I received an email this morning from a shipper in Xiamen: "Your quoted rate for Xiamen to Jeddah is $1,200/20GP, but does that include Saudi customs clearance on arrival? I need to know before I book." This is not an unusual question, yet many freight forwarders leave it ambiguous.

![Freight image](https://zhongdong123.cn/image/A026.jpg)

The confusion arises because freight quotes often list "Xiamen to Jeddah sea freight rates with customs clearance" as a bundled phrase. But in practice, "with customs clearance" can mean different things — from documentary assistance to full DDP (Delivered Duty Paid). For Saudi Arabia, this distinction is critical.

### 1. Does a Standard Sea Freight Quote Include Saudi Customs Clearance?

Q: I see a rate labeled "Xiamen to Jeddah sea freight rates with customs clearance" — am I covered for all customs procedures at Jeddah port?**A: Not automatically.** The phrase "with customs clearance" is often a marketing term. A typical freight quote covers ocean freight, BAF, THC, documentation fee (DOC), and possibly port handling at origin and destination. Saudi customs clearance — which includes SABER certification, SASO inspection, duty payment, and release of cargo — is almost always an **extra charge**. Always verify whether the seller means *customs documentation service* (like sending papers to the broker) or *full customs clearance* (including payment of duties and physical release).

### 2. What Are the Key Charges in a True "Customs Clearance Inclusive" Quote?

When a forwarder claims "Xiamen to Jeddah sea freight rates with customs clearance" are included, ask for a breakdown. Below is a typical structure you should request:

| Fee Item | Typical Range (USD) | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ocean Freight (FCL 20GP) | $1,100–$1,500 | Depends on carrier, peak season |
| BAF / LSS | $100–$250 | Low sulphur surcharge |
| THC (Origin) | $80–$150 | Terminal handling at Xiamen |
| THC (Destination) | $100–$180 | Jeddah port handling |
| Documentation Fee | $40–$60 | Bill of lading, SI amendment |
| SABER Certificate | $50–$120 | Required for most goods |
| Customs Broker Fee | $150–$300 | Broker handling at Jeddah |
| Duty & VAT | 5%–12% of CIF value | Paid by consignee usually |

If "customs clearance" is included, the broker fee and SABER certificate should be in the quote — but duties are almost always payable by the consignee unless it is a DDP arrangement. Ask: **"Does your rate cover the actual duty payment or just the clearance paperwork?"**

### 3. Why Saudi Arabia Is Different from UAE or Qatar

Q: I ship to Jebel Ali and customs clearance is simple. Why is Jeddah more complicated?Saudi Arabia requires **SABER** (product safety certification) before shipment — not after arrival. Without a valid SABER certificate, your cargo will be held at customs and subject to daily demurrage. Many forwarders quote "clearance included" but forget to mention that the shipper must provide the SABER registration number. Plus, Saudi customs applies strict random inspections for machinery, electronics, and building materials. If you compare Xiamen to Jeddah sea freight rates with customs clearance, ensure the broker has experience with **SASO** and **IECEE** requirements.

### 4. What to Ask Your Forwarder Before Booking

To avoid surprise charges, send this checklist to your forwarder when you inquire about Xiamen to Jeddah sea freight rates with customs clearance:

- ☐ Is the SABER certificate fee included or separate?
- ☐ Do you handle physical customs inspection on my behalf?
- ☐ Are duties (5% for most goods, 15% for some) paid by you or the consignee?
- ☐ What if customs holds the cargo — who covers demurrage and inspection charges?
- ☐ Do you provide a single invoice that covers **all** destination clearance costs?

### 5. Common Misconception: "Clearance Included" Means "DDP"

> "My forwarder said customs clearance is included, but then they charged me $400 for SABER and broker fee on arrival. I thought it was DDP." — A shipper's complaint.

DDP means *door‑to‑door with all duties and taxes paid*. "Customs clearance included" often means only the broker paperwork — not duties. To avoid this trap, always request a **destination charges breakdown** before comparing Xiamen to Jeddah sea freight rates with customs clearance. A transparent forwarder will give you a proforma invoice listing: SABER fee, broker fee, THC at Jeddah, delivery order fee, and potential inspection costs. If they refuse, walk away.

### 6. Practical Advice for Shippers

When you receive a rate that says "Xiamen to Jeddah sea freight rates with customs clearance", do not assume. Write back:

- *"Please confirm that this rate includes all customs brokerage at Jeddah, including SABER registration and submission, and excludes only duties and VAT."*
- *Get the answer in writing (email or booking confirmation).*

Many shippers book based on a competitive ocean freight number, only to face hundreds of dollars in unexpected clearance charges. Make the distinction clear early — it saves disputes and cargo delays. For machinery or battery shipments, ask separately about dangerous goods surcharges and SASO certificate validity.

In short: **always ask, "Is Saudi customs clearance really included in this all‑in rate?"** before you book. A few minutes of verification can save you a week of customs nightmares.