Some Saudi industries are protected by the imposition of 20% import duties on certain commodities. Most consumer goods, however, are duty-free. Other items carry duties of 12% of the total cost, which includes insurance and freight.

In line with Saudi government directives and in order to assist Saudi business, contractors must buy equipment and materials from a Saudi importer or manufacturer. If supplies are not available locally, the contractors are allowed to import from foreign sources. Tariff rates vary from zero to 4%.

Items which are produced in the Kingdom, such as aluminium or wooden frames, are assessed at an import tariff of 20%. In most cases, however, contracts provide for the import of supplies and machinery duty-free.

Goods are usually cleared quickly through customs at Saudi seaports. Original export documents should be stamped and attested to by Saudi consular authorities in the country of origin. This will make clearing customs far easier.