How to import a Chinese EV to Saudi Arabia: SASO, SABER and customs (2026)

CRAVEUO EV Export · Rules last checked 2026-10-28 · General information, not legal advice

Quick answer

A Chinese EV needs a SASO certificate of conformity for the model and a SABER shipment certificate for each shipment, then ZATCA customs clearance through FASAH with 15% VAT.

Key facts

Step by step: from order to clearance

1. Register the importer. ZATCA requires the importer to be licensed to import, and FASAH registration uses a commercial registration number and ID.
2. Ask the exporter whether the model already has a SASO product certificate. SASO-approved certification bodies are listed on saber.sa.
3. Obtain the product certificate before shipping.
4. Obtain the shipment certificate in SABER before each shipment ships.
5. Sign a contract naming the licensed Chinese exporter and a company bank account ([how to verify an exporter](guide-verify-chinese-car-exporter.md)).
6. Complete the FASAH declaration at least 48 hours before the ship reaches the port, directly or through a customs broker.
7. Pay duty and VAT through the declaration, then collect the car and register it.

Rules and where they come from

• Certificate of conformity: the supplier must obtain a certificate from SASO or its delegate before the vehicle is offered on the market (SASO regulation, Article 5, checked 2026-10-28).
• Technical file: it holds a supplier declaration of conformity, a risk assessment, drawings and safety instructions, and the vehicle ships with the battery safety data sheet (same regulation, Articles 4 and 5).
• Non-conforming vehicles: importing or selling them is prohibited (same regulation, Article 8).
• Registration of shipments: failing to register a shipment certificate in SABER means products are blocked from entering the market (SABER FAQ, Arabic, checked 2026-10-28).
• Who uses SABER: importers, manufacturers, individuals and government bodies (SABER, checked 2026-10-28).
• Importer: the person importing must be licensed to import and identified by a commercial registration number, 700 code, Saudi ID or GCC ID (ZATCA, May 2026, checked 2026-10-28). FASAH registration asks for a commercial registration number and ID (ZATCA, updated 2025-07-30, checked 2026-10-28).
• VAT base: customs value plus duties and other charges, paid with the customs declaration (ZATCA, May 2026, checked 2026-10-28).
• FASAH timing and documents: declaration 48 hours before arrival; commercial invoice, bill of lading and, where origin is unclear, certificate of origin (ZATCA, updated 2026-08-26, checked 2026-10-28).
• Age limits: ZATCA's vehicle page, written for individual importers, sets 5 years for light vehicles (updated 2025-12-31, checked 2026-10-28). SASO adds that vehicles over 3.5 tons gross weight may not be older than 5 years by manufacture year (SASO, updated 2026-03-24, checked 2026-10-28). Whether a new car faces any age test: ask a licensed customs broker.
• Energy efficiency: ZATCA says vehicles must meet energy-efficiency certificate requirements, with an inquiry notice through SASO (same ZATCA vehicle page). How this applies to an EV: ask a licensed customs broker.
• VIN and warranty: GSO says exported vehicles need VINs uploaded to Mutabiq and carmakers should apply for a warranty agreement in GCC countries (GSO list MY2027-D3, checked 2026-10-28).

Documents list

• Commercial invoice and bill of lading; certificate of origin if origin is unclear
• SASO product certificate and SABER shipment certificate
• Supplier declaration of conformity and technical file from the exporter
• Battery safety data sheet
• Importer's commercial registration, ID and tax number
• Customs broker authorisation, if a broker is used

Have a model in mind? Send an inquiry through the form at www.craveuo.com with your country, model and quantity.