Your container reached Jeddah Islamic Port on Sunday. By Thursday it still has not been released.
Every extra day costs you money. Storage fees keep adding up. Your production line waits. Your customer asks for a delivery date you cannot give.
A customs clearance delay in Saudi Arabia is rarely bad luck. In most cases a document was late, a detail did not match, or an approval was missing. The good news is that most of these delays can be prevented.
This guide covers the most common causes, what each one costs, and how our customs clearance services across all Saudi ports help you avoid them.
Quick Answer: Customs clearance delays in Saudi Arabia usually come from missing or mismatched documents, late declarations, missing product approvals, wrong HS codes and inspection holds. Most delays are preventable. Filing the declaration on FASAH before arrival, with complete documents and approvals ready, lets cargo clear quickly once it lands.
Why Do Customs Clearance Delays Happen in Saudi Arabia?
Most delays happen because customs cannot verify a shipment in one pass. When information is missing or unclear, the declaration goes on hold until someone fixes it.
Saudi customs is fully digital. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) processes declarations through the FASAH platform. That makes clearance faster when everything is correct. It also means errors get flagged immediately.
ZATCA has also set a clear expectation. Its “Clearance Within Two Hours” initiative aims to release goods quickly once all requirements are met. That last part matters. The system is fast, but only when your file is complete.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Customs Delays?
The same few problems cause most delays. Here are the ones we see most often.
1. Missing or Late Documents
Customs cannot start without the core documents. According to ZATCA’s import instructions, importers need:
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading (or airway bill)
- Certificate of origin, where the origin is not clearly established
If the supplier sends these late, clearance cannot start on time.
2. Mismatched Details Between Documents
The invoice says 500 cartons. The packing list says 480. The bill of lading lists a different consignee name.
Small mismatches like these send a declaration back for correction. Each correction can add a day or more.
3. Late Customs Declaration
ZATCA’s import instructions say importers should complete FASAH procedures and submit the customs declaration at least 48 hours before the shipment arrives at the port of entry.
For sea freight, advance submission is now mandatory. From 29 October 2025, ZATCA requires advance submission of manifests and customs declarations for goods arriving at Saudi sea ports. Late filing can mean delays and penalties.
4. Missing Product Approvals (SABER, SFDA)
Many products need approval before customs will release them. Electronics, building materials, auto parts and many consumer goods need certificates through the SABER platform. Food, cosmetics and medical products need clearance from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA).
If the approval is not ready when cargo lands, the shipment waits. Our government approvals and certification team handles SABER and SFDA requirements before shipping.
5. Wrong HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) code decides your duty rate and which approvals apply. A wrong code can trigger reassessment, extra duty or a dispute.
This is one of the costliest delays because it can also lead to penalties. For complex products, get expert HS code and customs consulting before you ship.
6. Physical Inspection Holds
Customs may select a shipment for physical inspection based on risk. Inspection itself is normal. The delay comes when the goods do not match the declaration, or nobody is on site to coordinate.
7. Poor Coordination Between Parties
Your supplier, freight forwarder, shipping line and customs broker all hold part of the process. When no one owns the full timeline, small gaps turn into lost days.
[IMAGE 2 – Documents on a desk with a laptop showing a customs portal | File: customs-documents-checklist-saudi.webp | Alt: Commercial invoice and bill of lading prepared for Saudi customs clearance]
Shipment already at port and stuck? Talk to our customs team 24/7 in Arabic or English.
What Does a Customs Delay Actually Cost You?
A delay costs more than port storage fees. The bigger losses often show up in your operations.
This table shows how each cause turns into a real cost, and what prevents it.
| Cause of Delay | Business Impact | How to Prevent It |
|---|---|---|
| Late or missing documents | Storage charges, demurrage from the shipping line | Collect documents before shipment departs |
| Mismatched invoice / packing list | Declaration rejected, repeat submission | Cross-check all documents before filing |
| Late customs declaration | Missed clearance window, possible penalties | File on FASAH at least 48 hours before arrival |
| Missing SABER / SFDA approval | Cargo held until approval is issued | Confirm approvals before the supplier ships |
| Wrong HS code | Extra duty, penalties, disputes | Verify classification with a customs consultant |
| Inspection hold | Extra handling days, delivery delays | Accurate declaration and on-site coordination |
Storage and demurrage rates vary by port, terminal and shipping line. Check the current rates with your port operator or shipping line. We explain these charges in detail in our guide on how to avoid customs storage charges in Saudi Arabia.
How Can You Prevent Customs Clearance Delays?
The most effective fix is to start clearance before your cargo arrives. Waiting until the ship docks is where most delays begin.
Follow these steps for every shipment:
- Confirm approvals before shipping. Check whether your product needs SABER, SFDA or other certificates.
- Collect documents early. Get the invoice, packing list and certificate of origin from your supplier before departure.
- Cross-check every detail. Quantities, weights, values, HS codes and consignee names must match across all documents.
- File the declaration early. Submit through FASAH at least 48 hours before arrival.
- Track the shipment. Monitor vessel or flight arrival and respond quickly to any customs query.
- Plan delivery. Book transport in advance so cargo leaves the port as soon as it is released.
[IMAGE 3 – Infographic of the 6 steps above | File: prevent-customs-delay-steps-saudi.webp | Alt: Six steps to prevent customs clearance delays in Saudi Arabia]
Sea vs Air vs Land: Where Do Delays Happen Most?
Every mode of transport has its own risks. Knowing them helps you plan.
- Sea freight: Delays usually come from late declarations, missing approvals and storage build-up at busy ports like Jeddah and Dammam. Advance submission is mandatory for sea ports.
- Air freight: Cargo moves fast, so there is less time to fix errors. Documents must be ready before the flight lands.
- Land freight: Border crossings can see queues at the gateway. Transit cargo heading to other GCC countries needs correct transit documentation.
For a full walkthrough of the process, read our complete guide to customs clearance in Saudi Arabia.
What Should You Do If Your Shipment Is Already Delayed?
Act the same day. The longer a shipment sits, the more storage and demurrage you pay.
- Find the exact reason. Check the declaration status on FASAH or ask your broker for the specific hold reason.
- Fix the document issue first. Get a corrected invoice or missing certificate from your supplier right away.
- Resolve approval gaps. If SABER or SFDA approval is missing, start the application immediately.
- Get expert help. An experienced customs broker can often resolve holds faster because they know what customs needs to see.
[IMAGE 4 – Bahkaly team member at port / warehouse (own photo) | File: bahkaly-customs-team-saudi-port.webp | Alt: Bahkaly customs team coordinating cargo release at a Saudi port]
How Bahkaly Prevents Customs Clearance Delays
Bahkaly Logistics has handled customs clearance since 1988, starting at King Khalid International Airport. Today we operate across 38+ land, sea and air customs gateways in Saudi Arabia.
Here is how we help reduce avoidable delays:
- Pre-arrival clearance: We prepare and file declarations before your cargo lands.
- Document review: We check every document for mismatches before submission.
- Approvals support: We handle SABER, SFDA and other government approvals.
- HS code guidance: We classify products correctly to avoid disputes and extra duty.
- 24/7 support: Our team responds to urgent cargo and customs queries at any hour.
- Arabic and English: We communicate directly with your international suppliers.
We cannot control every inspection or port queue. What we can do is make sure your shipment is never held because of something that could have been prepared in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does customs clearance take in Saudi Arabia?
When all documents and approvals are complete, clearance can be very fast. ZATCA’s “Clearance Within Two Hours” initiative targets rapid release once all requirements are met. Actual time depends on cargo type, inspection selection and document accuracy. Incomplete files are the main reason clearance takes days instead of hours.
Can customs clearance start before my shipment arrives?
Yes. ZATCA’s import instructions say the customs declaration should be submitted on FASAH at least 48 hours before arrival. For sea freight, advance submission has been mandatory since 29 October 2025. Starting early is the single most effective way to avoid delays.
What happens if my product needs SABER certification and I don’t have it?
Customs will not release the shipment until the required certificate is issued. The cargo stays at the port, and storage charges can build up. The safest approach is to confirm SABER requirements and get certificates before the supplier ships the goods.
Who pays storage charges when customs clearance is delayed?
Usually the importer pays, unless the contract with the supplier or forwarder says otherwise. Storage fees come from the port or terminal. Demurrage comes from the shipping line for keeping its container. Check your contract terms and current port rates to understand your exposure.
Can a wrong HS code cause penalties?
Yes. A wrong HS code can lead to duty reassessment, penalties and a longer hold while customs reviews the classification. For products that could fall under more than one code, it is worth getting professional classification advice before shipping.
How does Bahkaly help avoid customs delays?
Bahkaly prepares clearance before arrival, reviews documents for errors and manages approvals like SABER and SFDA. With 38+ customs gateways and 24/7 support, our team can act quickly when customs raises a query, so your cargo does not sit waiting.
Stop Paying for Avoidable Delays
Every day your cargo waits at the port costs money. Most of those days can be avoided with the right preparation.
Let Bahkaly’s customs team prepare your next shipment before it arrives.
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Author box: Bahkaly Customs Team: customs clearance specialists operating since 1988 across 38+ Saudi gateways. (Link to /en/about/)