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

China Car Export Guide to Saudi Arabia: Everything You Need to Know

Who Can Import Vehicles from China?

In Saudi Arabia, the following individuals are eligible to directly import vehicles:

• Saudi nationals
• GCC citizens residing in Saudi Arabia
• Holders of Saudi Iqama residence permits

The first two categories can import up to 2 vehicles per year, while Iqama holders can only import 1 vehicle every 3 years. With car prices in Saudi Arabia being higher than other Gulf countries, many residents prefer direct imports - creating excellent business opportunities for Chinese car exporters, especially used car dealers.

Eligible Vehicles for Export to Saudi Arabia

Vehicles must meet these requirements:

• Non-Israeli origin
• Left-hand drive (no converted RHD vehicles)
• Undamaged body with no accident history
• Never used as police/emergency vehicles or taxis
• Maximum 5 years old (10 years for used heavy trucks)
• Compliant with GCC quality standards
• Meeting Saudi fuel efficiency requirements

Key Regulations

Changan Auto Enters European Market and the Global Outlook of "Made in Chongqing" Vehicles

Changan's European Market Strategy

Brand Launch and Market Expansion: On March 21, 2025, Changan Automobile held its European brand launch in Mainz, Germany, marking its official entry into the European market. The event showcased nine new models across its three brands (Changan, Deepal, and Avatr).

Market Plan: Changan plans to expand to at least 10 European regional markets by the end of 2025 and establish a comprehensive business presence across Europe by 2028. The company will set up its own national sales companies in Europe and plans to open up to 60 showrooms in the UK.

Localization Strategy: Changan will promote localized product R&D and manufacturing in Europe. Its European R&D team will deeply participate in product design and optimization to ensure vehicles meet European consumer preferences. The company may establish local manufacturing plants in Europe to reduce costs and improve supply

Baidu's RoboTaxis Expand to Middle East: A New Era in Autonomous Driving

In a significant move, Baidu's autonomous driving platform, Apollo Go RoboTaxis (known as "蘿蔔快跑" in Chinese), has announced a strategic partnership with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch large-scale autonomous taxi services in Dubai. This collaboration marks the first time RoboTaxis will conduct extensive autonomous driving tests and services outside of China.

Deployment of Over 1000 Autonomous Vehicles in Dubai

As part of this agreement, RoboTaxis and RTA plan to deploy more than 1000 fully autonomous vehicles in Dubai. This initiative aims to test and refine the autonomous driving system in the complex urban traffic environment of Dubai, further validating its stability and maturity.

Collaboration with Autogo for Abu Dhabi

In addition to the partnership with RTA, RoboTaxis has also teamed up with Autogo, a UAE-based autonomous

Exporting Electric Vehicles to Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Guide

Exporting electric vehicles (EVs) to Saudi Arabia involves a meticulous process to ensure compliance with local regulations and facilitate smooth customs clearance. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process.

Step 1: Ensure Compliance with SASO Regulations

- Understand SASO Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the standards set by the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO), including safety, environmental, and quality management system requirements such as ISO/TS 16949 certification. This ensures your EVs meet the necessary technical and safety standards[5]. - Obtain SASO Certificate of Conformity: Apply for a Type Approval Certificate through SASO's JEEM platform by submitting the required technical file and documents, including the electric vehicle test report, material safety data sheet (MSDS) for the battery, and other necessary

Saudi Arabia's Automotive Market in February 2025: A Mixed Bag for Chinese Brands

Sales Overview and Brand Performance

In February 2025, the Saudi Arabian new light vehicle market saw a significant surge, with sales reaching 72,388 units, a 14% year-over-year increase. This growth continues the market's recovery trend observed since 2024. The cumulative sales for the first two months of 2025 totaled 140,311 units, representing a 10.9% increase compared to the same period last year[2][4%.

Key Drivers of Growth

The growth in sales can be attributed to several factors, including stable oil prices (projected to remain above $80 per barrel in 2025), increased government spending, and enhanced consumer confidence.

Market Dominance and Brand Performance

• Toyota: Led the market with a 26.2% market share, maintaining its strong position.
• Hyundai and Nissan: Followed closely, with Hyundai's Accent model showing a 36.9%

China's New Energy Vehicle Market Reaches New Heights: Key Takeaways from the 2025 China Electric Vehicle 100 Forum

The 2025 China Electric Vehicle 100 Forum, a pivotal event in the global new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, concluded on March 30, 2025. Here are the key highlights and future directions for China's NEV market, particularly relevant for overseas car buyers and investors in the Middle East and Africa.

Industrial and Information Technology Ministry: Advancing L3 Autonomous Driving

The Industrial and Information Technology Ministry announced plans to enhance support policies to solidify and expand the industry's competitive advantages. Technologically, the focus will be on accelerating the development of crucial components such as power battery materials, automotive chips, and high-efficiency hybrid power engines. In the area of autonomous driving, the ministry will promote the entry and road testing of intelligent connected