Cabinet Updates Rules on Prohibited, Restricted Goods

The Cabinet has approved an updated framework governing authority over prohibited, restricted, and special-nature goods handled under Gulf Cooperation Council rules. The decision authorizes the Minister of Finance and the Chairman of the Board of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority to approve the Saudi lists adopted under these rules.

Under the framework, prohibited goods cannot enter, leave, or transit Saudi Arabia, while restricted goods require prior approval from the competent Saudi authority. The authorization concerns approval of the lists only; it does not set a single fee, fixed price, or validity period for all restricted goods.

Clearance permits for restricted goods are issued by government entities through the Authority's electronic portal. The importer or an authorized party enters the clearance information and submits the required documents. Travelers, meanwhile, must complete the electronic customs declaration through the Authority's website or application, and must still visit the customs declaration office at the port when carrying restricted or prohibited items — even if the declaration was filed electronically.

What travelers should declare

Personal purchases or gifts exceeding SAR 3,000, as well as tobacco products, must be declared with applicable fees and taxes paid. Currency, negotiable instruments, or precious metals worth SAR 40,000 or more must also be declared.

Examples of prohibited items include narcotics, alcohol, weapons and ammunition, fireworks, counterfeit currency, eavesdropping devices, speed-radar detectors, certain laser devices, and unregistered medicines or cosmetics. A traveler may carry one red laser pen with output not exceeding 5 milliwatts.

Violations may lead to confiscation, customs fines, referral to relevant authorities, imprisonment, or a combination of these penalties, with heavier penalties possible for repeat offenses. For residents and expats who travel frequently, checking the latest lists before arriving at any port remains the safest way to avoid delays or penalties.

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