a giant bulk carrier hovers over a modern port in Saudi Arabia. The orange-red containers are precisely hoisted to the junction of the desert and the Persian Gulf.

Complete Guide: Exporting Used Cars from China to Saudi Arabia

Key Certification Requirements for Saudi Market Entry

SABER Certification - Mandatory for All Imports

The Saudi Arabian government requires SABER certification for all imported used vehicles. This system consists of two critical components:

Product Certificate (PC): Valid for one year, this certificate confirms your vehicle meets Saudi technical regulations. Importers must register in the SABER system and select an approved conformity assessment body. TopUsedCars.com can assist with the entire application process, including preparing necessary test reports on vehicle performance and safety standards.

Shipment Certificate (SC): Required for each individual shipment, this is the final clearance document. Our team prepares the SC certification using your commercial invoice and packing list directly in the SABER system after shipment departure.

GCC Certification - Regional Standard Compliance

All vehicles must comply with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) standards covering safety performance and emission requirements. TopUsedCars.com verifies your vehicle's GCC compliance before shipment.

Essential Documentation Checklist

Prepare these 7 critical documents for smooth customs clearance:

  1. Complete vehicle specifications
  2. Valid SABER certificates (both PC and SC)
  3. Original purchase invoice with legal verification
  4. Certificate of Origin
  5. Insurance certificate
  6. Customs fee payment confirmation
  7. Import license copy

Additional requirements: Vehicle title, Saudi sponsor letter, Customs Fee Declaration, copy of importer's passport/IQAMA, clearance authorization letter, valid Saudi driver's license (for registration), and Interpol clearance certificate confirming no police records.

Saudi-Specific Import Regulations

Port Restrictions

Saudi Arabia only permits used car imports through Jeddah and Dammam ports. All vehicles must have left-hand drive configuration - right-hand drive vehicles or converted units are strictly prohibited.

Vehicle Age Limitations

Maximum age requirements:

  • 5 years for passenger cars, buses, and light vehicles
  • 10 years for heavy vehicles

All units must be accident-free with no visible damage.

Customs Duties and Taxes

Prepare for these standard charges:

  • 5% duty for passenger vehicles
  • 12% duty for trucks

Note: Special-purpose vehicles and antique cars have different tax treatment.

Why Choose TopUsedCars.com for Saudi Exports?

Our end-to-end service handles all certification, documentation, and logistics requirements. From SABER certification to final delivery at Saudi ports, we ensure full compliance with Saudi regulations. Contact our export specialists today for a seamless used car export experience.

Reported by TopUsedCars.com journalist Calvin Zhang