Saudi Arabia: ZATCA raises customs duties on 51 agri-food tariff lines
Published and brought into force on 26 June 2026 in the Umm Al-Qura official gazette, a ZATCA amendment raises customs duties well above the standard 5% rate on 51 agricultural and food tariff lines, in order to protect local production as part of Vision 2030.
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The Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) published an amendment on 26 June 2026 in the Umm Al-Qura official gazette, raising customs duties on 51 tariff lines in the agri-food sector, with immediate effect. The categories concerned cover live animals, meat, poultry, dairy products, seafood, fruit and vegetables, and certain food preparations.
The new rates range from 5% to 15% depending on the line: for example, 5% for pure-bred breeding animals, 6% for cold-water shrimp and blue-veined cheeses, 7% for bovine or ovine meat carcasses, 8% for Atlantic salmon and fish preparations, 10% for eggs in shell, 12% for trout, fresh strawberries and date molasses, and 15% for live poultry, roses and raspberries.
Goods originating in Gulf Cooperation Council countries remain duty-free, and those covered by a Saudi free trade agreement keep their preferential rate, subject to compliance with the rules of origin and the presentation of a valid certificate of origin. The stated aim of the authorities is to protect and promote local agricultural production, in line with Vision 2030.
What it changes for an importer
For an importer sourcing processed food products, beverages or certain agri-food inputs in China for Saudi Arabia, it is essential to check line by line whether the product's HS code is among the 51 revised headings: the duty can triple, rising from 5% to 15%. Sorva checks the exact tariff classification with the Chinese factory before the order, so that the landed cost calculation includes the right rate from the quotation stage onwards.
The certifications your country requires
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Saudi Arabia SABER certification
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On the SABER platform of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), a regulated product needs a product certificate of conformity, then a shipment certificate for each consignment.
- Identification of the technical regulation that applies to your product
- Test reports and technical sheet obtained from the factory
- Liaison with the certification body you choose
- Follow-up of the shipment certificate for each consignment
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