Latest news with #SaudiZakat
Gulf News
29-04-2025
- Gulf News
Hajj 2025: When should pilgrims make customs declaration?
Cairo: With the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage season looming in sight, Saudi authorities have spelt out customs regulations for the faithful to make their holy journey smooth. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has called on foreign Muslims set to arrive in the kingdom to perform the Hajj rites to complete a customs declaration at the ports of entry and exit if they are carrying more than SR 60,000 or its equivalent in other currencies. The ministry has also called for completing a customs declaration when the pilgrim carries luggage and gifts in commercial quantities, the value of which exceeds SR 3,000. Under Saudi regulations, it is also necessary to submit a customs declaration when the passenger carries items that require the approval of the competent authorities, such as pharmaceutical products. Saudi authorities have warned against possessing prohibited items during the Hajj trip, pointing out that this could cause legal troubles and disrupt the smoothness of the journey. The Ministry of Hajj has urged pilgrims to abide by related instructions and avoid carrying unauthorised drugs, counterfeit currency, rare precious metals, and eavesdropping devices. The ministry has advised pilgrims to visit the website of the Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (Zatca) for more details.
Gulf News
20-04-2025
- Gulf News
Over 1,000 smuggling attempts foiled in a week, says Saudi Arabia
Cairo: Saudi customs authorities have announced foiling more than 1,000 smuggling attempts at different outlets of the country in one week. The contraband included narcotic and prohibited substances, and cash exceeding the permitted limits, the Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (Zatca) has said. It added that officers posted at different customs clearance points had busted a total of 1,071 smuggling bids that included 68 cases of narcotic substances. Other seizures included prohibited items and smuggled cash, the value of which was not given. Zatca said in a statement that the seizures are part of an all-out strategy to consolidate security control on border outlets in coordination with relevant authorities in the kingdom to confront all aspects of smuggling. Saudi Arabia has stepped up its crackdown on narcotics smugglers in what is dubbed the 'war on drugs', and has reported a string of aborted attempts over the past months. In February, Saudi anti-drug police said they had thwarted an attempt to smuggle 11.1 million amphetamine drug tablets hidden in a food shipment. The General Directorate of Narcotics Control seized the haul at the King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia. The bust was conducted in coordination with Zatca, and followed by the apprehension of two recipients of the shipment. In January, Zatca said its personnel had foiled an attempt to smuggle 1.4 million Captagon drug pills hidden inside a shipment that had arrived at the Red Sea port of Jeddah.
Gulf Insider
07-04-2025
- Gulf Insider
Over 1,000 Smuggling Attempts Foiled In A Week, Says Saudi Arabia
Saudi customs authorities have announced foiling more than 1,000 smuggling attempts at different outlets of the country in one week. The contraband included narcotic and prohibited substances, and cash exceeding the permitted limits, the Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (Zatca) has said. It added that officers posted at different customs clearance points had busted a total of 1,071 smuggling bids that included 68 cases of narcotic substances. Other seizures included prohibited items and smuggled cash, the value of which was not given. Zatca said in a statement that the seizures are part of an all-out strategy to consolidate security control on border outlets in coordination with relevant authorities in the kingdom to confront all aspects of smuggling. Saudi Arabia has stepped up its crackdown on narcotics smugglers in what is dubbed the 'war on drugs', and has reported a string of aborted attempts over the past months. In February, Saudi anti-drug police said they had thwarted an attempt to smuggle 11.1 million amphetamine drug tablets hidden in a food shipment. The General Directorate of Narcotics Control seized the haul at the King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia. The bust was conducted in coordination with Zatca, and followed by the apprehension of two recipients of the shipment. In January, Zatca said its personnel had foiled an attempt to smuggle 1.4 million Captagon drug pills hidden inside a shipment that had arrived at the Red Sea port of Jeddah. When the shipment, a machine used to spin laundry, was subjected to customs procedures, the haul was found inside.
Gulf Insider
29-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Cracks Down On Foreign Truck Violations
Saudi Arabia has ramped up inspections of foreign freight transporters to enforce compliance with transportation regulations and support fair competition in the kingdom's burgeoning transport sector. Regulations incorporating stringent penalties against violators went into effect in Saudi Arabia earlier this month. Hundreds of violations have since been registered. In cooperation with the Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Transport General Authority (TGA) launched a large-scale inspection campaign targeting foreign trucks entering the kingdom to ensure their compliance with rules. More than 13,000 violations have been recorded since the new regulations took effect. The violations ranged from operating without the mandatory permits to exceeding the maximum period allowed for operating within the kingdom. The penalties include fines ranging from SR10,000 to a maximum of SR5 million, and seizing the violating truck for at least two weeks and up to two months. The truck will be confiscated in the event of a repeat violation while a non-Saudi violator, who practises the transport activity without a licence, will be deported. Besides protecting local operators, the crackdown aims to boost safety standards and encourage observance of best practices. Trucks operating without permits or exceeding time limits are more likely to disregard essential maintenance, safety inspections, and insurance requirements. TGA has pledged continued efforts in monitoring and field inspection to expose violations and take the necessary steps to ensure an organised and safe transport environment that supports economic growth, bolsters the efficiency of supply chains, and raises the competitiveness of the logistics sector.
Leaders
21-02-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Urgent Call to Saudi Businesses: Submit VAT Statements by 28 Feb.
The Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has issued an urgent reminder emphasizing the importance of timely VAT submissions. This requirement specifically targets commercial establishments with annual revenues exceeding SAR 40 million ($10.7 million). These businesses must submit their VAT statements for January 2025 by the strict deadline of 28 February, 2025. Importance of Timely Submission ZATCA encourages businesses to ensure they meet this February 28 deadline. Timely submission is crucial to avoid penalties associated with late filings. Penalties can range from a minimum of 5 percent to a maximum of 25 percent of the owed tax value. Therefore, remaining proactive about tax obligations can significantly save businesses from unnecessary financial burdens. Businesses can conveniently submit their VAT statements through the website or the ZATCA smartphone application. The authority has streamlined this process to facilitate compliance and alleviate challenges faced by commercial establishments. Moreover, companies struggling with submissions or needing additional information can contact ZATCA through various channels. Support Channels Available Taxpayers within the commercial sector have multiple ways to seek assistance from ZATCA. They may contact the 24/7 call center by dialing 19993. Additionally, businesses can connect with ZATCA through their X account @Zatca_Care or send an email to [email protected]. For immediate assistance, utilize the instant chat feature available on their official website. Value Added Tax (VAT) serves as an indirect tax for the majority of goods and services sold by establishments. This tax structure enhances compliance and accountability within the commercial sector. Although certain exceptions exist, most transactions fall under this tax regime, emphasizing its significance in the broader economic landscape in Saudi Arabia. In conclusion, ZATCA's recent announcement underlines the necessity for commercial establishments to remain compliant with VAT regulations. By following the outlined procedures and utilizing available resources, businesses can efficiently navigate the tax landscape and avoid potential penalties. Short link : Post Views: 11
