The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Joins ATA Carnet System Effective 1 June 2024

KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA TO BEGIN ACCEPTING ATA CARNETS

The UK National ATA Carnet Organisation (UKNATACO) announced that Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) joined the ATA Carnet System and will begin accepting carnets effective 1 June 2024.  Saudi Arabia is the 90th country/territory to join the ATA Carnet system.  Saudi Customs will start accepting ATA Carnets for goods for display or use at exhibitions, fairs, meetings as well as Commercial Samples and Professional Equipment (but excluding sports equipment).

The official announcement was made on 7 May 2024 via Carnet Network Circular No. 84 (updated 25 June 2024).

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (ISO code is SA) will accept ATA Carnets for the intended uses of:

• Exhibitions and Fairs
• Commercial Samples
• Professional Equipment (excluding sports equipment)

                   • ATA Carnets are accepted for transit

                   • ATA Carnets are accepted for postal traffic (procedure to be advised!)

                   • ATA Carnets are accepted for both hand-carried goods and freight

                   • Importation in multiple / split consignments is accepted

Carnet pre-approval is mandatory

All Carnets must be pre-approved by Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA).  Carnet holders must lodge requests (free of charge) via ZATCA’s official website: https://eservices.zatca.gov.sa/sites/sc/ar/TemporaryEntrybyCardBook/Pages/TemporaryEntrybyCardBook/Client/RequestLanding.aspx 

For details, please check Service User Manual.
 

Special Notes

Valuation of goods
In case of incorrect goods valuation, the ATA Carnet shall be rejected at the time of import and the goods may be subject to seizure/ confiscation.  The Holder may also be penalised financially.

Late re-exportation of goods
Failing to re-export goods by the final date of re-exportation as specified by Saudi Customs, a penalty of SR 1,000 shall be payable for every week or part of the week past the re-exportation date, taking into consideration that the final amount shall not exceed 20% of the value of the goods.  Goods not re-exported for whatever reasons, shall be subject to import duties, taxes and penalties according to the Common Customs law.  Any additional penalty amounts, which go beyond the responsibility of the national guaranteeing associations shall be imposed on the Holders directly.

The National Guaranteeing Association is The Federation of Saudi Chambers.

Special Conditions apply:

Regularisation Fee
In case the claim is regularised by evidence other than the re-exportation counterfoil completed and stamped by the Saudi Customs authority, Saudi Customs reserves the right to charge a regularisation fee (the amount is to be confirmed).

Restricted Items
The following types of goods require prior approval from the Saudi authorities: live animals, books, periodicals, movies, and tapes; religious books and tapes; wireless equipment and radio-controlled model airplanes; horses; products containing alcohol; archaeological artifacts.

The following types of goods are not allowed into Saudi Arabia on ATA Carnets: any materials contrary to the Islamic culture, pornographic materials, distillery equipment, rethreaded or used tires, religious sculptures or sculptures depicting nudity.

Travellers to Saudi Arabia must ensure that they are also aware of general prohibitions concerning personal items, food, alcohol etc.

Replacement Carnets
Accepted in accordance with Article 14 of Annex A to the Istanbul Convention.  Carnet Holder must contact Saudi Customs before the Carnet expires to request approval for the Replacement Carnet (extension). Customs Control Department, Email: coc-temporary@zatca.gov.sa Tel.: 19993

Please contact a Carnet Specialist at the boomerang carnets® Carnet HelpLine®, (0808) 189-3400 or e-mail us for additional information if you are planning to use a carnet for travel to Saudi Arabia.