How cargo reaches Saudi Arabia in 2026
| Mode | Arrival and onward | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| Consolidated sea, from 1 CBM | Jeddah Islamic Port, then by road: about 950 km to Riyadh and 1,400 km to Dammam | Confirmed at quote time |
| Air, from 16 kg | Saudi airport assigned by the carrier, then delivery to your address | About 12 days |
| Full container | Port and route confirmed per booking | Quoted separately |
Jeddah handles most Saudi container traffic while the Gulf coast is cut off by sea, and congestion there changes from week to week. Routes, delays, surcharges and the Red Sea risk are explained in our guide to shipping from China to Saudi Arabia in October 2026.
Sea freight prices
Estimated all-in prices per chargeable CBM in US dollars: freight, fuel, duty, VAT and delivery to your door, one price for all Saudi cities. Minimum 1 CBM. The whole shipment takes the price of its volume tier.
| Cargo category | 1 to 4.9 CBM | 5 to 9.9 CBM | 10 CBM and more |
|---|---|---|---|
| General goods | USD 610 | USD 595 | USD 580 |
| Branded, cosmetics, food, batteries | on request | on request | on request |
Air freight prices
Estimated all-in prices for general goods, per chargeable kilogram: the greater of actual weight and length × width × height in cm ÷ 6,000, rounded up to a whole kilogram, plus a handling charge per carton.
| Weight band | Per kg | Per carton |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 kg | on request | on request |
| 16 to 99 kg | USD 9.00 | USD 11.50 |
| 100 kg and more | USD 8.50 | USD 11.50 |
Every shipment also carries a documentation and handling fee of USD 14, shown as a separate line on the quote and invoice.
Saudi customs, ZATCA and SABER
ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority) collects duty and VAT at the border. Standard duty is 5 percent on CIF, VAT is 15 percent on CIF plus duty.
Every shipment needs a SABER Shipment Certificate before the customs declaration. Regulated products also need a Product Certificate of Conformity, valid for one year per product. Electronics also need IECEE CB certificates, low-voltage products need SASO 2902, and energy-using appliances need SASO energy efficiency labels. Food products require SFDA registration of the manufacturer and halal certification for animal-derived items.
Worked example: 8 CBM, 1,200 kg, general goods to Riyadh (estimate)
Chargeable volume is the greater of 8 CBM and 1,200 kg ÷ 400 = 3 CBM, so 8 CBM, which falls in the 5 to 9.9 CBM tier:
| Cost line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sea cargo all-in estimate, 8 CBM × USD 595 | USD 4,760 |
| Documentation and handling, per shipment | USD 14 |
| SABER Shipment Certificate, SAR 350 before VAT | about USD 93 |
| Total, estimate | about USD 4,867 |
Estimates only. Product Certificates for regulated goods are priced per product. The 15 percent VAT is inside the all-in figure and is recoverable only with a customs declaration in your own name, which is quoted on request. Request a written quote for exact numbers, or try the freight calculator.