Dubai Career Diary

Saudi Arabia has introduced new duty-free rules for passengers, offering a seamless shopping experience at airports, land, and sea customs points. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has set the maximum purchase limit at SR3,000 ($800) per passenger, with the condition that the purchase is for personal use.

Passengers can also purchase cigarettes, with a maximum quantity of 200 per person. The new rules aim to enhance the travel experience for passengers arriving in the Kingdom.

Getting a License
ZATCA is now accepting license applications from operators of duty-free markets in arrival lounges at customs points. To apply, operators can contact ZATCA through phone (19993), social media (@Zatca_Care), email (info@zatca.gov.sa), or online (www.zatca.gov.sa).

Improving Logistical Services
The new rules are part of ZATCA’s efforts to improve logistical services for duty-free market operators at customs points in both arrival and departure lounges. This move is expected to boost the overall travel experience for passengers arriving in Saudi Arabia.

Background
Earlier, ZATCA issued customs rules, conditions, and procedures for establishing duty-free markets at air, sea, and land points, in accordance with the unified customs system for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. This followed a Cabinet decision approving the establishment of duty-free markets at air, sea, and land points, allowing sales to passengers arriving in and departing from the Kingdom.