Many shippers believe that under DDP terms, the seller bears every cost and risk until the goods reach the buyer's door. But when it comes to a failed customs clearance for tiles in Saudi Arabia, that belief can be costly. Who actually foots the bill when the Saudi authorities reject or delay the shipment due to documentation issues or product non-compliance?

Let's walk through a real scenario: a Chinese exporter shipped 20ft of ceramic tiles to Dammam under DDP. The buyer had paid nothing beyond the agreed price. Upon arrival, Saudi Customs flagged the shipment because the **SABER certificate** was issued for a different product category. The clearance failed. The goods sat in the port for two weeks, accumulating demurrage and detention charges. Who paid? Not so straightforward.

![Freight image](https://zhongdong123.cn/image/A004.jpg)

### The Core Misunderstanding: DDP ≠ All‑Risk Insurance

Under Incoterms 2020, DDP means the seller delivers the goods cleared for import at the buyer's premises. However, that obligation is conditioned on the buyer providing necessary cooperation. If the buyer fails to supply correct information or if the shipment itself violates Saudi regulations, the cost burden shifts.

For **tiles customs clearance in Saudi Arabia**, the most frequent failure reasons are:

- **Incorrect SABER/SASO certification** – product category mismatch or expired certificate
- **Missing country‑of‑origin documentation** – Saudi requires strictly attested certificate of origin
- **Product labeling non‑compliance** – tiles must bear Arabic labels with manufacturer details
- **Prohibited or restricted materials** – e.g., asbestos content or high silica dust concentration

In a typical DDP contract, the seller pays for clearance. But if the failure arises from **buyer‑supplied information** or **buyer’s import license restrictions**, the seller can claim reimbursement. The real payer depends on who caused the root problem.

### Breaking Down the Cost Components

| Cost Item | Who Covers It in DDP? | Who Pays If Clearance Fails? |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ocean freight & surcharges | Seller | Seller (already incurred) |
| Port charges (THC, demurrage, detention) | Seller | Usually seller, but can be recharged if buyer at fault |
| SABER certification & registration fee | Seller | Seller – unless buyer provided wrong product code |
| Customs broker fee | Seller | Seller (still needs to re‑clear or destroy) |
| Storage & return/ re‑export cost | Seller | Seller if clearance fails on seller’s compliance; buyer if failure is due to buyer’s restrictive import policies |

### When the Buyer Can Still End Up Paying

Consider a common pitfall: the buyer requests a specific SABER certificate for “ceramic floor tiles” but the actual goods are “porcelain wall tiles.” The seller procures clearance based on the buyer’s instructions. If the customs office rejects because the product description doesn't match the commercial invoice and packing list, the fault lies with the buyer’s mis‑specification. The seller can then invoice the buyer for additional demurrage, re‑clearance efforts, and penalties.

Also, if the buyer does not have a valid **supplier registration** with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (for tiles that meet building material standards), the clearance will stall. The seller may then charge the buyer for waiting time and document amendment fees.

### Practical Steps to Minimise Your Risk

1. **Always pre‑check SABER compliance** – Before shipping, ask your forwarder to verify whether the exact tile type (size, material, use) matches the SABER product category.
2. **Include a DDP addendum** – In your sales contract, specify that “clearance failure caused by buyer‑supplied information or lack of buyer’s import eligibility shall be for buyer’s account.”
3. **Use a reliable customs broker in Saudi** – A broker familiar with **tiles customs clearance in Saudi Arabia** can flag potential issues early and advise on document amendments.
4. **Secure a pre‑arrival clearance review** – Many forwarders offer a “customs pre‑assessment” service for a fee; it’s worth it for high‑value or sensitive cargo like building materials.

Remember: DDP shifts the operational burden to the seller, but it does not absolve the buyer of their responsibility to provide correct, timely information. The worst‑case scenario – goods destroyed, re‑exported, or heavily fined – often leads to a dispute. Knowing exactly who pays before the shipment sails can save both sides thousands of dollars.