Introduction:
Are you importing cars, spare parts, or EV components into Saudi Arabia — only to face customs delays or confusion over HS codes and SASO certification?
You’re not alone. Thousands of automotive importers in the Kingdom face costly shipment delays simply because they use the wrong HS code or lack proper SABER certification.
In 2025, Saudi Arabia’s automotive import landscape has become one of the most dynamic yet highly regulated markets in the region. From passenger cars and trucks to electric vehicles and spare parts, every product entering the Kingdom passes through the precise classification system governed by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA).
Understanding Automotive & Transport HS Codes — and their links with SASO, SABER, and AEO compliance — is no longer optional. It’s the road map to faster clearances, legal security, and better trade performance.
Let’s dive deep into what every importer, distributor, and logistics partner in Saudi Arabia needs to know.
Understanding HS Codes: The Language of Trade
Every traded product globally carries an identity — a numeric fingerprint known as the Harmonized System (HS) Code.
This six- to ten-digit number classifies goods for customs declarations, duty rates, and international documentation.
In Saudi Arabia, ZATCA aligns with the GCC Unified Customs Tariff, which itself follows the World Customs Organization (WCO) structure.
These codes are not random; they define:
- How customs duties are applied
- What documentation or certificates are required
- Whether a product is restricted or prohibited
For automotive and transport imports, Chapters 87 and 85 of the tariff are the most critical:
- Chapter 87: Vehicles, trucks, and parts
- Chapter 85: Electrical components, including batteries and EV systems
Automotive Import Growth: 2020–2025 Trends
Between 2020 and 2025, Saudi Arabia’s automotive import market grew by more than 35%, driven by infrastructure expansion, EV adoption, and Vision 2030 diversification.
Below is a visual breakdown of import category trends (simulated yet realistic market data):
| Year | Cars (%) | Trucks (%) | Spare Parts (%) | Tires (%) | EVs (%) |
| 2020 | 42 | 27 | 18 | 9 | 4 |
| 2021 | 44 | 26 | 17 | 9 | 4 |
| 2022 | 45 | 24 | 16 | 9 | 6 |
| 2023 | 46 | 23 | 15 | 9 | 7 |
| 2024 | 47 | 22 | 14 | 9 | 8 |
| 2025 | 48 | 21 | 14 | 8 | 9 |
Saudi Arabia is also witnessing exponential growth in EV imports — projected to reach 9% of total vehicle imports by the end of 2025, led by Vision 2030’s sustainability goals.
Comprehensive HS Codes for Automotive & Transport Imports
Below is the most detailed, updated list of HS codes relevant to Saudi Arabia’s automotive imports under the 2025 tariff framework.
Passenger Cars (HS Code Chapter 87.03)
| HS Code | Description |
| 8703.21.00 | Cars with spark-ignition engine ≤1000cc |
| 8703.22.00 | Cars with spark-ignition engine >1000cc but ≤1500cc |
| 8703.23.00 | Cars with spark-ignition engine >1500cc but ≤3000cc |
| 8703.24.00 | Cars with spark-ignition engine >3000cc |
| 8703.31.00 | Diesel engine cars ≤1500cc |
| 8703.32.00 | Diesel engine cars >1500cc but ≤2500cc |
| 8703.33.00 | Diesel engine cars >2500cc |
| 8703.40.00 | Hybrid electric cars |
| 8703.80.00 | Fully electric vehicles (EVs) |
| 8703.90.00 | Other passenger vehicles |
Commercial Vehicles & Trucks (HS 8704)
| HS Code | Description |
| 8704.21.00 | Diesel trucks ≤5 tons |
| 8704.22.00 | Diesel trucks >5 tons but ≤20 tons |
| 8704.23.00 | Diesel trucks >20 tons |
| 8704.31.00 | Gasoline trucks ≤5 tons |
| 8704.32.00 | Gasoline trucks >5 tons |
| 8704.90.00 | Other specialized vehicles |
| 8705.10.00 | Crane lorries |
| 8705.40.00 | Concrete-mixer trucks |
| 8705.90.00 | Firefighting and utility trucks |
Spare Parts & Components (HS 8708)
| HS Code | Description |
| 8708.10.00 | Bumpers and parts |
| 8708.21.00 | Safety seat belts |
| 8708.29.00 | Body parts and doors |
| 8708.30.00 | Brakes and components |
| 8708.40.00 | Gear boxes |
| 8708.50.00 | Drive axles |
| 8708.70.00 | Wheels and rims |
| 8708.80.00 | Suspension systems |
| 8708.91.00 | Radiators |
| 8708.92.00 | Exhausts and mufflers |
| 8708.93.00 | Clutches |
| 8708.94.00 | Steering mechanisms |
| 8708.95.00 | Safety airbags |
| 8708.99.00 | Other automotive parts |
Tires (HS Chapter 40.11)
| HS Code | Description |
| 4011.10.00 | Tires for motorcars |
| 4011.20.00 | Tires for buses or trucks |
| 4011.40.00 | Tires for motorcycles |
| 4011.50.00 | Tires for bicycles |
| 4011.99.00 | Other pneumatic tires |
Regulation: All tires must be SASO-certified under GSO 42/2015 and registered in SABER.
Batteries & EV Components (HS Chapter 85)
| HS Code | Description |
| 8507.10.00 | Lead-acid batteries |
| 8507.20.00 | Nickel-cadmium batteries |
| 8507.30.00 | Nickel-iron batteries |
| 8507.60.00 | Lithium-ion EV batteries |
| 8507.90.00 | Other batteries |
| 8504.40.90 | EV charging modules and power converters |
Certification & Compliance Requirements
a. SASO Certification
The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) ensures that imported automotive products meet safety, energy, and environmental standards.
Products requiring SASO Quality Mark include:
- Tires
- Batteries
- Brake systems
- Lighting and airbag systems
b. SABER Platform
All importers must use the SABER online portal to register products and upload conformity certificates.
Two key documents are required:
- Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) – issued before shipping
- Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) – issued before clearance
c. EV Import Regulations
Saudi Arabia’s EV-specific import framework ensures that electric vehicles and components comply with:
- SASO GSO IEC 62660 (battery performance)
- UN 38.3 (transport safety for lithium-ion batteries)
- Environmental handling permits from the Ministry of Environment
Only licensed importers and authorized dealers can import electric vehicles under these standards.
d. Vehicle Age Restriction
Saudi Arabia prohibits imports of used vehicles older than 5 years, except for vintage models over 30 years old with heritage certification.
e. Conformity Certificates (CoC)
Safety-critical components like brake pads, steering systems, and airbags require CoCs from SASO-approved labs prior to customs clearance.
Customs Clearance
Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Compliance
For logistics companies and importers seeking faster customs handling, AEO certification is the gold standard.
By maintaining HS code accuracy, transparency, and documentation integrity, importers gain:
- Priority customs processing
- Fewer physical inspections
- Reduced security deposits
- Stronger trade reputation
To align with AEO, importers should:
- Use verified HS codes via the ZATCA tariff platform.
- Link internal ERP systems with FASAH and SABER.
- Conduct quarterly audits on product classification accuracy.
- Maintain digital archives of all CoCs and SASO certificates.
Industry Use Cases
Dealerships & Distributors
Importing passenger vehicles under 8703 or 8704 codes demands precise classification to avoid extra duty or re-export risk.
Aftermarket & Service Centers
Businesses handling 8708 spare parts rely on correct HS tagging to ensure warranty compliance and customs approval.
Fleet Operators
Commercial fleets benefit from accurate code use for vehicles under 8704.21 or 8704.23, improving import cost predictability.
EV Startups
Emerging EV distributors depend on proper coding (8703.80, 8507.60) to gain environmental approvals and access energy subsidies.
Logistics & Freight Forwarders
Companies like Palm Horizon Logistics play a crucial role — ensuring all automotive cargo is documented with the right HS codes and SASO credentials for seamless clearance.
Comparison with Other GCC Markets
While GCC nations share a unified customs tariff, Saudi Arabia has introduced the most advanced digital compliance infrastructure via SABER, FASAH, and ZATCA integration.
- UAE: Focuses on simplified clearance but fewer product-level certifications.
- Qatar/Bahrain: Moderate enforcement, limited EV oversight.
- KSA: Dual-layer compliance (SASO + SABER), highest safety and environmental standards.
This makes Saudi Arabia’s system more stringent but also more trusted by global OEMs and freight partners.
Future Outlook: The Road Ahead for Automotive Imports
1. EV Adoption Surge
By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims for 30% of Riyadh’s vehicles to be electric, driving major shifts in HS classification, energy labeling, and import standards.
2. Localization & Industrial Clusters
The National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) encourages local assembly of vehicles, meaning more SKD/CKD import classifications (semi-knocked-down units under HS 8708.99).
3. Customs Digitalization
ZATCA’s next-gen AI-based tariff system will automatically detect misclassified goods, rewarding compliant importers and flagging risk-based entries.
4. Sustainable Supply Chains
Saudi Arabia is promoting “green logistics,” integrating EV transport and battery recycling under HS 8507.90 compliance frameworks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. What is the HS code for electric vehicles (EVs) in Saudi Arabia?
HS Code 8703.80.00 applies to all battery-powered passenger electric vehicles (EVs) imported into Saudi Arabia. Importers must ensure compliance with SASO technical regulations for electric mobility, including battery safety, charging standards, and environmental certification before customs clearance.
Q2. Are hybrid vehicles classified differently under HS codes?
Yes. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that combine fuel and electric systems fall under HS Code 8703.40.00. These vehicles often require dual certification—both for engine emission standards and battery conformity—under the SASO and GSO frameworks.
Q3. Can I import a used car older than five years?
No. The Saudi ZATCA and MOT (Ministry of Transport) restrict the import of used vehicles older than five years. Only classic or vintage cars (30+ years old) certified as collectibles may enter under HS 9705.00.00, provided they meet heritage and restoration criteria.
Q4. Do all tires require SASO certification?
Absolutely. All vehicle tires under the HS 4011 series (including 4011.10.00 for passenger cars and 4011.20.00 for trucks) must carry a SASO Quality Mark and be registered in SABER. The system ensures compliance with GSO ISO 4000 standards for performance, treadwear, and environmental safety.
Q5. How do AEO-certified importers benefit during customs clearance?
Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) importers enjoy major privileges such as:
- Faster customs clearance through priority processing
- Reduced inspections and documentation checks
- Preferential treatment under international mutual recognition agreements
- Enhanced reputation and trust across global logistics networks
Becoming an AEO member in Saudi Arabia also improves access to ZATCA’s Green Channel and low-risk importer classification—crucial for automotive traders managing high-volume shipments.
Q6. What happens if an HS code is entered incorrectly on customs documentation?
Incorrect classification of goods under the wrong HS code can cause serious issues such as:
- Shipment delays or detention at Saudi ports
- Monetary fines or re-export orders from ZATCA
- Loss of AEO privileges due to non-compliance
To avoid this, importers must verify HS codes via Saudi Customs’ Tariff Lookup System and ensure alignment with the GCC Unified Customs Tariff.
Conclusion: Compliance Is the New Competitive Advantage
The automotive import industry in Saudi Arabia is accelerating — not just in volume but in sophistication.
From luxury sedans under HS 8703.24 to next-gen EV batteries under 8507.60, every item’s compliance journey begins with the right HS code.
By mastering this system, aligning with SASO and SABER, and adopting AEO-aligned customs practices, importers can achieve:
- Faster clearance
- Cost savings
- Regulatory peace of mind
To ensure your next automotive shipment enters Saudi Arabia smoothly, partner with Palm Horizon Logistics — your trusted logistics partner for certified automotive, freight, and EV imports across the Kingdom.
