Car Import Requirements to Saudi Arabia
Basic Requirements
To ensure successful import, the car must meet all official requirements specified by Saudi Customs and the Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization.
- Saudi Specifications: The car must fully comply with Saudi specifications for safety, emissions, and performance
- Age: The car must be less than 5 years old from manufacturing date (calculated from production date, not purchase)
- Condition: The car must be in good condition without structural damage or serious mechanical issues
- Documents: All required original documents must be available, authenticated, and translated to Arabic
- Compliance: SASO certification must be obtained before registration with traffic department
Age Restrictions
Basic rule: The car must be less than 5 years old from manufacturing date. Age is calculated from the car's production date mentioned in Certificate of Origin, not from purchase or first registration date.
- Cars manufactured in 2020 or newer can be imported in 2025
- Cars older than 5 years are prohibited except in exceptional cases for classic cars
- Age is verified through Certificate of Origin and manufacturer documents
Compliance Requirements (SASO)
All imported cars must obtain SASO certification before registration. The certificate proves compliance with Saudi specifications.
- Emission standards: Euro 4 or higher required
- Safety standards: ABS, airbags, seat belts for all seats
- Noise standards: Must be within allowed limits
- Cost: 1,500-3,000 Saudi Riyals
- Duration: 3-7 business days
Required Documents
All following documents are mandatory and must be original, authenticated, and translated to Arabic:
- Certificate of Origin: Document proving the country where the car was manufactured, must be original and authenticated
- Bill of Sale: Original invoice from seller proving car ownership and purchase price, must be certified
- Inspection Certificate: Certificate proving the car was inspected and its technical condition checked, required from source country
- Driving License: Valid driving license of the importer
- ID: Saudi national ID, residency permit, or passport
- Power of Attorney (if applicable): If importing through an agent, official authenticated power of attorney is required
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the age requirements for importing cars?
The car must be less than 5 years old from manufacturing date. Age is calculated from the car's production date, not purchase or registration date. Cars older than 5 years cannot be imported except in limited exceptional cases for classic or historically valuable cars.
What documents are mandatory for car import?
Mandatory documents include: original Certificate of Origin, certified original Bill of Sale, technical Inspection Certificate, passport, national ID or residency permit, driving license, and official power of attorney if importing through an agent. All documents must be translated to Arabic and authenticated.
What is SASO certification and when is it required?
SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization) certification is mandatory for all imported cars. It proves the car complies with Saudi specifications for safety and emissions. It must be obtained before registration with traffic department. Cost is typically 1,500-3,000 SAR and takes 3-7 business days.
Are there any car models prohibited from import?
Yes, some models are prohibited if not compatible with Saudi specifications. Cars that don't meet emission standards, illegally modified cars, stolen or missing cars, and cars without required safety certificates are prohibited. It is recommended to verify the list of allowed models before importing.
What are the compliance requirements for imported vehicles?
Vehicles must comply with Saudi safety standards, emission standards (Euro 4 or higher), noise standards, and performance standards. The car must be equipped with ABS system, airbags, and seat belts for all seats. Electric and hybrid vehicles have additional specific requirements.
Can I import a car without original documents?
No, all original documents are required. Copied or forged documents are not accepted. In case of lost documents, certified copies must be obtained from relevant authorities in the source country. Without original documents, customs clearance will not be processed.
What happens if my car doesn't meet requirements?
If the car doesn't meet requirements, import will be rejected at the port. In this case, you have two options: re-export the car to the source country (at your expense), or fix the issues if they are repairable (such as safety repairs or emission modifications). It is recommended to verify requirements before shipping to avoid additional costs.
Do I need a local sponsor for car import?
Saudis and GCC citizens do not need a sponsor. Residents in Saudi Arabia need valid residency proof. Visitors and new expatriates may need a local sponsor or certified import agent. It is recommended to verify your specific requirements based on your legal status in Saudi Arabia.