | 15% | AED 96,400 |
| Truck (AED 120k) | 12% | 15% | AED 148,800 |
| Based on 2024 depreciation formula: Value = MSRP × (1 – 15% × age) |
💡 Cost-Saving Tip: Import through Dammam Free Zone for 20% duty rebate
SABER Certification Process
- Get Product Certificate (PC):
- Arabic-translated ownership docs
- Safety test reports from approved labs
- Obtain Shipment Certificate (SC):
- Pre-shipment inspection via SABER platform
- Valid for 1 year
⚠️ Common Rejection Reasons
Top 3 Customs Blockers:
- Modified steering systems
- Missing Arabic CR (Commercial Registration)
- Expired SABER PC certificate
📌 Pro Tips for Smooth Import
🕒 Timeline Optimization
Start SABER process 6 weeks before shipping
💵 Tax Reduction
Import hybrids to bypass 10.3 km/L requirement
📞 Saudi Import Hotline
Need SABER certification help? Contact experts:
Email VIN for pre-check: moxigen.cao@gmail.com
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