The automotive market in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is witnessing continuous growth, with many individuals and businesses seeking the best means to acquire vehicles that meet their needs and requirements. As a result, importing cars has become an appealing option for those wishing to benefit from competitive global prices or obtain vehicles with specialized specifications. If you are considering importing a car into Saudi Arabia, then Be Forward is the perfect partner to make it happen!
With warehouses spanning various locations worldwide—such as Japan and Korea—Be Forward grants its customers access to an extensive lineup of high-quality cars. Furthermore, the company offers services to support customers at every stage of the process, from selecting a vehicle to completing the shipping procedures to Saudi Arabia.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide on how to import a car through Be Forward into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, highlighting all the crucial conditions and requirements that ensure a smooth and successful import experience.
FAQ: how much does it cost to import a car from japan?
Importing a car from Japan to Saudi Arabia via BE FORWARD involves costs such as the vehicle price, shipping fees, customs duties (5%), VAT (15%), and registration fees. Shipping fees vary based on factors like the shipping method and vehicle size. For precise shipping estimates, BE FORWARD offers a Container Shipping Estimator tool.
Additionally, BE FORWARD provides local services in Saudi Arabia, including assistance with cost estimation and city delivery options. Contact the Saudi Arabia Sales Team here ≫
Importing a Used Car into Saudi Arabia
Importing used cars into Saudi Arabia can be an excellent opportunity to obtain premium vehicles at prices lower than those found locally. This option also provides consumers with wide flexibility to choose models featuring specific specs that may be hard to find on the local market—such as rare brands or luxury trims that offer additional amenities. Moreover, importers can secure cars in excellent condition when working with trustworthy suppliers and reliable shipping firms like Be Forward.
Purchasing a used car from Be Forward is both flexible and organized, simplifying the process of selecting the ideal vehicle and completing transactions. Below is an explanation of the preliminary steps in the buying process:
Preliminary Steps
- Proforma Invoice
When choosing a suitable car from Be Forward’s warehouses via the main website, a Proforma Invoice is issued that includes the vehicle details and its price. During this stage, there is an opportunity for price negotiation, giving customers a chance to land the best possible deal.
However, it is important to note that this Proforma Invoice remains valid for only 48 hours. Should payment not be completed within this timeframe, the invoice is voided, and the selected car returns to the general listings for other customers to purchase. - Booking and Payment
Once the price has been agreed upon, the booking is confirmed by paying the required amount within 48 hours using one of the available payment methods on the website. Verifying the payment typically takes two business days.
After that, the company proceeds to reserve your car’s shipping arrangement and schedule the shipping date. Be Forward also enables customers to track the car’s status and every shipping detail via their dedicated Customer Page (CAP Page), providing an up-to-date view of the vessel’s journey until it reaches its destination port.
This process is transparent and straightforward, giving customers confidence and peace of mind at every stage of purchase and shipping.
Required Documents
The vehicle import process requires preparing a set of essential documents to ensure the procedures run smoothly and avoid any delays. Some of these documents are provided by the exporting company, such as Be Forward, while the buyer is responsible for verifying data and submitting certain documents when needed.
The following documents are typically sent by the company:
- Original Bill of Lading (B/L):
This document is issued by the company to confirm the shipment of the vehicle and is among the most important records proving the car has been shipped. It contains the essential details of the vehicle. It is crucial that the name on the Bill of Lading matches the name registered under the buyer’s Tax Identification Number (TIN). If the names do not match, customs clearance may be delayed. - Export Certificate:
Provided by the company to confirm that the vehicle has been exported from its country of origin in accordance with applicable regulations. - Invoice:
The company provides an invoice outlining the purchase details and the vehicle’s price. - Additional Documents:
The company will also supply any other documents that may be requested, such as a Certificate of Fuel Efficiency or any related paperwork required by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Receiving the Documents
Usually, the original documents are sent within 3 to 5 business days via express shipping methods like DHL to the address specified by the buyer. These documents include two copies of the Bill of Lading, the Export Certificate, a copy of the Invoice, and any other required documents. A tracking number is provided so the importer can follow the shipment’s progress until it arrives.
The buyer must then submit the documents received from the company to the relevant authorities such as Customs and the Standards and Metrology Authority when the vehicle arrives.
Be Forward will work hand in hand with the buyer at every stage to ensure all required documents are in order and the import process is carried out efficiently and effectively.
Peace of Mind
It is worth noting that Be Forward offers a Pre-Inspection service for the vehicle in Japan or Korea prior to shipping, to confirm its condition and quality. However, the Saudi government does not recognize the results of these Japan or Korea-based inspections.
Even if the company performs the check before shipping, its findings will not be accepted by the official agencies in Saudi Arabia.
Therefore, the client must conduct another inspection at Saudi customs once the car arrives. This inspection confirms the vehicle’s compliance with Saudi regulations, such as fuel efficiency and environmental emissions standards. Thus, if the client chooses to use Be Forward’s pre-shipment inspection service, it will only serve to provide peace of mind regarding the car’s condition before shipping. However, the mandatory inspection for customs clearance will be performed in Saudi Arabia.
Conditions for Importing Vehicles into Saudi Arabia
When importing a vehicle into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, there are several conditions that must be met, including:
Vehicle Age: Import of small cars and light trucks is permitted only if they are no more than five years old, whereas heavy trucks over 3.5 tons can be imported as long as they do not exceed ten years of age.
Saudi Specifications Compliance: Vehicles must comply with Saudi standards, including fuel efficiency and environmental emissions requirements, along with providing a Certificate of Fuel Efficiency.
For all other conditions and requirements set by the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, please visit: https://zatca.gov.sa/ar/RulesRegulations/Taxes/Pages/import-vehicles.aspx
Additionally, the website https://sls.saso.gov.sa/Pages/ExploreVehicle belonging to the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) offers an outstanding service through the Explore Vehicle platform, allowing importers to verify that their vehicles meet Saudi standards by entering key vehicle details such as model, year, and chassis number.
Importers can check if the car has a conformity certificate and whether it satisfies safety and environmental emissions requirements. This step helps avoid importing non-compliant vehicles, saving time and costs that could result from a car being rejected at customs or needing later modifications. We strongly advise reviewing these two sites thoroughly to ensure a smooth import process and to avoid any unforeseen complications.
The website of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority in Saudi Arabia also provides a Car Import Fee Calculator at the following link:
https://eservices.zatca.gov.sa/sites/sc/ar/PublicInquiryServices/Pages/InquiryContentPages/CalcCarFees.aspx
This service helps importers calculate the relevant fees and taxes for importing vehicles into the Kingdom. It allows users to enter vehicle details—such as type, value, and manufacturing year—then calculates customs duties with precision. This tool offers a comprehensive estimate of expected costs, enabling importers to plan their budgets more accurately before proceeding with the purchase or customs clearance.
Shipping & Delivery
When purchasing a vehicle from Be Forward, it is shipped to one of the main ports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (such as the Port of Dammam or Jeddah) according to the customer’s choice. Our company offers flexible shipping services that cater to customers’ needs, ensuring that your vehicle arrives safely and on schedule.
Once the car reaches the port, you will need to arrange transportation to its final destination within the Kingdom. We highly recommend planning ahead to secure a suitable transport option from the port to your desired location. You can always track your shipment’s progress and find out when it will arrive at the port by visiting the **Car Arrival Progress (CAP)** page on Be Forward’s website. This transparent and user-friendly feature allows you to follow the vessel’s journey, helping you to prepare in advance for customs clearance and collecting your car.
Contact Us
If you encounter any issues during the purchase or import process, we are here to assist you. Please feel free to reach out to us through the following methods:
- Email: top@beforward.jp
- WhatsApp: +81 70 9240 3895
- Phone: +81 42 440 3440
Our support team is available to answer any questions and provide solutions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free import experience.
At Be Forward, we are committed to delivering top-quality services and continuous support for our customers at every step of the purchase and import process. If you are considering importing your next vehicle, we are here to assist you and meet your requirements with absolute professionalism. For more information or if you have any inquiries, do not hesitate to reach out through the available contact channels. Your successful import journey begins with us!
