Textiles and Apparel Import Duty & Landed Cost: United States to Saudi Arabia
Full 2026 tariff breakdown, customs duty calculations, and compliance alerts for importing into Saudi Arabia.
2026 Tariff & Cost Breakdown for Importing Textiles and Apparel
General Authority of Zakat, Tax and Customs requires payment of 8.5% customs duty and 20% VAT on Textiles and Apparel imports. Duties are calculated on CIF value in SAR. Total landed cost includes CIF value, customs duty, and VAT.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Product Value | — | USD 15000.00 |
| Shipping | — | USD 1200.00 |
| Insurance | — | USD 150.00 |
| CIF Value | — | USD 16350.00 |
| Customs Duty | 8.5% | USD 1389.75 |
| VAT/GST | 20% | USD 3547.95 |
| Total Landed Cost | — | USD 21287.70 |
HS Code Classification for Textiles and Apparel
Primary HS Code: 6204.62 — What It Covers
HS 6204.62 classifies women's trousers and shorts. Textiles and Apparel imports into Saudi Arabia must use this code. Accurate classification is critical for compliance.
Why Misclassification Carries Risk in Saudi Arabia
General Authority of Zakat, Tax and Customs enforces a fine for HS code misclassification. Misclassification can lead to penalties and delays. General Authority of Zakat, Tax and Customs requires accurate HS code classification.
Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Textiles and Apparel from United States to Saudi Arabia
Step 1: Verify Your HS Code & Product Description
Use the Saudi Arabia tariff lookup tool to verify your HS code. Binding tariff information may be available. General Authority of Zakat, Tax and Customs requires accurate product descriptions.
Step 2: Gather Required Import Documents
Commercial Invoice Requirements
The commercial invoice must include the HS code, product description, quantity, and value in SAR. General Authority of Zakat, Tax and Customs requires this information for customs clearance.
Certificate of Origin
A Certificate of Origin is required for Textiles and Apparel imports. Saudi Arabia accepts the US-Saudi Arabia Certificate of Origin format. This certificate must be included with the commercial invoice.
Packing List & Shipping Documents
The bill of lading or airway bill must include the HS code, product description, and quantity. Saudi Arabia requires this information for customs clearance. Textiles and Apparel imports must comply with these requirements.
Step 3: Calculate Your Landed Cost
Calculate the landed cost using the formula: CIF Value + Customs Duty (8.5% of CIF) + VAT/GST (20% of CIF + Duty) = Total Landed Cost in SAR. This calculation is critical for budgeting and compliance.
Step 4: Submit to Saudi Arabia Customs Authority
Submit your declaration to General Authority of Zakat, Tax and Customs using their declaration system. Saudi Arabia requires a Certificate of Conformity for certain products, including Textiles and Apparel, which must be obtained from an accredited certification body.
Step 5: Pay Duties & Clear Goods
Pay duties using accepted payment methods. Clearance typically takes 2-3 days. General Authority of Zakat, Tax and Customs requires timely payment and clearance.
How to Legally Reduce Duty on Textiles and Apparel Imports into Saudi Arabia
Applicable Free Trade Agreements in 2026
No bilateral Free Trade Agreement exists between the United States and Saudi Arabia as of 2026. Textiles and Apparel imports are subject to standard duty rates.
Duty Deferral Options: Bonded Warehouses & FTZs
The Saudi Customs Warehousing Procedure allows for duty deferral. This program enables importers to delay duty payment until goods are released from the warehouse.
Preferential Tariff Programs
No preferential tariff programs currently apply to Textiles and Apparel from the United States. Importers must pay standard duty rates.
Saudi Arabia Customs Compliance Rules for Textiles and Apparel
General Authority of Zakat, Tax and Customs Requirements for Textiles and Apparel
General Authority of Zakat, Tax and Customs requires SASO certifications for Textiles and Apparel imports. Importers must comply with these requirements for customs clearance.
De Minimis Threshold
The de minimis threshold is 1000 SAR. Shipments below this threshold are exempt from duties and taxes. However, importers must still comply with customs regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Textiles and Apparel Import Duty from United States to Saudi Arabia
What is the duty rate for Textiles and Apparel imports from the United States to Saudi Arabia?
The duty rate is 8.5%. This rate applies to all Textiles and Apparel imports from the United States. General Authority of Zakat, Tax and Customs enforces this rate.
What documents are required for Textiles and Apparel imports into Saudi Arabia?
Required documents include the commercial invoice, Certificate of Origin, and packing list. General Authority of Zakat, Tax and Customs requires these documents for customs clearance.
Is there a Free Trade Agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia that applies to Textiles and Apparel imports?
No, there is no bilateral Free Trade Agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Textiles and Apparel imports are subject to standard duty rates.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with Saudi Arabia customs regulations for Textiles and Apparel imports?
Penalties include fines enforced by General Authority of Zakat, Tax and Customs. Importers must comply with customs regulations to avoid penalties.
What is the typical clearance timeline for Textiles and Apparel imports into Saudi Arabia?
Clearance typically takes 2-3 days. General Authority of Zakat, Tax and Customs requires timely payment and clearance.
Are there any country-specific requirements for labeling and packaging of Textiles and Apparel imports into Saudi Arabia?
Yes, Saudi Arabia requires Arabic labeling on Textiles and Apparel imports. Importers must comply with these requirements for customs clearance.