Streamlining Import Clearance: Saudi ZATCA's Two-Hour Initiative

KSA, 21 March, 2024 : Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) introduced the Clearance Within Two Hours Initiative to expedite the clearing of shipments imported through Saudi ports. Five years ago, this process could take up to 12 days, prompting the launch of the national electronic system FASAH in 2017. FASAH serves as a Single Window environment, connecting all trade regulatory organizations. ZATCA's Improved Clearance Programme in 2019 aimed to clear 80% of Customs declarations within 48 hours by encouraging early document submission and swift inspections.

In 2023, ZATCA initiated the Clearance Within Two Hours Initiative, involving 26 government agencies and private entities to identify inefficiencies and implement new procedures and IT solutions. Bottlenecks were pinpointed through field visits and Time Release Studies. ZATCA streamlined Customs procedures and reduced required documents to just two under the Improved Clearance Programme.

The 2023 initiative focused on automation, risk analysis, pre-arrival clearance, and IT system integration. It mandated regulatory agencies to inspect consignments within two hours of readiness and to sign service level agreements with sea port operators for timely handling. ZATCA integrated its system with relevant agencies for data exchange and developed a service for "restricted" goods clearance.

Further measures, authorized by Royal Decree, aimed to streamline the inspection process, such as direct transportation of consignments for inspection upon unloading. Importers' ability to submit documents 72 hours in advance and compliance with regulatory requirements significantly contributed to the record-time clearance achieved by ZATCA.

Source : www.mag.wcoomd.org