Saudi Arabia’s 30-year import exemption offers a unique opportunity for motorcycle collectors to acquire vintage bikes without paying tariffs. Under Article 55 of the Saudi Customs Authority regulations, motorcycles manufactured 30+ years ago qualify as "antiques" and enter the Kingdom at 0% import duty-a significant saving compared to the standard 5% rate for modern vehicles. This guide explains how to leverage this exemption, avoid common pitfalls, and comply with Saudi import requirements.
0% Import Duty: Avoid the standard 5% tariff applied to newer motorcycles.
Reduced VAT: Pay 15% VAT on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value instead of higher rates for commercial imports.
Example Savings:
A 1985 Honda CB750 valued at $15,000 saves $750 in import duty and qualifies for reduced VAT.
No emissions testing or roadworthiness certification required for antique classification.
Exemption from Saudi Arabia’s standard 5-year age limit for vehicle imports.
The motorcycle must be manufactured in 1995 or earlier (for 2025 imports).
Submit a Certificate of Origin or factory build sheet as proof.
Original Components: Engine and chassis numbers must match documentation.
No Major Modifications: Structural changes (e.g., frame swaps) may disqualify the bike.
Left-Hand Drive: Not required for motorcycles (unlike cars).
Clean title with no liens.
Bill of sale for recent purchases.
Verify the bike’s manufacturing date using the VIN or factory records.
Secure GCC-compliant insurance (required even for non-road use).
Use container shipping for optimal protection (cost: ~$2,500-$3,000 to Dammam).
Submit documents via the ZATCA portal:
Certificate of Origin
Bill of Sale
Passport/Iqama copy
Insurance certificate
Pay 15% VAT on the CIF value.
Collect the bike with a customs card stamped “Not Allowed on Public Roads.”
| Requirement | Motorcycles | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| Steering Orientation | No restrictions | Left-hand drive only |
| Road Use | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Emissions Checks | Not required | Required for permanent import |
A Riyadh-based collector imported a 1990 Yamaha FZR1000 valued at $12,000:
Saved: $600 in import duty (5% of $12,000)
Total Cost: $12,000 (bike) + $1,800 (15% VAT) + $2,700 (shipping) = $16,500
Outcome: The bike now resides in a private collection, displayed at local vintage shows.
Misclassified Age: Ensure manufacturing date (not model year) meets the 30-year threshold.
Modified Bikes: Restored motorcycles with non-original engines/chassis may lose exemption status.
Road Registration Attempts: Antique-classified bikes cannot be licensed for public roads.
Our expertise in Saudi motorcycle imports includes:
Age Verification: Confirm eligibility before shipping.
Documentation Handling: Ensure ZATCA-compliant paperwork.
Secure Transport: Climate-controlled containers from U.S. ports to Saudi Arabia.
For broader context on tariff strategies, see our Motorcycle Tariff Impact Analysis.
Saudi Arabia’s 30-year rule provides a rare opportunity to import vintage motorcycles tariff-free, but success requires meticulous documentation and adherence to antique classification rules. By focusing on pre-1995 models and partnering with experienced shippers, collectors can build world-class collections while avoiding costly fees.
Contact us for a customized Saudi Arabia import strategy.