Job Discussion Forums

[boundforsaudi]

I have a new computer system, still sealed in the original, unopened boxes. Computer was $2499, monitor was $899. I will be bringing same into Saudi by air freight. I need to know how to minimize the duties I may be liable to. I'm still looking, and please let me know if you have more current info, but for the moment, I've found a document from 2005 here:

http://www.aerointel.com/CustomsDocuments/SaudiArabia.pdf

It looks like if I open the boxes and use the computer a bit before shipment I will only be liable for a 12% "electrical appliance" tax if the value of the goods is judged more than about $3000. So does that mean the computer as a system ($3398) or as separate pieces ($2499 + $899)?

On the other hand, if I leave the boxes sealed it is unclear what duty would be imposed. The second item under "notes" says only that "new items must have bills of sale attached. If bills of sale are not available, customs authorities will assess the items themselves and charge appropriate duty." So what would the "appropriate duty" be? One would think that new goods would be charged a higher percentage than used, but does anybody know the number?

Another issue is this: I believe that all computers imported are sent to the Ministry of Information. If they are judged new, their hard drives are not inspected. If they are judged used, they are. I don't really want them messing around with my computer, which makes me want to leave the boxes sealed, but I don't want to be charged an arm and a leg for duties, either.

Any advice?

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

Altho my info is quite aged, your golden if'n you open all the boxes an' make the equipment look used before you ship it to Sausi. Those fellows don't like competition...

NCTBA

[johnslat]

Dear boundforsaudi,
I think you just created some hassle for yourself. If you had posted here before you bought that computer, I'm sure everyone would have replied:

DON'T BUY IT THERE AND SHIP IT HERE. BUY IT HERE.

So, I agree with NCTB - make it look "used." You might have to leave it at the airport "Censor" and come back to pick it up in a few days (inshallah), but then again, they might just wave you through.
You never can tell what they're going to do.

Regards,
John

[boundforsaudi]

Thanks for your comments. I'd still like to know the numbers. What % duty for new goods, what for used? By the way, I'm not shipping it as excess baggage, but as a completely separate air freight shipment.

Here's a document from 2007 that talks about 5% for electrical appliances, but it doesn't seem to say new or used.

http://74.125.95.132/search?q=cache:4a8HWkwEyRsJ:www.anglopacific.co.uk/customguides/m_svcs_customsregulation_saudiarabia.pdf+personal+effects+computers+Saudi+Customs+duties&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=firefox-a

Here's the current Saudi customs website, but I can't find an entry for computer tariffs.

http://www.customs.gov.sa/CustomsNew/tariff/section_E.aspx

Flat-panel monitors, section 16, HS code 85 31 80 20, seem to be duty free.

[Green Acres]

You may be able to avoid customs if the computer is used, but I would not think that would be possible if it is still in it's original boxes.

Also, don't insure the "gift" and mark it as such, or as your personal property. I don't think they will charge me anything to bring my 2 year old laptop into the country....why would they charge you?

Declaring property and insuring it has always been the trap for customs duties on the other end. If the property is gifted or not insured (deemed valueless) then there is little more that can be done. While you have a desk top, which may make the matter more complicated, I just can't see them charging duties to every single business traveler because they have a notebook computer, or blueberry, for that matter. Somewhere there must be a provision that allows for your personal property.

Of course this position will draw up protests from many who have been taxed in one way or anther, thus proving me false, and that's okay. I'm not so sure myself, and while I have done well to avoid such duties in many places, I can't say that I have ever been to KSA, so I really don't know.

If anything, I would think, they would charge a tax to you upon leaving the country, if you did not bring such items with you, as is the case with jewelry and gold.

And they were right. I've read several times that computer equipment is not overpriced in KSA, so to buy everything there. If you haven't opened the boxes, maybe you can refund the purchase?

[boundforsaudi]

Thanks for your thoughts. I saved $460 buying my system in the USA at an official Apple store, compared to what I would have to pay in Jeddah, which only has "official" 3rd party resellers. With the one I got, I'm sure I have the cutting-edge product, and nothing has been left out or counterfeited. I guess I'll keep it and open the boxes up directly. The movers will be here in a few hours. I think the duty, if imposed, would actually be only 5%.

[paradox3696]

I know for fact that a colleague of mine bought a laptop from the States with the help of his friend in USA and his friend courier to him and he picked up from the local post office without any tax imposed.

Folks, this is the magic kingdom and things could change in a switch of a button. Personally, I would only bring a USED and functional PC here and would NOT purposely purchase a new one at home country just to bring it here. PC prices are not that much different ( a little higher here) though you can expect customer service support in the magiKKK kingdom in any products is virtually non-existence.


Best of luck to you.

[paradox3696]

I think it would be wise for you to open the box and run the system before you ship it to make sure it is in working condition as you have expected.