Does Saudi Arabia accept ATA Carnets?

Yes. Saudi Arabia is now on the ATA Carnet scheme.

ATA Carnets will be accepted by the Saudi Customs for the following categories of goods: goods for display or use at exhibitions, fairs, meetings as well as Commercial Samples and Professional Equipment (but excluding sports equipment)

  • ATA Carnets are accepted for transit
  • ATA Carnets are accepted for postal traffic (procedure to be advised)
  • ATA Carnets are accepted for both hand-carried goods and freight
  • Importation in multiple/split consignments is accepted

Languages in which Carnets should be completed:

  • English or Arabic. Saudi Customs may require translation when Carnets are completed in any other language.

Carnet pre-approval is mandatory

All Carnets must be pre-approved by Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA). Carnet holders must lodge requests (free of charge) via ZATCA’s official website

 

 For details, please check Service User Manual.

Special Notes

Valuation of goods

In case of incorrect goods valuation, the ATA Carnet shall be rejected at the time of import and the goods may be subject to seizure/ confiscation. The Holder may also be penalised financially.

Late re-exportation of goods

Failing to re-export goods by the final date of re-exportation as specified by Saudi Customs, a penalty of SR 1,000 shall be payable for every week or part of the week past the re-exportation date, taking into consideration that the final amount shall not exceed 20% of the value of the goods. Goods not re-exported for whatever reasons, shall be subject to import duties, taxes and penalties according to the Common Customs law. Any additional penalty amounts, which go beyond the responsibility of the national guaranteeing associations shall be imposed on the Holders directly.

Regularisation Fee

In case the claim is regularised by evidence other than the re-exportation counterfoil completed and stamped by the Saudi Customs authority, Saudi Customs reserves the right to charge a regularisation fee (the amount is to be confirmed).

Restricted items

The following types of goods are not allowed into Saudi Arabia on ATA Carnets: any materials contrary to the Islamic culture, pornographic materials, distillery equipment, rethreaded or used tires, religious sculptures or sculptures depicting nudity.

Travellers to Saudi Arabia must ensure that they are also aware of general prohibitions concerning personal items, food, alcohol etc.

Replacement Carnets

Accepted in accordance with Article 14 of Annex A to the Istanbul Convention. Carnet Holder must contact Saudi Customs before the Carnet expires to request approval for the Replacement Carnet (extension). Customs Control Department, Email: coc-temporary@zatca.gov.sa Tel.: 19993

Front cover details are as follows:

Saudi Arabia (SA)

Back cover details (PG 5) are as follows:

Saudi Arabia (SA) The Federation of Saudi Chambers, Riyadh

Please ensure that the Chamber ring stamp is initialled over the insertion of this information if using pre-printed Back or Front Covers.

Security Rates:

40% for goods codes 1-15, 17-28

30% for goods code 16 (horses)