Mail Forwarding to Saudi Arabia

Renting a US mailbox is a common trend among new and existing businesses in the US and Overseas. Some
companies simply do not have the staff, space or budget to maintain an active mailing department for sending
and receiving important company transactions and communications. Renting a US mailbox offers a cost
effective and efficient solution for the company’s postal and communication needs in addition to virtual US
presence. US Mailbox will offer you a genuine US street address for your business without the excessive
overhead, expensive leases, utility bills and taxes.

If you have your own business, small or big, in USA or overseas, you got to take a minute to consider these top
ten reasons to having your own US mailbox:

1. Reliable: Reliably sending and receiving packages is a priority of many companies. Missing a delivery or a
package can lead to poor communication with clients and portray a bad impression of the company. Renting a
mailbox assures that all your incoming mail and packages will be received by someone 24 hours a day and all
your outgoing correspondence will be mailed on time.

2. Privacy: This feature is popular among home businesses and those not keen on disclosing their actual
location to everyone. A mailbox itself is an entirely different address and hence it offers complete privacy for
the business owner or the company, keeping their actual address unpublished.

Mail Forwarding to Saudi Arabia cannot be any easier!

Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC)

The Unified Economic Agreement amongst GCC Members provides for the exemption of
customs duties for products from any GCC member state as long as 51% of the factory equity
is owned by a GCC national. The GCC is not a full-fledged customs union, yet.

Arab League
Saudi Arabia is a member of the Arab League and is a signatory to the Agreement to Facilitate Trade and
Exchange and to Organize Transit between the Arab League States. The purpose of this agreement is to grant
special trade concessions to member states. There are also bilateral agreements amongst individual members.
The Arab League States have adopted a unified tariff table that is very similar to the tariff table of the Brussels'
CCC customs nomenclature. This is an effort to utilize the CCC's customs technical expertise and keep pace
with advancements in the customs' sphere.

International Resource Center

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Saudi Arabia Country Profile

Country Information

Capital: Riyadh

Population: 28,161,417 (Est. July 2008)

Language: Arabic (English is widely spoken)

Weights and Measures: Kilograms

Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR)

Time Zone GMT + 0300

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Trade Group Member

Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC)

The Unified Economic Agreement amongst GCC Members provides for the exemption of customs duties for
products from any GCC member state as long as 51% of the factory equity is owned by a GCC national. The
GCC is not a full-fledged customs union, yet.

Arab League
Saudi Arabia is a member of the Arab League and is a signatory to the Agreement to Facilitate Trade and
Exchange and to Organize Transit between the Arab League States. The purpose of this agreement is to grant
special trade concessions to member states. There are also bilateral agreements amongst individual members.
The Arab League States have adopted a unified tariff table that is very similar to the tariff table of the Brussels'
CCC customs nomenclature. This is an effort to utilize the CCC's customs technical expertise and keep pace
with advancements in the customs' sphere.

International Customs Organization

The Kingdom has joined the ICO's Agreement on Harmonized System Agreement. They have also joined the
Agreement on Harmonizing and Simplifying Customs Procedures (KYOTO).

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

Members meet to devise oil production outputs, etc.

Multilateral organizations
Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), International Finance
Corporation (IFC), International Monetary Fund (IMF), International Maritime Organization (IMO),
International Telecommunication Union (ITU), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
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(UNCTAD), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations
Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), World Health Organization (WHO), World Intellectual
Property Organization (WIPO), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), World Trade Organization
(WTO) observer, New York Convention on foreign arbitral awards, Universal Copyright Convention,
International Brussels Agreement, Interpol,

Environmental agreements
Cites (Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) protects endangered
species by import and export permits.

Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal
ensures that Antarctica is used for peaceful purposes.

Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer phases out consumption and trade of ozone-
depleting substances.

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General Import Clearance Information

Clearance Process

Working with Customs officials throughout the world, FedEx has developed innovative technology to eliminate
many paperwork-handling steps and expedite the movement of international shipments. This is the FedEx
Expressclear electronic Customs clearance system. Starting at the origin, state-of-the-art technology allows the
processing of shipment paperwork and electronic transmission of documents to the designated FedEx hub and
destination clearance location. The Expressclear system also keeps a database of regulatory information which
includes importers numbers, broker designation, corporate contact names and telephone numbers. At a FedEx
hub, international shipments are sorted, scanned and loaded onto an international flight. Vital shipment
information is keyed into a worldwide manifest database, which is linked to computer systems operated by
brokers and Customs officials in many countries. Even before the plane has taken off, or while it is in the air,
Customs agents and brokers at the destination airport of entry can begin examining shipping manifests,
querying air waybill data if they need more details, assessing duties and taxes and selecting which shipments
they wish to examine. International shipments are scanned at all key points throughout the process and allows
for up-to-date status reports including when Customs clearance is obtained.

The importation of goods into Saudi Arabia is governed by a myriad of laws and import regulations that would
be considered unique by western standards. Importers and exporters wishing to do business there must comply
with strict adherence to these laws. It is important to remember that the Saudi rule of law, Shariah, is derived
from the Holy Quran and the Muslim faith permeates throughout. Any product deemed contrary to Islamic law
is prohibited.

In Saudi Arabia, the Customs department is the government agency responsible for the enforcement of the tariff
and Customs rules and regulations. Although, Saudi Arabia is a member of the Customs Coordination Council,
customs officers do not have the authority to do investigative work on business premises, nor do they have
enforcement powers. These powers are vested with the Ministry of Interior.
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Saudi Arabia is working toward accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). However, there are still
inconsistencies which go against WTO accepted trade procedures. The United States government is working
with the Saudi authorities to upgrade customs valuation procedures.

Every shipment to Saudi Arabia carried via Federal Express International Priority Service, regardless of value
or commodity, requires an airway bill and a commercial invoice. Additionally, shipments with a value of
$13,000 (USD) or more require a Certificate of Origin legalized by the Saudi Arabia Royal Embassy.
Additional documents or permits may be required based on the type of commodity. It is port practice for
shipments clearing in the city of Jeddah to require a Certificate of Origin for all commercial shipments.
Shipments with a value over $2600.00 (USD) are considered commercial shipments.

Shipments containing dangerous goods are not acceptable to Saudi Arabia via Federal Express International
Priority Service.

Registration requirements

Importers of commercial shipments are required to provide Saudi Customs with their importer code number that
is listed on their trade license that they receive when they register with their local Chamber of Commerce.

Tariff classification

Saudi Arabia has signed the International Customs Organization's Agreement on Harmonized System
Agreement. They have also joined the Agreement on Harmonizing and Simplifying Customs Procedures
(KYOTO). Therefore, the Saudi tariff nomenclature is consistent with the harmonized system.

Inspection

The Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) has implemented a program known as the International
Conformity Certification Program (ICCP) that applies to 76 regulated products. The purpose of the program is
to protect the Saudi Arabian consumer. ICCP is administered worldwide by Intertech Testing Services and the
program consists of two related but separate processes: Registration and Inspection.

Regulated products exported to the Kingdom are required to be registered by the manufacturer and must have a
Certificate of Conformity issued by Intertech. Failure to provide this certification will result in the rejection of
the import entry by Saudi Arabian Customs. The complete details on how this process works can be found at the
ICCP website: http://www.iccp.com/

Free Trade Zones

There are no free trade zones in Saudi Arabia.

Temporary Import Bond Shipments

Temporary goods which are imported for promotional use, require an invoice with the value of the goods
endorsed by the local Chamber of Commerce, and a certificate of origin. The invoice should clearly state that
the goods are being imported for exhibition purposes only and will be re-exported. A refundable deposit of 5%
or 20% must be paid to the Saudi Customs. The customs authorities will collect handling charges. ***Please
note that Federal Express does not accept Temporary Import Bond (TIB) Shipments on FedEx International
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Priority (FXIP) service. Please contact your local FedEx customer service representative for alternative
shipping services with FedEx which will accept TIB shipments.***

Drawbacks/Return & Repairs

Products imported permanently into Saudi Arabia are subject to payment of Customs Duties. The Saudi
Customs regulations do not allow for refund of customs duties unless the importer can prove to the customs
department that he is unable to sell the products in the local market. Machinery and the like re-exported for
maintenance by the manufacturer are exempted from payment of duties when brought back in the country.

Document Requirements

Every shipment to Saudi Arabia carried via Federal Express International Priority Service regardless of value or
commodity requires an airway bill and a commercial invoice. Additionally, shipments with a value of $13,000
(USD) or more require a Certificate of Origin legalized by the Saudi Arabia Royal Embassy. Additional
documents or permits may be required based on the type of commodity. It is port practice for shipments
clearing in the city of Jeddah to require a Certificate of Origin for all commercial shipments. Shipments with a
value over $2600.00 (USD) are considered commercial shipments.

Customs Valuation

For statistical purposes, the valuation of import consignments is based on the Cost-Insurance-Freight (CIF)
value. However, all merchandise is appraised by Saudi Customs. Duties are collected on Customs valuation of
the merchandise which are often contrary to the declared for actual transaction value. Minimum prices are used
as well. These practices are not WTO-consistent. Customs agents rely on their own experiences, contact with
manufacturers and local pricing structures when assessing import tariffs. The valuation of export consignments
is based on Free On Board (FOB).

Import Duties

Although the majority of goods imported into Saudi Arabia are exempt from import restrictions, many are still
subject to customs duty. In general, basic consumer products, including rice and sugar, are duty free. Customs
duties of 20% are imposed on selected imported commodities, to provide protection for developing national
industries. Import duty on other items is 5% ad valorem on the cost, insurance, freight (CIF) value and is
effective immediately.

Antidumping

Dumping occurs when a non-Saudi Arabian firm sells its product in Saudi Arabia for less than it sells it in its
own country in order to gain market share or undermine an existing or emerging industry. Saudi Arabia can
apply anti-dumping or countervailing duties to these products. These additional duties are imposed on
a temporary basis to counteract the effects of an unfairly low price or an unfair subsidy to the producer. An
example of an unfair subsidy would be government grants, capital loans, favorable loan guarantees, export
rebates, and tax incentives. These duties can only be imposed if the imported goods have caused, or are likely
to cause, material harm to the Saudi Arabian domestic market.

There is an 'Agricultural Calendar' scheme which offers protection for Saudi produce at peak harvest. The
scheme imposes additional customs tariffs on imported goods at peak Saudi harvest.

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Excise Duties

Additional Duties
There are no additional duties for Saudi Arabia.

Import Taxes
There are no import taxes over the basic five percent duty and customs processing fee.

Customs Fees

There is a 20 (SAR) service charge for each dutiable shipment.

Exchange Controls

Saudi Arabia imposes no foreign exchange controls and no other restrictions on the repatriation of profits or
capital by foreign investors, beyond a prohibition against transactions with Israel.

Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT's)

Technical barriers or non-tariff barriers to trade as they are sometimes known, can cause many problems for
exporters looking for new markets for their products. These barriers can be in the form of regulations, standards,
testing and certification procedures. The World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Technical Barriers to
Trade tries to ensure that these barriers do not create unnecessary obstacles. To obtain further information on
Technical Barriers to Trade as well as Notifications on technical regulations and conformity assessment
procedures, go to the WTO website at: http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tbt_e/tbt_e.htm.

Saudi Arabia is negotiating acceptance to the World Trade Organization (WTO). WTO membership should
bring about a number of bureaucratic and regulatory changes that are currently viewed as restrictions to trade.

Saudi Arabia's pre-shipment inspection program known as the International Conformity Certification Program
(ICCP) is controversial and is seen by many as a barrier to free trade. It adds various costs to imports and can
cause delays. Shipments valued under $5000.00 (USD) do not require ICCP.

Genetically modified food (GMO) has specific labeling requirements. If a product contains any genetically
modified plant ingredients the information is required to be communicated to consumers via the label. GMO
imports must also be accompanied by a certificate issued by the producing country stating that the product was
approved for consumption in the country of origin.

The government procurement methods give preference to fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members.
GCC members enjoy a 10% price preference over non-GCC products.

Consular Fees

All document requirements to Saudi Arabia must be legalized by one of the Embassies or Consulates General of
Saudi Arabia. There is a charge per document or page for both originals and copies. Please contact your local
Saudi Embassy for additional details and charges.

General Import Clearance Information

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Saudi Arabia Import Prohibitions

These are some of the items the Saudi Arabian government prohibits:

 Any item contrary to the Royal Family, Saudi Arabian or Muslim beliefs or morality
 Goods either shipped from or manufactured in Israel are completely banned
 Alcohol and alcohol related items
 Items of human concealment such as: wigs, masks, artificial pearls, etc.
 Items used for gambling or games of chance.
 Stuffed animals and pokemon toys
 Any items which depict or display the female anatomy (other than for strict medical purposes).
 Watches which have cameras attached to them.
 Pornography in any form.
Dangerous Goods as defined by IATA (Intl. Air Transport Association)

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General Import Restrictions

The following items are not acceptable for carriage to any international destinations unless otherwise
indicated. (Additional restrictions may apply depending on destination. Various regulatory clearances
in addition to customs clearance may be required for certain commodities, thereby extending the transit
time.)

 APO/FPO addresses.

 C.O.D. shipments.

 Human corpses, human organs or body parts, human and animal embryos, or cremated or disinterred human
remains.

 Explosives (Class 1.4 explosives are acceptable for carriage to Canada, Germany, Japan, Sweden, United Arab
Emirates and United Kingdom. Note: United Arab Emirates only allows Class 1.4 explosives to be shipped hold-
for- pick-up to the FedEx Express facility in Dubai.)

 Firearms, weaponry, and their parts (acceptable between the U.S. and Puerto Rico).

 Perishable foodstuffs and foods and beverages requiring refrigeration or other environmental control.

 Live animals (including insects) except via our Live Animal Desk (1.800.405.9052).

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  Plants and plant material, including cut flowers (cut flowers are acceptable from the U.S. to selected points in
Canada and from Colombia, Ecuador and the Netherlands to the U.S.).

 Lottery tickets and gambling devices where prohibited by local, state, provincial or national law.

 Money (coins, cash, currency, paper money and negotiable instruments equivalent to cash such as endorsed
stocks, bonds and cash letters).

 Collectible coins and stamps.

 Pornographic and/or obscene material.

 Hazardous waste, including, but not limited to, used hypodermic needles or syringes or other medical waste.

 Shipments that may cause damage to, or delay of, equipment, personnel or other shipments.

 Shipments that require us to obtain any special license or permit for transportation, importation or exportation.

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