How to Achieve Zero Tariffs on Equipment Through Agency Import? These Five Key Points Must Be Mastered

I. Core Analysis of the 2025 Import Equipment Duty-Free Policy

According to the latest Catalog of Nationally Encouraged Import Technologies and Products (2025 Edition) issued by the Ministry of Finance, enterprises can enjoy zero-tariff policies by importing eligible equipment through agencies. Policy implementation requires meeting three conditions simultaneously:

• Equipment Type MatchingLimited to specialized equipment in 14 key fields listed in the catalog, such as intelligent manufacturing and biopharmaceuticals.
• Technical Parameters ComplianceEquipment performance must meet the internationally advanced level standards specified in the catalog (e.g., machining accuracy ≤0.001mm).
• Usage Compliance ProofProvide environmental impact assessment reports and production capacity planning documents for the equipments usage site.

II. Breakdown of the Entire Agency Import Duty-Free Equipment Process

Professionalforeign tradeThe standard service process of an agency company includes five key stages:

• Pre-Filing Stage (15-20 working days)
  • Obtain the Encouraged Project Confirmation Letter and conduct preliminary review of the equipment list.
  • Submit the duty-free application form to the local customs.
• Customs clearance phase (3-5 working days)
  • HS CODE declaration must be precise to 10-digit tariff code (e.g. 84864000)
  • Attach original technical manual and test report

III. Three common declaration mistakes made by enterprises

According to the General Administration of Customs statistics for Q1 2025, 32% of duty-free applications were rejected due to the following issues:

• Confusing tariffs with VAT: Only import tariffs are exempted, 13% VAT still needs to be paid
• Misjudging equipment attributes: Declaring general equipment as special equipment (e.g. declaring ordinary machine tools as five-axis linkage machine tools)
• Expired documentation: Using outdatedIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:certificates or certification documents

IV. Criteria for selecting professional agencies

When choosing qualified foreign trade agency service providers, focus on three key dimensions:

• Customs credit rating: Prioritize AEO Advanced Certified enterprises (customs clearance efficiency improved by 40%)
• Industry case database: Require successful duty-free cases for similar equipment
• Risk prevention system: Should include full-process monitoring mechanism from pre-review to declaration and verification

V. New policy implementation trends in 2025

New regulations implemented by the General Administration of Customs since January 2025 require:

• Equipment usage verification cycleshortened from 3 years to 2 years
• Electronic submission rate of declaration materialsmust reach 100% (supports direct XML format transmission)
• Newly addedTechnical appraisal of second-hand equipment: All childrens clothing imported into Saudi Arabia must be certified by the Saudi Standards Organization (SASO) and obtain