Riyadh, November 26, 2024 – The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has issued an important announcement emphasizing the mandatory submission of customs declarations and relevant import documents 72 hours before shipments arrive at customs ports. This proactive step is designed to streamline the customs process, accelerate the clearance of goods, and reduce associated import costs.
According to a press release from ZATCA, the requirement for submitting these documents ahead of time is a key strategy in ensuring the timely arrival and efficient processing of imported goods. Hamoud Al-Harbi, the spokesperson for ZATCA, stressed the critical importance of this practice for all importing and customs partners, urging them to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, including the bill of lading, invoice, and all necessary documents that are required for customs clearance. Additionally, for certain goods, prior approval from relevant authorities must be obtained before the import process can begin.
Al-Harbi further explained that meeting these requirements and securing the necessary import permits in advance plays a significant role in accelerating the entire customs clearance process. By doing so, businesses can avoid unnecessary delays, additional costs, and disruptions in the supply chain, ultimately leading to faster processing times and smoother logistics operations at Saudi customs ports.
To bolster the efficiency of its customs operations, ZATCA is also promoting its "Clearance within Two Hours Initiative." This ambitious program aims to expedite the clearance process, enabling goods to clear customs within just two hours after the submission of all required documentation. This initiative is a key component of the authority’s broader strategy to enhance the Kingdom’s logistics capabilities and contribute to the realization of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub.
In his statement, Al-Harbi underscored that ZATCA’s efforts are not carried out in isolation but in close cooperation with over 26 government entities involved in the customs clearance process. The authority’s goal is to streamline both imports and exports, improving the flexibility and efficiency of customs operations and the logistics services that support them. By doing so, ZATCA aims to foster a more competitive business environment for international trade, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position in the global market.
ZATCA also emphasized its ongoing commitment to providing seamless and efficient customs procedures, offering a wide range of services to support businesses involved in international trade. The authority encourages the public and business stakeholders to reach out with any inquiries or concerns through its dedicated communication channels, which include a 24/7 call center (19993), the "Ask Zakat, Tax and Customs" account on the X platform (@Zatca_Care), email ([email protected]), or live chat on the ZATCA website (zatca.gov.sa).
This announcement marks another milestone in ZATCA’s efforts to modernize and improve the Kingdom's customs infrastructure, further cementing Saudi Arabia’s role as a leading player in global trade and logistics. By enhancing the speed, transparency, and reliability of customs operations, ZATCA is laying the foundation for more efficient import-export processes, helping businesses thrive and strengthening the Kingdom’s position in the global economy.