As one of the largest automotive consumer markets in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is accelerating electrification and import diversification. While the country imposes strict regulations on used car imports (especially restrictions on production year and compliance requirements), nearly-new electric vehicles can still be exported to Saudi Arabia through formal procedures—provided they meet the corresponding SASO compliance standards, production year limits, tax obligations, and registration processes.
We will typically prepare the vehicle for you, complete all Chinese export formalities, and assist with arranging international transportation (if required).
You will receive the following documents for Saudi customs clearance and registration:
- Sales Contract
- Commercial Invoice
- Bill of Lading
- Certificate of Conformity (China, if applicable)
- Vehicle Manual
- Copy of Vehicle Registration Certificate & Deregistration Certificate (China)
- Vehicle Inspection Report (recommended to include mileage and technical condition)
- Lithium Battery Transportation Declaration
Once export customs clearance is completed, the vehicle will be shipped to the clearance centers in Jeddah, Dammam, or Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
After the vehicle arrives at the local port, the following steps are required:
- Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice
- Chinese Deregistration Certificate
- SASO CoC or SABER System Certificate (mandatory)
- Proof of Vehicle Ownership and Sales
- Technical Inspection Report
- Passport/Company Documents
All vehicles imported into Saudi Arabia must pass the SASO compliance audit, which typically includes:
- Verification of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and production year
- Review of technical specifications (battery, motor, safety equipment)
- Confirmation of left-hand drive (LHD) configuration
Standard tax structure:
- Import Duty: 5% (calculated based on CIF value)
- Value-Added Tax (VAT): 15% (calculated based on: Vehicle Value + Import Duty)
Once all documents are verified and taxes are paid, you will receive customs clearance for the vehicle.
After customs clearance, the following steps must be completed to legally drive the vehicle in Saudi Arabia:
Includes checks on lights, brakes, chassis, and verification of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
You are required to buy local auto insurance before registration.
Submit the following documents:
- Customs Clearance Documents
- SASO Compliance Certificate
- Proof of Ownership
- Insurance Certificate
Once registered, the vehicle can be legally driven in Saudi Arabia.
Click the image to view the full electronic spreadsheet.
Note: Saudi Arabia currently does not offer general tax exemptions for electric vehicles.
- The vehicle’s production year must be within 5 years.
- The vehicle must be left-hand drive (LHD).
- SASO/SABER compliance is mandatory.
