Grow Your Business in Saudi Arabia with ATA Carnets

Call Boomerang Carnets, Your Carnet Specialists

Saudi Arabia, known officially as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, became the 90th member of the ATA Carnet system of countries on June 1, 2024, accepting ATA Carnets for Commercial Samples, Exhibitions and Fairs, and Professional Equipment, but does not accept ATA Carnets for sports equipment.  

Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East and covers the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula with a land area of about 2,150,000 km² (830,000 sq mi).  It is the only country with a coastline along both the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, and most of its terrain consists of arid desert, lowlands, and mountains.  The capital and largest city is Riyadh, with a population of 8 million and architecture that embodies mid-century, modernist, and futuristic sustainable tower structures designed by world-renowned firms.
 

Top industries and Imports of Saudi Arabia

Top industries that drive Saudi Arabia’s economy are oil and gas energy.  Top imports include machinery and electrical equipment, automation technology, construction equipment, vehicles and transport equipment, and equipment for public transportation, logistics, and major transit expansions.
 

Film and Television Production

Saudi Arabia is also a unique and desirable destination for Film and Television Production.  The vast desert backdrops, futuristic architectural megastructures in major cities, mountains, and an extensive coastline all within a single region make it a top choice for international productions.  In addition, the Saudi Film Commission offers cash rebates ranging from 40% up to 60% on qualifying production expenditures, making it one of the most lucrative incentive programs in the world.  Recent productions include Desert Warrior (2025), an epic action feature directed by British filmmaker Rupert Wyatt starring Anthony Mackie, made in partnership with U.S. and regional production companies. 
 

Saudi Arabia and the World Expo 2030

Saudi Arabia will host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh from October 1, 2030, to March 31, 2031.  A massive 6 million square-meter site is planned to host over 197 participating nations, 230+ pavilions, and an estimated 40 to 42 million visitors.  Infrastructure in Riyadh is scaling up transit networks, including a new multi-line metro system and airport expansion.
 

From the very start of joining the ATA Carnet System of Countries, ATA Carnets to Saudi Arabia were popular right out of the gate.  From, June 1 to December 11, 2024, the Top Three Industries importing temporarily into Saudi Arabia using boomerang carnets were:

• Robotics
• Film & TV Production
• Engineering

The combined total value of their merchandise and equipment on ATA Carnets was $1,145,227.

Their combined total savings in duty and taxes using ATA Carnets was: $458,091. 

The ATA Carnet—A Key to International Business Growth

The ATA Carnet, also known as the Merchandise Passport, is an international customs document that allows goods, merchandise, and equipment to be temporarily imported into foreign countries for up to a year without paying import duties and taxes.  Carnets allow for significant savings and ease clearing goods, merchandise, and equipment through customs.  Saudi Arabia is a destination with many opportunities where the ATA Carnet can open doors to expansion and business growth. 

boomerang carnets® Makes It Easy

At boomerang carnets, cross-border movement of goods, merchandise, and equipment is made clear and simple with our useful resources and destination specific information.  With nearly 40 years in business in the U.S., and over a decade in the U.K., we understand what you want to know to make clearing your goods through foreign customs as hassle free as possible.

• Duties and VAT/GST: VAT Duty Rates by Country | ATA Carnet A list of VAT/GST and Duty rates for countries.
• Advisories: Advisories | ATA Carnet To keep you up to date on any Important Information essential for your trip.  Please note that Saudi Arabia requires carnet pre-approval by Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA).  For more information click HERE.
• Airport Maps: Airport Maps for Carnets | ATA Carnet Maps edited for use by hand-carried carnet users in most major international airports.  
• Translation Guides: Translation Guides | ATA Carnet Commonly used phrases for carnet users translated into several languages and for use at foreign customs.

• Film Commissions: International Film Commission Carnet Directory | ATA Carnet A list of International Film Commissions and International Film Resources.
• Carnet Countries: Carnet Countries | ATA Carnet Whether you are thinking of getting an ATA Carnet to Saudi Arabia or elsewhere, our ATA Carnet countries page is a useful reference.
• Videos: Making Carnets Easy Videos | ATA Carnet Watch our Making Carnets Easy videos for a step-by-step instructional series on ATA Carnet use from start to finish.  With the digital eATA Carnet on the horizon, watch our informative video that explains the transitional period where both digital and paper ATA Carnets may be required based on your itinerary:  ATA Carnet Digital & Paper Union Video | ATA Carnet
   

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