How to Import a Classic Car to Saudi Arabia: New 2026 Rules for ‘Antique Plates’ and Age Exemptions Explained

Dhivyanshu
. May 9, 2026
. Update: May 9, 2026 9:17 pm
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Over the past few decades, however, there was one obvious limitation for auto enthusiasts in the Kingdom: Bring in an old car; it will still be in good shape.But for decades, there was one obvious limitation on auto enthusiasts in the Kingdom: Bring in an old car; it will still be in good shape. But in a country that’s becoming ever more patriotic about cars, the scene has changed considerably. Nowadays, it’s not just possible to bring your dream historical model into the country, but it is encouraged and part of a well-regulated, highly regulated legal structure.

By knowing the details of these newly honed methods, you know you can get your treasured possession on the road without any trouble or in legality.

Managing Your Historic Motor Vehicle Transport KSA

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has set a general five-year limit for all standard passenger car models. The authorities have, however, recognized the need to safeguard automotive history worldwide and instituted a large-scale, extremely specific exemption.

To be a successful historic motor vehicle transport KSA, the unit must be clearly and visibly created more than 30 years before the present year. This particular Threshold allows for genuine historical assets to be exempt from the tougher requirements and energy efficiency standards generally imposed on older used vehicles.

Strict Authenticity Requirements

It is absolutely critical that the chassis and engine are in the stock, factory state. Any heavily modified builds, salvage titles or cars that have been converted from right-hand to left-hand drive will be automatically rejected at the border – period. The only way to overcome the regular five-year barrier is to keep the absolute historical integrity of the asset.

Securing a Vintage Automobile Heritage Registration

In the past, an older unit could only be used for temporary display for the private collection, and it was certainly not allowed in public streets. That restriction has now completely evolved. The Ministry of Interior and the steady progress of the traffic law in the country have paved the way for one of the most awaited special categories.

The Transition to Public Roads

The unit will undergo a careful examination of the car’s authenticity and safety to ensure it is ready to be officially recognized as a piece of vintage automobile heritage registration. The General Department of Traffic issues historical license plates when approved and they are available digitally on the Absher portal. The significant thing about these unique identifiers is that they legally designate the asset, thereby enabling the vehicle to operate on public roads under certain regulatory conditions, thus seamlessly combining the excitement of driving with the safety of modern traffic management.

Technical Compliance and Legacy Automotive Customs Clearance

You will need to get the digital compliance right in your region long before your shipment gets on an ocean freighter. Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) requires all transport units to come into the country to have a valid Certificate of Conformity (CoC).

Owners will have to go through the electronic SABER platform to officially register their asset, and for seamless legacy automotive customs clearance in the legacy automotive sector. After a CoC is issued, the chassis number will be checked with your documents during a thorough physical inspection at the port.

Understanding Border Duties

Be ready to perform a 5% duty level that is based on the financial assessment of the asset. After duty is calculated, the standard rate of 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) is added straight to the total duty calculated and the final duty is due before the asset is officially placed in your control.

FAQs

Q1: What is the exact timeline required for historic motor vehicle transport KSA?

A: The unit must have been made over 30 years ago. An item must have the verified production date from the factory either in 1996 or older, to get an inbound shipment in 2026.

Q2: Can I use my vintage automobile heritage registration for daily commuting?

A: No. The new plates are not meant for everyday business driving; they are strictly for leisure driving, exhibitions and cruising on weekends.

Q3: Are right-hand steering models allowed under these specific exemptions?

A: No, the authorities have a strong aversion to right-hand steering models for regular road use, and would like to ensure that the safety measures are taken as widely as possible at home.

Q4: Do I need a digital CoC for legacy automotive customs clearance?

A: Absolutely. A Certificate of Conformity (CoC) securely obtained through the SABER digital portal is absolutely mandatory before any clearance can be processed at the port.

How to Import a Classic Car to Saudi Arabia: New 2026 Rules for ‘Antique Plates’ and Age Exemptions Explained