Introduction
Are you struggling to get your routers, antennas, or fiber optic devices cleared through Saudi customs without unexpected delays? You’re not alone — many ICT importers face the same frustration every day.
The biggest challenge in ICT imports across Saudi Arabia is the incorrect HS code classification — a single wrong code can hold your shipment for weeks.
In a market regulated by the CITC (now CST), SASO, and ZATCA, telecom and ICT equipment require precise identification, licensing, and conformity certification before entering the Kingdom.
Here’s the good news — you can eliminate delays, avoid penalties, and fast-track your imports by understanding the right telecom HS codes in Saudi Arabia, following the required compliance steps, and partnering with an AEO-aligned logistics provider that ensures full regulatory coordination.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about ICT and telecommunications equipment HS codes, the regulatory landscape, and how to navigate the complexities of Saudi customs with confidence.
What Are HS Codes and Why They Matter in ICT Imports
The Harmonized System (HS) is a globally standardized coding method for classifying traded products. Each ICT device — from routers to base stations — is assigned a unique code that determines customs duties, documentation, and regulatory requirements.
In Saudi Arabia, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) applies these HS codes along with the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) and the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST, formerly CITC) regulations. For ICT equipment, proper classification is especially sensitive due to radio frequencies, cybersecurity, and electromagnetic safety standards.
Core HS Codes for ICT and Telecommunications Equipment in KSA (2025 Update)
Below are the most commonly used HS codes for ICT and telecommunications imports in Saudi Arabia, organized by category.
1. Network Equipment & Internet Devices
- 8517.62.00 – Base stations, wireless access points, and cellular network hubs.
- 8517.69.10 – Routers for data communication over wired or wireless networks.
- 8517.69.20 – Modems (cable, DSL, fiber) for internet connectivity.
- 8517.62.90 – Repeaters, boosters, and signal amplifiers for telecom use.
- 8517.12.00 – Smartphones, GSM devices, and mobile handsets.
2. Satellite & Radio Communication Devices
- 8526.91.00 – Radio navigational apparatus including GPS receivers.
- 8526.92.00 – Satellite communication equipment (uplink/downlink units).
- 8526.10.00 – Radar apparatus for weather, maritime, and defense communication.
- 8525.60.00 – Satellite transmitters and transceivers used for broadcasting.
3. Fiber Optic Equipment
- 8544.70.00 – Optical fiber cables for data and telecommunication transmission.
- 8517.70.10 – Optical network terminals (ONTs) and modems.
- 8517.70.90 – Fiber splicing and optical signal transmission devices.
- 9001.10.00 – Optical fibers and fiber bundles for telecom and IT networks.
4. Antennas and Signal Transmission Hardware
- 8529.10.00 – External antennas for base stations and radio equipment.
- 8529.90.20 – Parts for antennas including masts, mounts, and fittings.
- 8529.90.40 – Waveguides, couplers, and connectors used in telecom towers.
5. Supporting Infrastructure and Power Systems
- 8537.10.10 – Control panels for network power and communication systems.
- 8504.40.10 – Power supply units and converters for telecom cabinets.
- 8536.50.00 – Surge protection devices for ICT infrastructure.
These HS codes serve as the foundation for customs classification. However, compliance requires more than just the correct code — it also demands CITC licensing, SASO certification, and import permits for certain radio-frequency products.
CITC (Now CST) Licensing and Regulatory Role
The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), formerly known as CITC, governs all telecommunications and ICT equipment entering the Kingdom.
Any device that emits or receives radio signals — such as routers, antennas, or IoT modems — requires Type Approval from CST. This ensures the equipment:
- Meets local frequency spectrum policies.
- Is compatible with Saudi telecom infrastructure.
- Does not cause interference with existing networks.
- Complies with cybersecurity and safety protocols.
Products Requiring CITC Type Approval
- Routers and modems (wired/wireless)
- Cellular IoT devices
- GPS and satellite systems
- RF-based antennas and boosters
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices
CITC approval must be obtained before shipment or during pre-clearance stages to prevent customs holds.
SASO Certification: Ensuring Safety and Quality
The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) regulates the technical and safety compliance of ICT and telecom devices.
All electrical and electronic imports must carry a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) via the SABER system.
For ICT devices, SASO focuses on:
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing
- Electrical safety standards
- Energy efficiency labeling
- Environmental compliance (RoHS, EER)
Products without valid SASO certification risk rejection at Saudi ports, regardless of correct HS coding.
Import Permits for Radio-Frequency Equipment
Telecom devices that transmit over licensed frequency bands — such as satellite phones, two-way radios, and microwave systems — require special import permits.
These are obtained through CST and verified by Saudi Customs (ZATCA) at clearance.
Permits ensure spectrum control, data security, and lawful communication usage inside the Kingdom.
The Risk of Incorrect HS Codes
Misclassification of ICT equipment is one of the most common causes of customs delays in Saudi Arabia.
Using the wrong HS code can:
- Result in shipment holds until reclassification is complete.
- Cause penalty charges for noncompliance.
- Delay CITC or SASO verifications, extending clearance time.
- Lead to inaccurate tariff or VAT assessments.
For example, classifying a “router with built-in Wi-Fi” under general network parts instead of “data communication equipment” can trigger inspection flags because of its RF components.
Implementation Overview: From Purchase Order to Clearance
Step 1: Product Identification
Confirm whether the product emits radio signals or connects to public telecom networks.
Step 2: HS Code Assignment
Use ZATCA’s database or expert classification to select the correct 8-digit HS code.
Step 3: Certification & Licensing
Obtain CITC/CST Type Approval, SASO PCoC, and any required import permits.
Step 4: Documentation Upload
Submit all documentation in SABER and FASAH systems for pre-clearance.
Step 5: Customs Clearance
Palm Horizon’s logistics expertise ensures AEO-level clearance and on-time delivery to final destinations.
Real-World Use Cases and Industries Served
ICT equipment supports critical infrastructure across Saudi Arabia’s growth sectors:
- Telecom Providers: Expanding 5G, fiber broadband, and IoT networks.
- Smart City Projects: NEOM, The Line, and Qiddiya depend on intelligent fiber networks.
- Oil & Gas: Remote monitoring and satellite communication systems.
- Defense and Aerospace: Secure communication channels and radar networks.
- E-Commerce and Retail: POS networks and warehouse connectivity.
- Healthcare: Telemedicine and secure data transmission.
- Education: Digital campuses and e-learning infrastructure.
In each of these sectors, accurate HS code application streamlines the import process, ensuring uninterrupted project timelines.
Comparison with Other Markets
While Saudi Arabia’s system mirrors international HS standards, it imposes stricter regulatory oversight for telecom imports compared to the UAE, Qatar, or Bahrain.
Unlike general GCC classification, Saudi authorities coordinate HS coding with CST Type Approvals, meaning a product can only clear if both data sets match.
This integration makes the Kingdom’s process more secure — but also more complex. Partnering with an experienced logistics provider ensures smoother navigation through overlapping compliance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the main telecom HS codes in Saudi Arabia?
Key codes include 8517.62.00 for base stations, 8517.69.10 for routers, and 8544.70.00 for fiber optic cables. Each code defines customs duties and regulatory needs.
2. Does every Wi-Fi device need CITC approval?
Yes. Any device using wireless communication (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GSM, satellite) must obtain Type Approval from the Communications, Space and Technology Commission.
3. What happens if I use the wrong HS code?
Your shipment may face delays, fines, or reclassification by customs authorities. It can also invalidate your SASO or CITC documentation.
4. Are ICT accessories like cables or power adapters regulated?
Yes, accessories such as network cables, converters, and power units fall under HS codes like 8536.50.00 or 8504.40.10 and require SASO electrical safety certification.
5. Can Palm Horizon handle end-to-end telecom logistics in KSA?
Yes. Palm Horizon offers comprehensive logistics services — from import documentation and HS classification to AEO-certified customs clearance and nationwide distribution.
6. Is AEO certification beneficial for telecom importers?
Absolutely. Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status ensures faster customs clearance, reduced inspection rates, and priority handling for compliant importers and their logistics partners.
7. What’s the role of SABER in ICT imports?
SABER is the electronic platform for obtaining SASO Product Certificates of Conformity (PCoC) and Shipment Certificates (SCoC). All ICT imports must be registered here before entry.
Best Practices for Smooth ICT Imports
- Always verify CITC Type Approval before purchase.
- Cross-check your HS codes with both ZATCA and international databases.
- Ensure your supplier provides test reports aligned with Saudi standards.
- Partner with an AEO-certified logistics company for pre-clearance support.
- Use SABER tracking to monitor certification status in real time.
Why Partnering with a Reliable Logistics Expert Matters
Telecom and ICT imports are among the most regulated categories in Saudi Arabia. Small documentation errors can disrupt major projects.
A trusted logistics partner like Palm Horizon KSA combines:
- In-depth regulatory expertise
- HS classification accuracy
- CITC and SASO coordination
- AEO-aligned customs handling
- Real-time import visibility
These advantages ensure efficiency, compliance, and reliability from origin to final delivery.
Final Thoughts: Compliance as a Competitive Advantage
As Saudi Arabia continues to lead the region in digital transformation, the ability to import and deploy ICT equipment quickly and compliantly is a competitive edge.
From routers and antennas to satellite devices and fiber optics, the correct HS code classification backed by CITC licensing and SASO certification ensures not just compliance — but confidence.
Companies that master these processes save time, protect investments, and strengthen their position in one of the fastest-growing ICT markets in the world.
