News developments
Saudi Arabia: ZATCA waives bank guarantees and metal plates for transit carriers
6 April 2026: Saudi Arabia has removed the requirement for bank guarantees and metal transit plates for transit carriers, streamlining customs procedures to support trade flow and logistics efficiency.
Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has announced that transit transport activities may now be carried out without submitting a bank guarantee, as part of a broader effort to simplify customs procedures and increase operational flexibility during the current phase. The measure applies across land, sea, and air ports in the Kingdom and is intended to ensure uninterrupted cargo movement.
In addition, ZATCA confirmed that metal transit plates are no longer required for carriers transporting goods under the domestic transit system between air and sea ports. The removal of this requirement is designed to facilitate faster transfers between ports and reduce procedural burdens on logistics operators.
The changes aim to enhance the efficiency of supply chains, support the smooth flow of trade, and strengthen the resilience of customs services under varying regional and global conditions. The simplified framework should improve logistics flexibility while allowing Zatca to maintain operational oversight through existing electronic and regulatory controls.
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