The vessel docked on schedule. Your customer is waiting for the goods. Then the status in FASAH stops moving, and nobody can tell you why.
A shipment held by Saudi customs costs money every day it sits. Port storage builds up, shipping line charges start, and delivery dates slip. Most holds can be solved, but the first 24 hours decide how much the delay costs you.
This guide explains why customs stops cargo, how to find the exact reason, and the steps that get goods released. If your cargo is stuck right now, our customs clearance team across all Saudi ports can take over the case.
Quick Answer: If you have a shipment held by Saudi customs, first check the declaration status in FASAH and find the exact reason for the hold. Most holds come from document errors, missing SABER or SFDA approvals, HS code or value questions, or an inspection. Fix the stated issue quickly, pay any duty difference, and object formally through ZATCA if you disagree.
Why is my shipment held by Saudi customs?
Customs holds a shipment when something in the declaration, the documents or the goods needs checking before release. The reason is almost always one of the issues below.
Documents are missing or do not match
The commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin must agree with each other. A different quantity, weight or consignee name is enough to stop the declaration.
A required approval is missing
Many products need a SABER certificate of conformity, and food, cosmetics and medical items may need Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) clearance. Without the approval in the system, customs cannot release the goods.
HS code or customs value is questioned
If the declared code looks wrong, or the invoice value seems low for the product, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) may review it. Our guide on HS code classification in Saudi Arabia covers the most common coding mistakes.
The cargo is selected for inspection
Customs uses risk checks to pick shipments for physical or X-ray inspection. Being selected does not mean anything is wrong, but it adds time.
Restricted or prohibited goods
Some goods need a permit from another authority, and some cannot be imported at all. If the cargo falls into one of these groups, the hold lasts until the permit is shown or the goods are dealt with.
Unpaid duty, VAT or fees
The shipment will not be released while duty, VAT or other charges on the declaration are unpaid.
How do you find out why your shipment is held?
Start with the declaration status. It usually shows the stage where the shipment stopped.
You or your broker can check the declaration on the FASAH platform, the Saudi trade and customs system. For express shipments, ZATCA also offers a free tracking service using the declaration or bill of lading number.
If the status is unclear, ask your customs broker to contact the customs office at the port. You can also reach ZATCA on 19993. Write down the exact reason given, the date and the name of the office. You will need these details if you object later.
What should you do in the first 24 hours?
Move fast and keep everything in writing. Each step below cuts the time your shipment held by Saudi customs spends in the port.
- Get the exact hold reason. “Under review” is not enough. Ask which document, approval or check is pending.
- Collect the full document set. Have the invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and any certificates ready in one place.
- Contact your supplier. If a document is wrong or missing, ask for a corrected copy the same day.
- Check approvals. Confirm whether SABER, SFDA or another permit is needed and whether it is in the system.
- Note your free-time dates. Find the last free day with the shipping line and the port, so you know when costs start.
- Prepare for inspection. If inspection is ordered, arrange for your broker to attend and have product specs ready.
- Arrange payment. If customs asks for a duty difference or fee, pay it quickly so release is not delayed further.
Shipment held by Saudi customs right now? Our team works 24/7. Send us your declaration number and we will check the status.
Common hold reasons and how to fix them
Each type of hold has its own fix. The table matches the most common reasons to the action that releases the cargo.
| Hold reason | What customs needs | Who usually fixes it | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missing or mismatched documents | Correct, matching documents | Importer and supplier | Get corrected documents and resubmit through your broker |
| Missing SABER certificate | Shipment certificate on SABER | Importer with a conformity body | Complete the SABER process for the shipment |
| Missing SFDA clearance | SFDA release for regulated products | Importer | Apply for SFDA clearance with product details |
| HS code question | Correct 12-digit code with specs | Importer and broker | Submit specs and accept or object to reclassification |
| Value question | Proof of the price paid | Importer | Provide contract, payment proof and supplier invoice |
| Physical inspection | Access to the goods | Broker | Attend inspection with packing list and specs ready |
| Unpaid duty or fees | Payment on the declaration | Importer | Pay through the payment channel shown on the declaration |
If approvals are the cause, our government approvals and certification services handle SABER and SFDA requests.
How long can customs hold a shipment in Saudi Arabia?
There is no single fixed time. A simple document correction can be solved in a day or two, while a missing approval or a value dispute can take much longer.
The longer the hold, the more you pay in port storage and shipping line charges. See our guide on demurrage and detention in Saudi Arabia to understand how these costs grow.
Goods left uncleared for a long time can also be treated as abandoned under customs rules. Confirm the deadlines for your case with your broker or ZATCA so the cargo is not lost.
Can you object to a Saudi customs decision?
Yes. ZATCA has a free Customs Objections service for importers, brokers and travelers.
You can use it to object to collection decisions, penalties and rejected refund requests. The request is filed online through ZATCA’s e-services, with a note explaining your reasons and supporting documents.
An objection works best when it is backed by clear evidence. Product specifications, contracts, payment records and earlier declarations of the same item all help your case.
In many cases, it is faster to pay the amount asked, release the goods, and continue the objection afterwards. Discuss this with your broker, since it depends on the amount and the strength of your case.
How do you stop shipments from being held again?
Most holds are prevented before the goods leave the supplier. Use the last hold as a checklist for the next shipment.
- Check that every document matches before the cargo ships.
- Get SABER, SFDA and other approvals while the goods are still at origin.
- Keep a fixed list of HS codes for repeat products.
- Make sure the invoice describes each item clearly, with material, use and model.
- File the declaration before arrival so problems show up early.
- Work with one broker who knows your products and history.
Our article on customs clearance delays in Saudi Arabia covers more causes and fixes.
A real case: An importer’s shipment of skincare products was held at Jeddah because the SFDA clearance was not linked to the declaration. Our team found the gap, completed the SFDA step with the supplier’s product data and resubmitted. The cargo was released, and the importer now gets SFDA approvals before shipping.
(Note for publishing: confirm this scenario with the Bahkaly operations team before going live.)
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my shipment is held by Saudi customs?
The declaration status in FASAH stops at a review, inspection or payment stage instead of moving to release. Your broker will usually see it first. For express shipments, ZATCA’s online tracking service shows the status and any fees using the bill of lading or declaration number.
Does a customs inspection mean something is wrong with my shipment?
No. Many shipments are picked for inspection through routine risk checks. Inspection does add time, so have your packing list and product specs ready. If the goods match the declaration, they are usually released once the inspection is complete.
Who pays storage costs while customs holds my shipment?
In most cases, the importer pays. Port storage and shipping line charges keep running during a hold, even when the delay comes from an inspection. Some shipping lines will consider a waiver when an authority caused the delay, but this is their decision.
Can a shipment held by Saudi customs be sent back?
In some cases, yes. If the goods cannot meet Saudi requirements, re-export to the origin may be an option, subject to customs approval. Costs for returning the goods usually fall on the importer, so it is worth exploring every fix first.
Can someone else handle a held shipment for me?
Yes. A licensed customs broker can deal with customs, follow up on the hold and submit documents on your behalf. Bahkaly handles held shipments across Saudi ports, airports and land borders, and works with your supplier to fix missing documents.
What if I disagree with the duty or penalty customs applied?
You can file an objection through ZATCA’s Customs Objections service. Include a clear explanation and supporting documents such as contracts, specs and payment proof. Paying first and objecting afterwards often gets the goods out sooner.
How Bahkaly helps when your shipment is held
Bahkaly Logistics has handled customs clearance in Saudi Arabia since 1988, starting at King Khalid International Airport. We work across 38+ land, sea and air customs gateways.
When you have a shipment held by Saudi customs, we find the exact reason, fix the documents or approvals, attend inspections and follow the case until release. Our team is available 24/7, and we work in Arabic and English with your supplier and with customs.
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Author: Bahkaly Customs Team. Customs clearance specialists working across Saudi ports, airports and land borders since 1988.