Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Saudi Customs called on outgoing and incoming travelers, who carry any currencies or monetary instruments, gold bullions, precious metals and stones, and fine jewelry, valued at SR60,000 or more, to declare them. The Customs emphasized that the declaration should also include possession of any goods, which are subject to prohibition, restriction, or taxes and fees.

The passengers can make the disclosure before reaching the port of entry or exit, by getting access to the declaration page on the Saudi Customs website via the link https://www.customs.gov.sa/ar/declare.

They have to fill out the designated form electronically and submit to the customs officer at the declaration office at all land, sea and air ports with the reference number to complete the declaration procedures.

The procedures can also be carried out through the Saudi Customs application on smart phones, the Customs said while indicating that the declaration paper form is also available to be filled out manually at the designated offices in all ports.

The Customs revealed that a monetary fine of 25 percent of the seized value is imposed for the first violation and 50 percent of its value for repeat violation.

In the event that the seized items are suspected of being related to an original crime or money laundering crime, the entire amount shall be withheld and the violator will be referred to the Public Prosecution and then to the competent court, which may order the confiscation of the full amount and imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding SR5 million or of both.

The Customs said that a failure to acknowledge or declare goods, whether prohibited or restricted, entails confiscating of those materials, imposing fines, and referring the person to the competent authority in the event that he possesses prohibited items, stressing that this is in line with Article 23 of the Anti-Money Laundering Law and Article 60 of the Uniform Customs Law.