A customs declaration is an official document containing comprehensive information about imported or exported goods and is an essential part of the customs clearance process in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It provides all details related to the shipment, such as the origin, type, value, quantity, and weight of the goods, as well as information about payment documents, shipping invoices, and other data that helps determine the applicable customs duties. The customs declaration serves as an official document confirming the validity of the procedures carried out on the shipment and contributes to expediting its release.
Importance of the customs declaration
A customs declaration is a vital tool for determining customs duties and taxes levied on goods. It allows customs authorities to verify the type and origin of the goods to ensure that the shipment complies with applicable laws and regulations. Furthermore, a customs declaration is an essential document for completing the customs clearance process, enabling traders to legally and efficiently complete import or export operations.
Types of customs declarations
Customs declarations encompass several types that vary depending on the type of shipment and how it is handled. These types require different documents and procedures to expedite import and export processes and ensure compliance with customs regulations. Some of the most prominent types include:
- Import customs declaration
- Export Customs Declaration
- Temporary customs declaration
- Customs declaration for re-export
- Transit Customs Declaration
Documents attached to the customs declaration:
The customs declaration requires the submission of supporting documents such as shipping invoices. Bills of lading The certificate of origin and any additional documents confirming the shipment details. The merchant may be asked to provide additional documents if a problem is suspected.
When is the customs declaration issued?
A customs declaration is issued when a shipment arrives at the Saudi border, whether by land, air, or sea. Before a shipment is allowed to enter or leave the Kingdom, the customs declaration must be submitted to the customs authorities via the Zakat, Tax, and Customs platform. The customs declaration can be submitted manually by visiting a customs office or electronically through the Customs e-services portal.
Steps for submitting a customs declaration:
1. Register on the "Fasah" portal:
The trader or importer must register on the "Fasah" portal of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority to submit customs data.
2. Filling in the customs data:
All details regarding the goods must be entered into the electronic system. This includes the type, quantity, value, and weight, in addition to providing supporting documents.
3. Payment of customs duties:
Customs duties are calculated based on the type and value of the goods, and at this stage the trader must pay the due duties through the "Fasah" portal.
4. Customs review:
After the declaration is submitted, customs will review the data and documents provided to verify their accuracy. Customs may request additional documents if necessary.
5. Issuance of customs approval:
If all the information is correct, the official customs declaration is issued after payment of the fees. If there are any problems or errors, customs may request the necessary amendments or clarifications.
6. Delivery of goods:
After all customs procedures have been completed, the trader is allowed to receive or export his goods based on the type of declaration submitted.
Amendment to the customs declaration (if necessary):
- If an error is discovered in the declaration or if amendments are needed, the trader can amend the customs declaration before all procedures are completed. Amendments are not possible after customs clearance is complete.
- The statement is amended via the "Fasah" portal or through the amendment service available in the customs system.
Customs declaration inquiry
It is a service Customs declaration inquiry Declaration Inquiry Service is an important service provided by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It enables traders and importers to access all details related to the customs declarations for their shipments. Through this service, traders can verify information associated with the customs declaration, such as amounts due, customs duties, invoices, and the country of origin of the goods, and confirm the accuracy of the data included in the declaration. This facilitates customs procedures and ensures their smooth completion.
Steps to inquire about the customs declaration:
- Enter the official website For the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority
- Select "Electronic Services":
After entering the website, you will find a menu with several options at the top of the page. Look for the "Electronic Services" section, which offers various services that facilitate customs procedures for merchants.
Select "Customs Declaration Inquiry" from the drop-down menu
- On the inquiry page, you will be asked to enter information that will help you find the required customs declaration. You can search for the declaration using one of two methods:
- Customs declaration number: If you have a customs declaration number that you wish to inquire about, you can enter it in the designated field.
- Bill of lading data: If you prefer to search using bill of lading data, you can enter its number.
Enter the required data to search for the customs declaration:
Press the "Search" button to get the details:
After entering the required data, click the "Search" button to obtain the results related to the customs declaration. You will be able to view all the details related to the declaration, such as the amounts due, invoices, country of origin of the goods, and any other updates.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the customs declaration is a fundamental part of the import and export process, helping to regulate the movement of goods through customs ports and ensuring compliance with customs laws and regulations. Proper submission of a customs declaration requires accurate and comprehensive documentation, including details about the shipment, invoices, licenses, and other essential information. Customs declarations vary depending on the type of shipment and the mode of transport, and each type has specific requirements to ensure smooth and legal clearance.
By understanding the requirements of customs declarations and meticulously following the procedures, traders can avoid delays or penalties and ensure the smooth operation of their business transactions. Using the "Fasah" electronic portal has made customs procedures easier and faster, saving traders time and effort and helping to expedite the import and export process.
Traders should always follow up on procedures and ensure the accuracy of the data provided. It is also advisable to use the inquiry and printing services available on electronic platforms to check the status of the customs declaration and follow up on any modifications or updates that may occur to it.