A common assumption among many China-based shippers is that customs clearance for Saudi Arabia follows the same process regardless of the entry port. In reality, **customs clearance at Dammam for shipments from Xiamen** has its own evolving requirements, and a recent procedural change—quietly implemented earlier this quarter—has caught quite a few forwarders off guard. Let’s break down what actually changed and how you can avoid delays.

![Freight image](https://zhongdong123.cn/image/A019.jpg)

So what is the real problem? Several batches of machinery and building materials exported from Xiamen to Dammam last month were held at customs for an average of 5–7 extra days, triggering demurrage and storage fees. The common thread: all lacked a specific customs declaration annotation that the Saudi ZATCA platform now requires for cargo arriving via Dammam, while shipments through Jeddah or Jubail were not affected. For Xiamen shippers who normally route via Dammam to save transit time, this silent rule change directly impacted their supply chain reliability.

### The Cause: A ZATCA Data Field Update

According to recent feedback from our Saudi customs brokers, the **ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority)** added a new mandatory field in the electronic declaration for all inbound containers to Dammam. The field—named **"Importer Facility Code"**—must match the one registered in the SABER system for the product. For customs clearance at Dammam for shipments from Xiamen, if this code is missing or mismatched, the system automatically triggers a "hold for inspection" status. Many forwarders in Xiamen were unaware because the update was not widely announced; it simply appeared on the ZATCA portal with a one-week soft-launch period.

> Broker note: "The code is not the same as the SABER certificate number. It is a separate facility ID linked to the importer's customs registration. Most overseas forwarders never ask for it."

Besides the new code, there is also a stricter requirement for the **HS code precision**. Dammam customs now cross-checks the declared HS code against the SABER product category more thoroughly. For example, a machinery shipment classified under HS 8479 (machines having individual functions) may be rejected if the SABER certificate lists a different subcategory. This affects consolidated FCL shipments where multiple items are covered under one declaration.

### The Solution: Three Actionable Steps for Xiamen Shippers

To ensure smooth customs clearance at Dammam for shipments from Xiamen, implement the following steps **before** the vessel sails:

1. **Obtain the "Importer Facility Code" from your Saudi buyer.** This is a 10-digit alphanumeric code registered with ZATCA. Ask your consignee to provide it in writing and include it in both the SABER application and the customs declaration.
2. **Align HS codes between commercial invoice and SABER certificate.** Have your forwarder or a third-party compliance specialist pre-check the HS classification for each product line. If there are multiple sub-items, consider splitting the shipment into separate BLs to avoid a single mismatch blocking the whole container.
3. **Request a pre-clearance review 48 hours before SI cut-off.** Many experienced forwarders now offer a documentation pre-check specifically for Dammam-bound cargo. They will compare your invoice, packing list, SABER certificate, and the new facility code against the Dammam customs checklist and flag any discrepancies.

### Comparison: Old vs New Clearance Requirements at Dammam

| Item | Before Change | After Change |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Importer Facility Code | Optional / not required | **Mandatory**; must match SABER registration |
| HS code alignment with SABER | Loose check | Strict cross-verification; any mismatch triggers a hold |
| Declaration processing time | 1–2 hours | 4–6 hours (if all fields correct); indefinite if errors |
| Risk of inspection | Low (random) | Medium–High (systematic when code/HS mismatches) |

This change does **not** affect cargo via Jeddah or Riyadh Dry Port – it is specific to Dammam (King Abdulaziz Port). For shippers in Xiamen who choose Dammam as the first port because of direct sailings from Xiamen (e.g., COSCO’s AGX service), the extra documentation attention is a small price to pay for avoiding a 5–7 day delay.

### Additional Tips for DDP and Cargo Types

- For **DDP shipments** containing lithium batteries or building materials, ensure the SABER certificate explicitly covers the battery classification (UN3480/UN3481) and the HS code is not grouped under “machinery” – otherwise Dammam customs may treat them as general cargo and require separate approval.
- **SI cut-off reminder:** If you plan to use Dammam, request the facility code from your buyer at least 5 working days before the vessel’s ETD. Last-minute requests often lead to rushed data entry and errors.
- **Document pre-review** – a growing number of Xiamen-based freight forwarders now offer a “Dammam customs check” service for around USD 30–50 per booking. Considering the potential demurrage cost (often >200 USD per day), it is a worthwhile investment.

The quiet rule change behind the recent delays is a classic example of how small procedural updates can cause big disruption. By incorporating the Importer Facility Code and aligning HS codes with SABER, your customs clearance at Dammam for shipments from Xiamen can remain efficient and predictable. Before your next booking, ask your forwarder if they have verified these new requirements with their Saudi agent.

**Action checklist:** ☐ Get Importer Facility Code ☐ Match HS codes with SABER ☐ Do a pre-clearance review before SI cut-off