Importing cars to Saudi Arabia in 2025 means adhering to an evolving set of rules regarding banned manufacturers, restricted vehicle types, and disallowed modifications. A dynamic regulatory environment—driven by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) and the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI)—means it’s more important than ever to confirm vehicle status before shipping. Below you’ll find the most up-to-date guidance on which makes, models, and modifications are prohibited, and what you can do to avoid port rejections and costly delays.
Saudi authorities update their manufacturer eligibility roster annually, with 2025 introducing one of the broadest temporary bans in recent years. These bans center primarily on non-compliance with CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) and technical standard submissions.
As of 2025, vehicle imports are suspended from 21 automakers due to missing or incomplete CAFE compliance documentation required by Saudi regulators. Current bans target:
Luxgen Motor Co., Ltd.
Hawtai Motor Group
Zotye International
Higer Bus Company Limited
Beijing Borgward Automotive Co., Ltd.
Qoros Automotive Co., Ltd.
Koenigsegg Automotive AB
Lifan Industry (Group) Co., Ltd.
Brilliance Auto International
South East (Fujian) Motor Corp., Ltd.
McLaren
Tata Motors Ltd.
CHTC Motor Co., Ltd.
DFSK Motor Co. Ltd.
SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Co., Ltd.
This suspension typically affects new cars under 3.5 tons, and applies to both individuals and commercial importers. The ban may be lifted after compliance documentation is supplied and certified by Saudi authorities. Because the list is dynamic, always verify brand-specific restrictions before you ship.
Beyond temporary bans, Saudi Arabia outright prohibits certain vehicles from import regardless of manufacturer or year:
Flood-damaged or fire-damaged units
Structurally compromised or tampered-VIN vehicles
Cars with any record of being declared a total loss
Police vehicles
Former taxis, ride-share, or transport-fleet vehicles
Car-rental company vehicles unless fully re-titled and inspected
Only left-hand drive vehicles are permitted for use on Saudi roads. No exceptions for modern passenger imports; rare exceptions exist for show or museum display classics (with disciplinary registration, not road use).
Vehicles converted post-manufacture from RHD to LHD, or with altered steering/safety configurations, are not accepted.
Major modifications that undermine factory crashworthiness, safety, or emissions compliance (e.g., structural frame changes, non-OEM powertrains, excessive body kits, or transformer-style conversions).
Besides banning certain makes and models, Saudi authorities closely monitor allowed modifications. Imports with unauthorized modifications—especially engine swaps, unapproved performance upgrades, and illegal window tint—are routinely rejected or required to revert to compliant status.
Post-factory turbocharging or supercharging not specified by the original manufacturer
Window tint exceeding regulated transmission and reflectivity, or improper film types
Engine or transmission swaps that break emissions or GCC homologation
Height changes (excessive lift/lowering outside of legal specification)
Unsafe aftermarket lighting or electrical additions not tested by SASO
Best Practice: Review the Saudi car import compliance rules and eligibility checker for permitted modifications and see the main regulations on the 2025 Saudi Car Import Guide.
Currently suspended due to non-compliance; check CAFE/SASO portal before booking.
No—any car ever titled as salvage, rebuilt, or flood-damaged is barred from import.
SASO and GCC standards are separate—factory configuration is safest for approval.
Yes, unless imported exclusively for exhibition (not road use) as a 30+ year old classic.
West Coast Shipping helps clients navigate Saudi Arabia’s complex eligibility landscape, offering brand, model, and compliance checks as part of every shipping consultation. Don’t risk a costly rejection—get compliance-verified, up-to-date advice for all shipments to the Kingdom. Learn more and get a quote at our Saudi shipping guide and review vehicle-specific rules on our 2025 ban list, LHD, and EV compliance article.