What happens if I do not declare food, plant and animal products under agency control in Saudi Arabia?

Under Common Customs Law of the GCC States, Article 142, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence. Under Common Customs Law of the GCC States, Article 143: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence. Under Common Customs Law of the GCC States, Article 145: an administrative fine is imposed; it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.

Can I post or ship food, plant and animal products under agency control to Saudi Arabia instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead.

Where does this rule come from?

Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) states it in Customs Procedures. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “The agricultural consignments shall be referred to the Animal and Plant Quarantine for examination. A notification will be issued accordingly on whether to be released or not.”

How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on food, plant and animal products under agency control?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit food, plant and animal products under agency control, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. Saudi Arabia is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Food, plant and animal products under agency control can I bring into Saudi Arabia?

Restricted

You can bring Food, plant and animal products under agency control into Saudi Arabia only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Customs Procedures Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA)

Questions about Food, plant and animal products under agency control in Saudi Arabia

Do I have to declare food, plant and animal products under agency control at Saudi Arabia customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Saudi Arabia customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare food, plant and animal products under agency control in Saudi Arabia?: Under Common Customs Law of the GCC States, Article 142, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence. Under Common Customs Law of the GCC States, Article 143: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence. Under Common Customs Law of the GCC States, Article 145: an administrative fine is imposed; it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.
Can I post or ship food, plant and animal products under agency control to Saudi Arabia instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead.
Can I take food, plant and animal products under agency control out of Saudi Arabia?: Saudi Arabia publishes no separate rule for taking food, plant and animal products under agency control out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Saudi Arabia limit for food, plant and animal products under agency control apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) states it in Customs Procedures. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “The agricultural consignments shall be referred to the Animal and Plant Quarantine for examination. A notification will be issued accordingly on whether to be released or not.”
How does Saudi Arabia compare with other countries on food, plant and animal products under agency control?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit food, plant and animal products under agency control, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. Saudi Arabia is among the ones that set a limit.

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