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Individuals can now import vehicles directly through land and sea customs posts via the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (Zatca) website, according to Zatca statements (here, and here). Here’s what you need to know:
All residents can now directly import one private car every three years, but cannot sell imported vehicles for three years from the date of import. Individuals are also prohibited from importing transport vehicles and buses.
The fine print: Forget about importing an antique car. The new rules don’t apply to vehicles more than 30 years old or to vehicles used on racing circuits.
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When importing a vehicle, make sure it complies with the required energy efficiency standards. You can verify them here.
What can be imported? Cars, buses, and light-duty vehicles (3.5 tons and less) can be imported as long as their manufacturing year goes back a maximum of five years (excluding the current year). Heavy-duty trucks — including trailers and semi-trailers — with the same manufacturing year requirement, but calculated from the beginning of January of the year of manufacture.
Exception for importing non-energy efficient vehicles: Saudi citizens and premium residency holders can import light-duty vehicles that don’t meet energy efficiency requirements, but they will need to pay a financial compensation between 20-50% of the vehicle’s value, at a minimum of SAR 20k. The fee can be estimated using the online calculator here.
