Quick answer
German machinery and electrical equipment can be sold into Saudi Arabia without a Saudi company: Safe Hands is the Importer of Record named on the FASAH declaration. Machinery needs a SABER certificate from a SASO-accepted body under the Type 1a model, because CE marking is not a SABER certificate; electrical lines follow the regulation for their HS code. No EU–GCC agreement applies, so the standard (MFN) duty is paid.
What rules apply to German machinery and electrical goods?
| Saudi imports from Germany, 2025 | Machinery USD 2,994 million (the largest line) and electrical equipment USD 962 million, out of USD 11.2 billion in all (checked 10 Oct 2026). (UN Comtrade: Saudi-reported imports, 2025) |
| Machinery: the SABER route | A certificate of conformity from a SASO-accepted body under the Type 1a model, with the supplier's declaration and a risk assessment in the technical file. (SASO Technical Regulation for Machinery Safety: General Requirements (Official Gazette 29 Mar 2024)) |
| CE marking | CE marking is not a SABER certificate; existing test reports and the technical file may reduce the testing needed. (SASO Technical Regulation for Machinery Safety: General Requirements (Official Gazette 29 Mar 2024)) |
| Lines shipped in parts | Where a machine cannot travel fully assembled, it may ship in separate parts; the certificate is issued for the final model, with proof that the parts belong to it (Art 6/6). (SASO Technical Regulation for Machinery Safety: General Requirements (Official Gazette 29 Mar 2024)) |
| Electrical equipment | SABER applies under the technical regulation for the HS code; electrical and electronic equipment may also fall under SASO's Technical Regulation for Electromagnetic Compatibility. (SASO: Technical Regulation for Electromagnetic Compatibility) |
| IECEE certificates | SASO publishes how IECEE certificates relate to its national recognition certificate; we check whether your existing certificates apply to the line. (SASO: IECEE certificates and the national recognition certificate) |
| Supplier name on the product | From 1 October 2026, products under ten SASO regulations, including electrical lifts, simple pressure vessels and hydraulic links, carry the Saudi supplier's name and CR. (SASO circular: supplier name and CR on the product (from 1 Oct 2026)) |
| Duty | No EU–GCC trade agreement is in force: German-origin goods pay the standard (MFN) rate on their 12-digit line. (ZATCA Integrated Tariff (12-digit lines)) |
| Export side | An export authorisation is required for EU dual-use items listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2021/821; the German exporter checks the classification before shipping. (Regulation (EU) 2021/821 (dual-use items), Art 3(1)) |
| Import VAT and customs fee | 15% import VAT, plus ZATCA's customs service fee of 0.15% of CIF (minimum SAR 15, maximum SAR 500 per declaration). (ZATCA: customs service fee 0.15% of CIF, min SAR 15, max SAR 500) |
Facts checked 15 October 2026 at the official sources linked in each row.
How does a German machine get from the plant to the Saudi site?
- 1
Classify
We confirm the 12-digit Saudi tariff line for each machine and spare-parts set, with its required procedures.
- 2
Technical file
The manufacturer shares the CE technical file, risk assessment and test reports with the SASO-accepted conformity body.
- 3
SABER certificates
Each model is registered on SABER under our account as importer; the body issues the PCoC and we request the SCoC for the shipment.
- 4
Export from Germany
The German exporter clears export and checks any dual-use classification.
- 5
FASAH declaration
We lodge the declaration at least 48 hours before arrival and pay duty and 15% import VAT.
- 6
Delivery
After release the machine goes to the plant or project site, or to our Riyadh warehouse for staged delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
QCan a German machine builder sell into Saudi Arabia without a Saudi company?
Yes. Safe Hands is the Importer of Record named on the FASAH declaration, and you sell to your Saudi buyer, usually on DDP terms.
QIs CE marking accepted instead of SABER?
No. CE marking is not a SABER certificate. Machinery needs a certificate from a SASO-accepted body under the Type 1a model; existing test reports and the technical file may reduce testing.
QWho holds the SABER certificates?
We do, as your Importer of Record: the product and shipment certificates sit in our SABER account.
QWhat duty do German machines pay?
The standard (MFN) rate on the 12-digit line, because no EU–GCC trade agreement is in force, plus 15% import VAT and the 0.15% customs service fee.
QCan a large production line ship in parts?
Yes. Where a machine cannot travel fully assembled it may ship in separate parts; the certificate covers the final model, with proof that the parts belong to it (Art 6/6 of the machinery regulation).
QDo German control panels and drives need more than SABER?
They follow the technical regulation for their HS code, and electrical and electronic equipment may also fall under SASO's electromagnetic compatibility regulation. We confirm the line before you ship.
QDoes the German side need an export licence?
Only for dual-use items listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2021/821, which need an export authorisation; the exporter checks the classification.
QWhose name goes on the product from 1 October 2026?
For the ten SASO regulations listed in the circular, the Saudi supplier's name and CR. When we import as Importer of Record, that supplier is Safe Hands.
QHow long do SABER and clearance take?
The SCoC is issued on SABER in 1–2 working days once the PCoC is in place; the FASAH declaration is lodged at least 48 hours before arrival, and commercial FCL clears in under 4 hours after arrival with complete documents.
Our credentials
- Licensed customs broker
- ZATCA customs clearance
- TGA Freight Forwarder & Broker Licence
- 42/00008120
- ISO certification
- ISO 9001:2015 AMER300621 · ISO 45001:2018 AMER300622
- Verify · Certification body's certificate check
- Head office · Warehouse
- 7273 Fatimah Al Zahraa Rd, Riyadh 12837 · Al Sulay industrial district, Riyadh
Safe Hands Shipping Line is the trade name of شركة الايدي الامينة (Al Aidi Al Amina Company). All credentials →
Ship your German machines with a Saudi importer
Send the product, HS code and the Saudi delivery city; we confirm the SABER route and the duty line before you ship.