Customs Clearance Services in GCC – Fast, Compliant & Accurate
Customs clearance is the most common point in the supply chain for delays, fines, and cargo holds. And it’s the most visible difference between a skilled logistics partner and an average one. A shipment that clears customs in hours instead of days can be the difference between making a production deadline or missing it, between happy customers and costly complaints.
Compass Logistics Solutions has set up dedicated customs clearance capability in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE. Our customs teams are experienced, trained to the latest regulations and working with the precision the GCC customs authorities require from their teams. We don’t just file declarations, we take care of the entire clearance process, we anticipate potential problems before they become problems, and we make sure your cargo clears customs as smoothly as the regulations allow.
Saudi Arabia Customs Clearance & ZATCA Compliance
Saudi Arabia’s customs clearance is handled by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) which runs the Fasah digital platform for import and export declarations. In recent years ZATCA has modernized and digitized the Saudi customs process creating new efficiencies and new compliance requirements that businesses will need to navigate carefully.
Compass’s Saudi customs clearance team is fully up to date with ZATCA regulations including e-invoicing requirements, SABER product conformity certification for regulated goods, customs valuation methodologies, duty exemptions available under GCC origin rules and trade agreements, and the specific documentation requirements for different cargo categories including food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, electronics, and vehicles. We have strong operational relationships with ZATCA Customs officials at all of the major ports and borders of Saudi Arabia.
Qatar Customs Clearance - General Authority of Customs
The General Authority of Customs (GAC) manages customs clearance in Qatar through the ASYCUDA digital platform. Qatar’s import regime includes specific requirements for halal certification on food products, conformity certificates for regulated goods and detailed product declarations that should be accurate down to the HS code level. Some product categories require pre-approval from the Ministry of Public Health or other regulatory bodies before the customs clearance process can be completed.
Qatar Customs Clearance Compass’s Qatar Customs Clearance Professionals Handle the entire process including document presentation and system Filing, Examinations, Duty Payment and Release. We’re up to speed on all GAC requirements and regulatory approvals needed for different product types, so your cargo never gets held up at the border due to documentation holes.
UAE Customs Clearance – Federal and Emirate Level
The UAE customs environment is particularly complex in that it is managed at both federal and emirate level with free zone customs procedures adding another layer. The Federal Customs Authority is responsible for the overall policy, but Dubai Customs, Abu Dhabi Customs and free zone authorities such as JAFZA have their own operational procedures. Compass does all that and more. It clears cargo through Jebel Ali Port, Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi ports and airports and all major UAE free zones.
Our Customs Clearance Process
Compass actively manages the customs clearance process to minimize delays and maximize compliance.
Pre-arrival review We will review all your documentation before your cargo arrives, to identify any issues that may cause delays
HS code classification The foundation of all tariffs, mistakes result in improper duty paid and potential penalties
Duty calculation and payment We calculate the correct duty and taxes and pay them promptly so clearance isn’t delayed
Duty calculation and payment We calculate the correct duty and taxes and pay them promptly so clearance isn’t delayed
Post-clearance audit support If your company is subject to a post-clearance audit, Compass provides full documentation support
Custom Clearance Services
As well as traditional commercial commodities, Compass handles customs clearance for a variety of specialized types of cargo including dangerous goods and chemicals (MSDS documentation and regulatory approvals required), pharmaceutical and medical devices
(SFDA, NHA and UAE MOH approvals), foodstuffs (halal certification, health certificates, country of origin requirements), vehicles (import permits, homologation certificates), personal effects and household goods for the relocation of individuals and ATA carnet shipments for exhibitions and temporary imports.
