Buying from China into Saudi Arabia and the UAE: when is a parcel duty-free?
Answer
Saudi Arabia: personal e-commerce purchases worth under SAR 1,000 in total (including shipping and insurance) are free of customs duty, but VAT is due at any value. Dubai: since 2026-08-03 the duty-free threshold for e-commerce shipments is AED 1,000 (CIF). Rules in the other emirates are not yet confirmed.
- Applies to
- Individual buyers and small traders importing small parcels from China.
At a glance
| Country | Duty-free | VAT | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | Under SAR 1,000 incl. shipping and insurance | Always due, on the full declared amount | ZATCA |
| Dubai | Up to AED 1,000 CIF from 2026-08-03 (not tobacco or alcohol) | 5% federal; how it is collected on parcels is unconfirmed | Dubai Customs notice 16/2026, UAE government portal |
What you can do
- Saudi Arabia: always budget for VAT, even on small parcels. The courier must give you the customs declaration and VAT receipt.
- Dubai: confirm the value including shipping and insurance stays within AED 1,000.
- Do not split orders to stay under a threshold.
Still uncertain
- Thresholds in Abu Dhabi and other emirates.
- How import VAT is collected on small parcels in the UAE.