Importing a Used Car from Korea to Saudi Arabia: 5-Year Rule, SABER, Duties & Costs

How we approach Saudi buyers

We are Korean export specialists. Korean cars are a natural fit for Saudi Arabia: both markets are left-hand drive (LHD), Hyundai, Kia and Genesis are already common and well-serviced across the Kingdom, and Korea's heavily oversupplied used-car market keeps low-mileage cars cheap. Tell us your situation, the models you want, and your budget, and we will give you a realistic landed cost covering the car, shipping, the 5% duty and 15% VAT, plus the SABER/SASO conformity step. We guide you one on one through the whole process. If a car will not clear the age rule or conformity, we will tell you before you pay, not after.

The two real gates: age and conformity

Unlike right-hand-drive markets, Saudi Arabia does not have a steering-side problem with Korean cars. The two things that actually decide whether a car is importable are its age and its SASO conformity.

1. The 5-year age rule

Saudi Arabia restricts used passenger vehicles to a maximum age of five years, counted by model year and excluding the current year. In practice, for cars imported in 2026, the model year must be 2021 or newer. The rule applies to passenger cars, SUVs and light vehicles under 3.5 tonnes. (ZATCA vehicle import controls)

2. SASO conformity and SABER registration

Every imported vehicle must meet SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization) technical regulations and carry a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). The CoC is issued through the SABER platform, which produces the shipment certificate that customs requires for clearance. Skipping this step is the most common reason a car gets stuck at the port. (SASO imported-vehicle service)

The cost: 5% duty + 15% VAT

On the customs value of the car, Saudi customs applies:

Customs duty: 5% of the customs value.
VAT: 15%, charged on the customs value plus the duty.

That puts the combined tax at roughly 20% of the landed-before-tax value. There is one helpful detail for used cars: customs applies an age-based depreciation discount to the base value, around 10% per year, up to a maximum of 50%. So an older (but still within the 5-year window) car is valued lower for duty purposes. (Syarah customs guide)

What cannot be imported

Some categories are blocked regardless of age: vehicles previously used as taxis or police cars, and salvage, flood or seriously damaged cars. Cars that fall outside the age or efficiency rules can, in limited cases, be imported by Saudi citizens or premium-residency holders by paying a compensation fee of 20% to 50% of the vehicle value (minimum SAR 20,000), but for a normal buyer the simplest path is to stay inside the 5-year rule. (US ITA country guide)

The full process, step by step

Confirm the car fits the rules. Model year within five years, not a former taxi or police car, clean condition. We check this first.
SASO / SABER conformity. We arrange the Certificate of Conformity through SABER so the shipment certificate is ready for customs.
Korean export paperwork. We file the export declaration, de-register the car, and issue the commercial invoice and bill of lading.
Shipping. Usually RoRo or container from Incheon, Pyeongtaek or Busan to Jeddah or Dammam. Transit is typically 3 to 6 weeks.
Customs clearance. Pay the 5% duty and 15% VAT on the customs value (after the age discount). Present the SABER certificate.
Registration. Complete inspection and register the vehicle to get Saudi plates.

What works well for Saudi Arabia

SUVs and crossovers: Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe, Kia Sportage and Sorento, Genesis GV70 and GV80. Strong demand, good resale, well suited to Gulf roads.
Large sedans: Hyundai Grandeur and Genesis G80 are popular and hold value in the Kingdom.
Strong air conditioning and gasoline engines suit the climate. Confirm the spec handles Gulf summer heat.
Model year 2021 or newer to stay inside the 5-year window.

In short

Korea is one of the best-value sources of used cars in the world, and for Saudi Arabia the cars physically fit the road and the brands are already trusted. The combined tax is moderate at about 20%, and the age-based discount softens it further. The work is in the age rule and the SASO/SABER conformity, and that is exactly what we handle with you, step by step, one on one. Get those two right and a Korean import can land well below local prices.

Sources

Rules, duty rates and the age limit change and depend on your specific vehicle and status. Always confirm current requirements directly with ZATCA (customs) and SASO before purchase.

Importing a used car from Korea to Saudi Arabia