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>
Al-Haditha Customs Thwarts Attempt to Smuggle Over 45,000 Captagon "Amphetamine" Pills Hidden Inside "Cheese" Shipment<p><br></p>The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) at the Al-Haditha Customs Port has successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle 46,968 Captagon "Amphetamine" pills, which were found hidden inside a truck entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.<br>Hamoud Al-Harbi, the official spokesperson for ZATCA, stated that during the routine inspection and examination of an incoming truck, the narcotic pills were discovered concealed inside a shipment of "metal cheese cans."<br>Al-Harbi added that following the seizure, ZATCA coordinated immediately with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) to ensure the arrest of the intended recipients of the contraband. Consequently, the individual scheduled to receive the shipment inside the Kingdom was successfully apprehended.<br>The spokesperson emphasized that ZATCA remains committed to tightening customs control over the Kingdom’s imports and exports across all ports. He stressed that the Authority stands vigilant against smuggling attempts to fulfill its strategic pillar of enhancing community security and protection by curbing the trafficking of such toxins and other prohibited goods.<br>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.
ZATCA Activates "Digital Report" Service to Enhance Beneficiary Experience and Optimize Digital Services<p class="ms-rteElement-P"></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has announced the activation of the "Digital Report" service, provided by the Digital Government Authority (DGA) through the Beneficiary Engagement Center “Amer". This initiative comes as part of ZATCA's commitment to enhancing communication channels with beneficiaries and enabling them to participate in improving and developing digital services.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">ZATCA explained that activating the "Digital Report" service aims to provide a more seamless and transparent experience when dealing with digital services. By enabling beneficiaries to submit their feedback and suggestions, the service will contribute to improving service quality, accelerating response times, and increasing beneficiary satisfaction.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The service provides three main tracks to receive beneficiary reports. The first track is " Submit Complaint," which allows for the escalation of complaints related to digital services if the processing time is exceeded or if the service is unavailable. The second track allows users to submit a " Conversion application," enabling beneficiaries to suggest converting a traditional service into a digital one. The third track enables beneficiaries to submit a " Proposed Development" to share ideas and proposals that contribute to developing and improving existing digital services.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">ZATCA pointed out that this step integrates with its ongoing efforts to enhance e-participation and leverage beneficiary opinions and suggestions. This supports service development and raises efficiency in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to provide innovative digital government services that meet the aspirations of beneficiaries.<br></p>
ZATCA App Enhances the Efficiency of Completing Zakat, Tax, and Customs Procedures Digitally<p></p>The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) continues to enhance its digital channels by offering a comprehensive range of services. Most notably, the ZATCA smartphone application enables taxpayers and customers to conveniently and flexibly complete numerous zakat, tax, and customs procedures, contributing to better service efficiency and improving the overall user experience.<br>The application provides a suite of digital services that allows users to monitor their compliance and track their data. Through the app, users can access the taxpayer dashboard to track obligations, returns, and payments. It also features specialized calculators for traders and consumers, as well as customs duties and taxes. The application also offers several customs services, including customs declaration inquiries, shipment tracking, the Integrated Customs Tariff, and the Customs Declaration Service for Travelers.<br>In addition, the application facilitates registration services and various zakat and tax procedures, including Value Added Tax (VAT) registration, verification or cancellation of registration, requests to change filing periods, zakat registration, and installment plans for zakat and VAT liabilities. It also provides access to account statements, electronic invoice verification, and the submission and follow-up of reports and notifications.<br>ZATCA App also enables secure and approved electronic payment options, enhancing the reliability of financial transactions and accelerating the completion of related procedures.<br>This initiative is part of ZATCA’s ongoing efforts to develop its digital channels and drive digital transformation across zakat, tax, and customs services, ultimately enhancing performance efficiency and improving the quality of services provided.
ZATCA Opens Applications for Fresh Graduates in "Binaa-Alkafaat" and "Ameen" Programs<p></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 fresh graduate programs, "Binaa-Alkafaat" and "Ameen." The initiatives aim to attract national talent from both Saudi and international universities and qualify them in specialized fields to enhance their readiness for the labor market within a professional environment that bridges academic knowledge and practical experience.<br>The "Binaa-Alkafaat" program targets Bachelor's and Master's degree holders in several disciplines, including Business Administration, Public Administration, Project Management, Human Resources, Economics, Accounting, Finance, Supply Chain, Data Science and Analytics, Statistics, Mathematics, Law, Sharia, Artificial Intelligence, Information Systems, Management Information Systems (MIS), Industrial Engineering, Insurance and Risk Management, Information Security, Systems Engineering, Engineering, and International Relations. The program is designed with a methodology that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application within a professional and motivating work environment over a 12-month period.<br>ZATCA clarified that the key admission requirements for the "Binaa-Alkafaat" program include that the applicant must be of Saudi nationality and hold the required qualification with a minimum GPA of 3.2 out of 4 or 4 out of 5. For Bachelor's degree holders, the applicant's age must not exceed 25 years, with no more than two years having passed since graduation. For Master's degree holders, the age must not exceed 27 years, with no more than one year having passed since graduation. Applicants are also required to be proficient in English according to the criteria set by ZATCA, pass personal interviews and assessments, and pass the medical examination.<br>ZATCA added that the "Ameen" program targets recent graduates with a Bachelor's degree in fields including Languages and Translation, Law, Business Administration, Administrative Systems, Public Relations, Social Work, Criminology (all tracks), Criminal Justice (all tracks), and Applied Medical Sciences, specifically Radiologic Sciences and Biomedical Technology. The program focuses on building cognitive and applied capacities in the customs field through comprehensive theoretical and practical training in the fundamentals of customs and security sciences spanning 12 months.<br>ZATCA stated that the primary requirements for applying to the "Ameen" program are that the applicant must be a Saudi national with a minimum GPA of 2.8 out of 4 or 3.5 out of 5. The applicant's age must not exceed 25 years, with no more than two years since graduation. The program also requires passing personal interviews, assessments, and medical exams, in addition to meeting the physical fitness standards specified by the Authority.<br>Accepted trainees in both programs will enjoy multiple benefits, including a monthly stipend, medical insurance for the trainee and their family members, as well as advanced training programs that contribute to developing their technical and administrative skills, preparing them to enter the labor market efficiently.</p><p>Applications for both programs will commence on June 7, 2026, and will run until June 27, 2026, via the Authority's official website. Those interested in learning more details can view all requirements, conditions, targeted specializations, and benefits through the instructional guide available on the application page of the ZATCA's website.<br></p><p><br></p>
Al-Wadeeah Customs Thwarts Attempt to Smuggle 6.2 kg of Hashish “Cannabis”<p></p>The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) at the Al-Wadeeah Customs Port has successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle 6.2 kilograms of hashish “Cannabis”, which was found hidden inside a vehicle entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.<br>Hamoud Al-Harbi, the official spokesperson for ZATCA, stated that during the routine inspection and examination of an incoming vehicle, the hashish was discovered concealed inside "metal food cans."<br>Al-Harbi added that following the seizure, ZATCA coordinated immediately with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) to ensure the arrest of the intended recipients of the contraband. Consequently, the individual scheduled to receive the shipment inside the Kingdom was successfully apprehended.<br>The spokesperson emphasized that ZATCA remains committed to tightening customs control over the Kingdom’s imports and exports across all ports. He stressed that the Authority stands vigilant against smuggling attempts to fulfill its strategic pillar of enhancing community security and protection by curbing the trafficking of such toxins and other prohibited goods.<br>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><br>
ZATCA Urges Establishments Subject to WHT to Submit Forms for May 2026<div data-block="true" data-editor="63lph" data-offset-key="75a7n-0-0"><p class="ms-rteElement-P">The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has called on establishments subject to Withholding Tax in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to submit their withholding tax forms for last May 2026 by 10 June 2026.<br></p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">ZATCA urges establishments to promptly submit their withholding tax forms through its website (zatca.gov.sa) to avoid late payment penalties. A penalty of 1% of the unpaid tax is applied for every 30 days of delay beyond the due date.<br></p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">ZATCA called on taxpayers from the business sector wishing to obtain more information regarding withholding tax, to contact the 24/7 unified call center number (19993), or “Ask ZATCA” account on (X) (@Zatca_Care), e-mail (info@zatca.gov.sa), or through instant chats through the website (zatca.gov.sa).<br></p><p class="ms-rteElement-P">Withholding Tax is imposed on all amounts paid from a source in the Kingdom to non-resident entities that do not have a permanent establishment in the Kingdom, in accordance with the rates specified in Article 68 of the Income Tax Law and Article 63 of its Implementing Regulations.<br></p></div>