Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Your Gateway to Global Trade
Founded in 1996, MSC Saudi Arabia has been growing hand in hand with our customers and partners, guided by values that put people, relationships and service first. For us, shipping is more than moving cargo; it’s about building long-term trust and collaboration.
With nearly 30 years of operations kingdomwide, we simplify the complexities of international trade by solutions that are built by local expertise right into MSC’s global network. From our offices in Dammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh, we provide direct access to the Kingdom’s main ports, connecting your business to your targeted markets around the world.
Explore Our Solutions
Discover Our Industries
Export with Confidence, from Saudi to the World
From documentation and customs coordination to tailored shipping plans, our experts deliver reliable, efficient solutions designed to keep your exports moving. With MSC Saudi, we make the multiple-ways trade channels between international markets as simple as can be.
Detention & Demurrage
What is detention?
Detention is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, for the use of the carrier’s full container inside the marine terminal and container yard.
What is demurrage?
Demurrage is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, inside the terminal for the use of the land.
In case of a demurrage dispute contact:
East & Central: SAU-logistic-ilim.east@msc.com
West: SAU-logistic-ilim.west@msc.com
Solas VGM Information
What is VGM?
Verified Gross Mass or VGM refers to the exact, verified weight of a packed container. For safety reasons, vessel operators can only load a container if its weight has been verified.
What do I need to include in my VGM instructions?
You must include the following on all VGM instructions: The following items are mandatory and must be on all VGM instructions:
How can I submit my VGM instructions?
VGM instructions should be submitted on myMSC or Inttra
Deadlines for submitting your VGM instructions
VGM must be updated along with SI submission.
MSC admin fees and costs
Any cost or consequences caused by delay, misdeclaration of VGM instructions is payable by the shipper.
For more information, please contact the MSC GUINEA customer service team:
Email: sau-info@msc.com
Local Shipping and Dangerous Goods
The Container Release Order (CRO) will only be issued after Dangerous Goods (DG) approval is granted in the system. As per the customer's instructions, any misdeclaration will result in a penalty payable by the customer.
2.Special Requirements for Certain PODs
For specific Ports of Discharge (PODs), such as Algerian PODs, additional approvals are required. (LOE) and (MSDS) must be submitted to the POD for approval before CRO release.
3.Manifest Release and Amendments
The manifest will be released only after DG approval is finalized in the local system. Any amendments may impact the approval process and container loading, which will remain subject to DG approval and finalization.
4.Shipping Instructions (SI) Cut-Off
Shipping Instructions must be submitted no later than 10 working days prior to the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) of the nominated vessel.
5.Draft Amendment Deadline
Any amendments to the draft must be made at least 3 working days before the vessel’s ETA to avoid shipment rollover. Shipments are subject to DG approval.
6.Placarding Requirements
Ensure that all containers are properly placarded in accordance with IMDG and ADR regulations to guarantee acceptance at the export terminal.
Prohibited Information
Export regulations in Saudi Arabia prohibit or restrict the export of certain goods. These rules are enforced to protect national resources, maintain economic stability, and ensure compliance with international agreements. Violations may result in customs duties, penalties, or legal action.
Personal effect and any cargo are rejected by the POD
Prohibited Items Include:
• Date palm seedlings
• Green fodder
• Scrap iron
• Antique artifacts of historical value
• Zamzam water
• Agricultural crops grown in open fields (e.g., onions, potatoes, wheat, barley, watermelons, cantaloupes) and their processed products (e.g., potato-based items)
• Firewood
Restricted Items (Require Prior Approval or Export Licenses from Government):
• Agricultural equipment and machinery
• Poultry and eggs
• Flour
• Sand and rocks
• Bottled water
• Cement
• Iron
• Medicines
This information is provided for general guidance only and may be modified or withdrawn by the government at any time without prior notice.
Shipping Instructions Cut-off
Shipping Instructions (SI) Cut-Off – DG shipment
Shipping Instructions must be submitted no later than 10 working days prior to the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) of the nominated vessel
Shipping Instructions (SI) Cut-Off - Non DG shipment
Shipping Instructions must be submitted no later than 7 working days prior to the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) of the nominated vessel
Container Collection
Booking Confirmation and CRO Release
Bookings must be made using a valid rate to avoid cancellation.
Your Bridge to Global Reach
Our local import team is here to help you bring cargo from anywhere in the world into Saudi Arabia with ease. Backed by MSC’s strong global network and reliable access through six major ports across the Kingdom, we simplify the complexity of international shipping and keep your business connected.
From origin to Saudi borders and beyond, our experts coordinate every stage of the process, ensuring full compliance with local regulations, efficient customs clearance, and clear communication throughout. We handle your imports with precision and care, so your cargo arrives smoothly safely and on time.
Customs Clearance
Find everything you need to know about MSC Saudi Customs Clearance solution on our dedicated webpage.
Inland Transportation
Please note that deliveries will be in a standard 20ft/40ft container, on a standard trailer and heavy goods vehicle. If you require a delivery with special requirements, please email your usual Customer Service representative or contact us to learn more.
Terms & ConditionsDO Release & Invoicing
• Copy of BL
• Authorization letter stamped from chamber of commerce from the consignee to the broker.
• Consignee import code.
Required for invoicing
Send to the following:
Dammam-East: SAU-imp-east-inv@msc.com
Riyadh-Central: SAU-imp-central-inv@msc.com
Jeddah-West: SAU-imp-cs.west@msc.com
Detention & Demurrage
Detention is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, for the use of the carrier’s full container inside the marine terminal and container yard.
What is demurrage?
Demurrage is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, inside the terminal for the use of the land. In case of a demurrage dispute
East & Central: SAU-logistic-ilim.east@msc.com
West: SAU-logistic-ilim.west@msc.com
Arrival Notice
-After the arrival notification, customer will receive an update email containing invoice.
-Once payment is done, customer should email front desk team on the below emails to link the delivery order:
East & Central: SAU-fd-do.east@msc.com
West: SAU-fd-do.west@msc.com
-After linking the delivery order, the customer will receive Import release order (IRO).
Prohibited Items
Prohibited items that are not allowed to be imported to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to government regulations are in the following link:
Contact our team to request a quote, book or find out more about our local services!
Detention, demurrage, Per Diem and storage charges
What is detention?
Detention is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, for the use of the carrier’s full container inside the marine terminal and container yard.
What is demurrage?
Demurrage is the charge applicable, after the free time expires, inside the terminal for the use of the land. In case of a demurrage dispute, email GIN-info@msc.com
What is Per Diem?
A storage charge is applicable for containers left inside the rail ramp or container yard (to use the land) after the free time expires.
What are storage charges?
A storage charge is applicable, after the free time expires, for containers left inside the rail ramp or container yard (for the use of the land).
SOLAS VGM information for Saudi Arabia
Verified Gross Mass or VGM refers to the exact, verified weight of a packed container. For safety reasons, vessel operators can only load a container if its weight has been verified.
- Authority in charge of SOLAS implementation in CONAKRY TERMINAL
- Tolerance, fines / penalties: 1 Ton of declared VGM
- Level of control expected: Not announced
What do I need to include in my VGM instructions?
You must include the following on all VGM instructions: The following items are mandatory and must be on all VGM instructions:
- Booking or Bill of Lading number
- Container number
- VGM, weight measurement unit (lbs. or kgs.)
- Authorized person’s signatory (submitter of the VGM who may be authorized to act on behalf of shippers
- Responsible party Name
- Any other by local law (if applicable)
How can I submit my VGM instructions?
VGM instructions should be submitted on myMSC (Free of Charge)
Deadlines for submitting your VGM instructions
Instructions must be recorded before the vessel’s closing date, i.e., 48 hours before the vessel’s arrival.
MSC admin fees and costs
Any cost or consequences caused by delay, misdeclaration or manual entry of VGM instructions is payable by the shipper.
Contact information
For more information, please contact the MSC GUINEA customer service team:
Email : gn592-infogn@msc.com
Tel: +224 624939004
Prohibited cargo
It is illegal to bring the following items into or out of Saudi Arabia
Imports
- Any goods imported from Israel.
- Hazardous waste as defined by both the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their
- Disposal and the Saudi Arabian General Environmental Law and its rules for implementation.
- Designated toxic and hazardous chemicals, including the fluorescent stain Auramine O.
- Palm trees of any type (including date, coconut and ornamental palms).
- Christmas trees of any kind.
- Natural soil, whether to be imported as such or used as potting material, e.g. for seedlings, cuttings, tubers.
- Goods unfit for their intended use, e.g. spoilt foodstuffs.
- Foodstuffs involving animal blood in their production process.
- Beverages bearing the description of "Zamzam" (water from a certain well in Mecca).
- Cooling equipment such as freezers, air conditioners, compressors and refrigerators operating on banned refrigerants, e.g. cooling agents
- containing Freon 11, 12, 22 and 123.
- All types of machines, equipment and tools for gambling or games of chance.
- Leftover equipment and machinery from the Kuwait and Iraq war.
- Certain religious literature, e.g. the Holy Quran.
- Blank invoices of foreign companies abroad.
- Advertising material for cigarettes of any kind.
- Products polluted by radiation or nuclear dust.
- Though the above items are the only ones prohibited, there are a number of goods that are heavily restricted. For more information, see the links below.
View the full list of prohibited and restricted goods.
Exports
- There are no major export prohibitions in place, though some items – as with importing – are heavily restricted.
For full details of prohibited cargo please visit the links below:
View the full list of prohibited and restricted goods.
Find information on procedures and formalities.
List of terminals
Ports and terminals
MSC operates services to and from the following Saudi ports and terminals, with local teams in each location to support our customers.
Jeddah (SAJED) – Jeddah Islamic Port
Jubail (SAJUB) – Jubail Commercial Port
King Abdullah (SAKAC) – King Abdullah Port
Cargo Insurance
Intermodal Transportation
Smart Container
MSC eBL
MSC Saudi Arabia News
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