Al-Haditha Customs Thwarts Attempt to Smuggle 36,773 Amphetamine Pills Hidden in a Bus Cavity<p class="ms-rteElement-P">The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) at the Al-Haditha Customs Port has successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle 36,773 amphetamine pills, which were found hidden inside a bus entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  Hamoud Al-Harbi, the official spokesperson for ZATCA, stated that during the customs procedures and inspection of an incoming bus,using security technologies and K9, the narcotic pills were discovered concealed in a specially prepared cavity underneath the bus for the purpose of smuggling.  </p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">Al Harbi emphasized that ZATCA remains committed, across all its customs ports, to tightening customs control over the Kingdom’s imports and exports. He stressed that ZATCA stands vigilant against smuggling attempts, in coordination and cooperation with its partners, the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, to fulfill its strategic pillar of enhancing community security and protection by curbing the trafficking of such toxins and other prohibited goods.  </p><p class="ms-rteElement-P"> Al-Harbi urged the public to contribute to combating smuggling in order to safeguard society and the national economy. Reports can be submitted confidentially via the designated security hotline (1910), by email at (1910@zatca.gov.sa), or through the international number (+9661910). Informants may be eligible for a financial reward if the report’s information proves to be accurate.<br></p>
ZATCA Determines the Criteria for Selecting the Targeted Taxpayers in Wave 25 for “Integration Phase” of E-invoicing<div><p class="ms-rteElement-P">The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) determined the criteria for selecting the targeted taxpayers in the Twenty-Fifth Wave for implementing the "Integration Phase " of E-invoicing, as it clarified that the Twenty-Fifth Wave included all taxpayers whose revenues subject to VAT exceeded (SAR 187,500) during 2022, 2023,2024 or 2025.<br><br>Moreover, ZATCA explained that it will notify all targeted taxpayers in the Twenty-Fifth Wave to integrate their E-invoicing solutions with the Fatoora Platform by no later than February 1, 2027.<br><br>ZATCA has stated that Phase Two (Integration Phase) requires additional requirements, compared to the Phase One (Generation Phase), the most prominent of which is to integrate taxpayers’ E-invoicing solutions with ZATCA's platform (Fatoora), issue E-invoices based on a specific format, and include additional fields in the invoice. Furthermore, Phase Two (Integration Phase) of E-invoicing would take place gradually in waves, and ZATCA would inform the following waves directly at least six months before their Integration Date.<br><br>ZATCA has noted that the launch of Phase Two of E-invoicing is part of the economic development and digital transformation taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is a continuation of the success story that began with Phase One of the implementation of E-invoicing, which achieved positive results, most notably raising the level of consumer protection in the Kingdom and praising the great awareness of taxpayers and the rapidity of the response in the implementation of Phase One (Generation phase) of the project.<br><br>It is worth mentioning that Phase One (Generation Phase) of E-invoicing was introduced on December 4, 2021, obliging taxpayers subject to the E-invoicing Regulation to stop generating handwritten invoices or computer-generated invoices through text editing software or spreadsheet software, ensuring that there is a technical solution for E-invoicing that is compatible with the requirements, in addition to generating and storing E-invoices with the required fields, including the QR code and other requirements.<br></p></div>
ZATCA Urges Establishments Subject to Excise Tax to File Their Returns for May and June 2026<p class="ms-rteElement-P">The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) urges establishments subject to excise tax to file their tax returns for May and June 2026, on a date no later than July 31, 2026.</p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">ZATCA has called on establishments to expedite filing their tax returns through its website (zatca.gov.sa) to avoid the penalty for failing to submit the return within the specified period, which ranges from a minimum of 5% to a maximum of 25% of the tax value that should have been declared. This is in addition to a late payment fine of 5% of the unpaid tax amount for each month of delay or part thereof.</p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">In the meantime, ZATCA invites taxpayers of the business sector who wish to learn more about the excise tax to reach out through the unified call center number (19993), operating 24/7, or the "Ask Zakat, Tax and Customs" account on the (X) platform (@Zatca_Care), or via email (info@zatca.gov.sa), or through the instant chat service available on the Authority's website (zatca.gov.sa).</p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">The Excise Tax is one of the tax systems in force in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; the tax is levied at various rates on goods that have an adverse effect on public health or the environment, which include energy drinks, sweetened drinks, tobacco, and its derivatives.<br></p>
ZATCA Urges Businesses to Submit VAT Returns for June and Q2 2026<p></p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has called upon business sector establishments subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) whose annual supplies of goods and services exceed SAR 40 million to submit their tax returns for the month of June. Meanwhile, ZATCA urged establishments whose annual supplies do not exceed SAR 40 million to submit their tax returns for the second quarter of 2026, setting a deadline of July 31, 2026.</p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">ZATCA urged establishments to promptly submit their tax returns and make payments via the authority's smartphone application (ZATCA). This measure is to avoid late submission penalties, which range from a minimum of 5% to a maximum of 25% of the tax value that the taxpayer was required to declare.</p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">ZATCA invited taxpayers from the business sector seeking more information regarding VAT to contact the authority via the unified call center number (19993), which operates 24/7. Alternatively, inquiries can be directed to the "Ask Zakat, Tax and Customs" account on the X platform (@Zatca_Care), via email at (info@zatca.gov.sa), or through instant chat on the authority's official website (zatca.gov.sa).</p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">VAT is one of the tax systems in force within the Kingdom. It is an indirect tax imposed on all goods and services purchased and sold by establishments, with certain specified exceptions.<br></p>
Jadidat Arar Customs Foils Attempt to Smuggle Over 42 Kilograms of Narcotic Methamphetamine "Shabu"<p>The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) at Jadidat Arar port managed to thwart an attempt to smuggle more than 42 kilograms of the narcotic substance methamphetamine (Shabu), after finding it hidden in a vehicle arriving in the Kingdom through the port.<br></p><p>ZATCA's official spokesperson, Hamoud Al-Harbi, explained that during the inspection and examination process of arriving vehicles, the methamphetamine was found hidden inside the vehicle's fuel tank.</p><p>He added that following the seizure, coordination was made with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to arrest the recipient of the seized items, and the recipient was successfully arrested inside the Kingdom.</p><p>The official spokesperson emphasized that the Authority, across all its customs ports, continues to tighten customs control over the Kingdom's imports and exports, standing on guard against smuggling attempts. This aligns with one of the most prominent pillars of its strategy: enhancing security and protecting society by limiting smuggling attempts of such toxins and other prohibited items, in close coordination and cooperation with its partners at the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control.</p><p>Al-Harbi urged everyone to contribute to combating smuggling to protect society and the national economy by contacting the Authority via the designated security hotline (1910), email (1910@zatca.gov.sa), or the international number (009661910). Through these channels, the Authority receives reports related to smuggling crimes and violations of the Unified Customs Law under strict confidentiality, with a financial reward granted to the informant if the information proves to be accurate.<br></p>
ZATCA Conducts over 61,000 Inspection Visits During Q2 2026<p>The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) conducted more than 61,000 inspection visits during the second quarter of 2026, targeting markets and commercial stores across various regions and cities in the Kingdom, in cooperation with relevant entities.</p><p>ZATCA's official spokesperson, Mr. Hamoud Al-Harbi, stated that the visits carried out by its control and inspection teams covered a number of commercial sectors, most notably retail, gold, and tobacco shops. Al-Harbi added that the prominent violations detected by the control teams included failure to issue electronic invoices and failure to collect Value Added Tax (VAT), in addition to detecting tobacco products that do not bear tax stamps.</p><p>Mr. Al-Harbi indicated that these visits aim to strengthen the level of compliance with the applicable tax regulations in the Kingdom among business sector taxpayers, achieve tax fairness, and limit illegal commercial transactions that fall under ZATCA's jurisdiction, coming as part of its ongoing regulatory efforts carried out via field inspection teams.</p><p>Al-Harbi urged consumers to report any establishment where tax violations are detected. Reports can be submitted via ZATCA's official website (zatca.gov.sa) or through the "ZATCA" smartphone application. Under specific regulations, ZATCA offers financial rewards to informants for tax violations at a rate of 2.5% of the total value of violations and fines, up to a maximum of one million SAR or a minimum of 1,000 SAR.<br><br></p>
ZATCA Foils Attempt to Smuggle over 208,000 Amphetamine Pills Hidden in an "Oqal" Shipment<p><br></p>The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) at Al-Haditha port managed to thwart an attempt to smuggle 208,836 pills of the narcotic substance “Amphetamine”, which were found hidden in a shipment carried by a truck arriving in the Kingdom.<br>ZATCA’s official spokesperson, Mr. Hamoud Al-Harbi, stated that Al-Haditha Customs Port foiled the attempt when a truck underwent customs procedures and was inspected using security technologies and sniffer dogs. Al-Harbi added that the quantity of narcotic pills was found hidden inside a shipment of camel headstalls ("Oqal").<br>Mr. Al-Harbi emphasized that ZATCA, across all its customs ports, reaffirms its continued commitment to strengthening customs control over Saudi Arabia’s imports and exports and to confronting all smuggling attempts. This effort aligns with one of the core pillars of ZATCA’s strategy: enhancing security and protecting society by limiting the entry of harmful substances and other prohibited items, in close coordination and cooperation with its partners at the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control.<br>Al-Harbi urged the public to contribute to combating smuggling to safeguard society and the national economy. Reports can be submitted confidentially via the designated security hotline (1910), by email at (1910@zatca.gov.sa), or through the international number (+9661910). Informants may be eligible for a financial reward if the report’s information proves to be accurate.<br><br><br><br><br>
ZATCA Announces the Minister of Finance’s Decision to Extend the Exemption of Fines Initiative<p></p>The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has announced the Minister of Finance’s decision to extend the "Cancellation of Fines and Exemption of Financial Penalties Initiative" for taxpayers subject to all tax laws for an additional six months, starting from 1 July 2026.<br>ZATCA clarified that the initiative provides exemptions from penalties related to late registration across all tax laws, late payment, and late filing of returns. It also includes waivers for VAT return correction fines.<br>ZATCA added that to benefit from the initiative, taxpayers must be registered with ZATCA for tax purposes and submit all outstanding tax returns to ZATCA. The taxpayer must also pay the full principal tax debt associated with the outstanding tax returns. Taxpayers may apply for an installment payment plan from ZATCA, provided the request is submitted while the initiative is still in effect and all due installments are paid by the due dates specified in the ZATCA-approved installment plan.<br>ZATCA emphasized that the initiative strictly excludes penalties related to tax evasion violations, fines imposed under Article 45 of the VAT Law, and fines paid prior to the effective date of this initiative. Additionally, it excludes penalties associated with any tax return that becomes due for submission to ZATCA after June 30, 2026. ZATCA also clarified that in the event a need arises to extend the initiative beyond December 31, 2026, any subsequent extension will not cover the fines associated with any return due for submission to the Authority after June 30, 2026.<br>ZATCA has invited taxpayers to view the details associated with the initiative through the simplified guideline available on its website. The guideline provides a detailed explanation of the key aspects of the decision to extend the initiative, including the types of covered fines, exemption conditions, and the steps for installment financial dues, supported by illustrative examples.<br>ZATCA urges all taxpayers to take advantage of the extended initiative during the specified period, which ends on 31 December 2026. ZATCA encourages them to reach out if they have any inquiries via the unified call center number (19993), which operates 24/7, or through the "Ask Zakat, Tax and Customs" account on X (@Zatca_Care), via email (info@zatca.gov.sa), or through the instant messaging service on ZATCA's official website (zatca.gov.sa).
During June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026 ZATCA Thwarts Attempts to Smuggle Over 25 M Pills & 1,098 kg of Narcotics & Prohibited Substances Across its Customs Ports<p class="ms-rteElement-P">During the period from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2026, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has successfully foiled numerous attempts to smuggle large quantities of narcotic substances and pills across its land, sea, and air customs ports, totaling 1,098 kilograms, in addition to 25,112,378 narcotic and prohibited pills.</p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">ZATCA explained that these security successes achieved by its customs ports come as part of its ongoing efforts to protect community security and public safety. This is achieved by tightening customs control over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s imports and exports, raising readiness across all customs ports, and leveraging advanced security technologies in inspection and examination processes, alongside enhancing the capabilities of its national cadres.</p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">ZATCA pointed out that the smuggling attempts varied in their methods and concealment techniques. These included hiding narcotic substances and pills inside various consignments, such as foodstuffs, equipment, vehicles, and trucks, as well as attempts to smuggle them internally within body cavities.</p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">ZATCA emphasized that the success of its personnel in detecting and thwarting these attempts reflects the high level of vigilance, readiness, and the efficiency of human and technical capabilities used in control and inspection operations. It noted that enhancing the security aspect represents one of its top strategic priorities, given that narcotics and prohibited substances pose a direct threat to community security and safety.</p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">Furthermore, ZATCA affirmed its commitment to continuously enhancing the capabilities of its customs ports with advanced security technologies and implementing specialized training programs for its personnel to develop their skills in dealing with evolving smuggling methods. This comes as part of the integration of efforts and continuous coordination with its partners among relevant entities at the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC).</p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">ZATCA reiterated its dedication to continuing its efforts to protect society from drugs and illicit materials, and to tightening customs control across all customs ports, thereby contributing to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s security and safeguarding its resources.</p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">ZATCA urged the public to contribute to combating smuggling by reporting any information related to smuggling crimes and violations of the Unified Customs Law via the designated security hotline (1910), by email at (1910@zatca.gov.sa), or through the international number (+9661910). ZATCA confirmed that all reports are handled with strict confidentiality, and informants may be eligible for a financial reward if the report’s information proves to be accurate.<br></p>
ZATCA Urges Establishments to Submit VAT Returns for May 2026<p class="ms-rteElement-P">The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) urged business sector establishments subject to VAT, with goods and service revenues exceeding SAR 40 million to file their tax returns for May 2026. The deadline for submission is no later than June 30, 2026.</p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">ZATCA has called on establishments to file their tax returns immediately through ZATCA's App, in order to avoid a late filing fine. A fine shall be imposed for failure to file the tax returns within the specified period. The minimum fine shall be 5% whereas the maximum fine 25% of the value of the tax that must be declared.</p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">In the meantime, ZATCA invites taxpayers of business sector who wish to learn more about VAT to reach out through the call center unified No. (19993), operating 24/7, or "Ask Zakat, Tax and Customs" account on (X) platform (@Zatca_Care), or through email (info@zatca.gov.sa), or by instant chat on the website (zatca.gov.sa).</p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">The VAT is a tax law in force in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as an indirect tax imposed on all goods and services that are bought and sold by businesses, with a few exceptions.<br></p>