New Customs Rules on Prohibited and Restricted Goods

The Cabinet has approved a set of regulatory measures governing prohibited, restricted, and special-category goods entering Saudi Arabia. The measures authorize the Minister of Finance and the chairman of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority board to approve the relevant GCC-framework lists that apply to the Kingdom.

Under the rules, importers must obtain any required clearance permit from the responsible government authority through the ZATCA electronic services portal. Travelers, meanwhile, must declare any prohibited, restricted, taxable, or fee-bearing goods through the ZATCA website or application, either before or upon arrival. Where goods are restricted or prohibited, an in-person visit to the customs declaration office at the port is still required, even if an electronic declaration was already submitted.

Certain thresholds apply. Personal purchases or gifts valued above SAR 3,000, as well as tobacco products and their derivatives, must be declared electronically and may be subject to applicable customs duties, taxes, and fees. Currencies, bearer negotiable instruments, or precious metals valued at SAR 40,000 or more must also be declared.

Non-compliance carries penalties. A first violation may result in a fine equal to 25% of the seized value, while a repeat violation may reach 50%. Goods may be confiscated, and cases may be referred for prosecution.

Examples of prohibited goods include narcotics and alcohol, counterfeit currency, fireworks, weapons and ammunition, electric-shock devices, speed-radar detectors, unauthorized surveillance devices, unregistered medicines or cosmetics, and media containing prohibited content. Relevant services include Customs Declaration for Travelers, Restricted Goods Clearance, the Integrated Customs Tariff Inquiry, and the Customs Declaration Fees Inquiry.

For residents and expats who travel frequently or shop abroad, the updated framework offers clearer guidance on what must be declared and the limits that trigger duties. Checking the declaration thresholds before arrival can help avoid fines and delays at ports of entry.

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