SAUDI ARABIA TO BAN SALE OF ALCOHOL IN DUTY-FREE STORES

Sun 08 January 2023:

The Saudi Arabian authorities will not allow the sale of alcohol in duty-free stores in airports and on the land, maritime borders, Saudi Arabian customs said on Saturday.

According to the rules and requirements for establishing duty-free markets, only goods and products that are permitted to be traded in the Kingdom will be allowed at the duty-free markets, ZATCA said on Friday.

The authority has set the customs rules, requirements and procedures for establishing duty-free markets at air, sea and land ports, in accordance with the unified customs law for the GCC countries, which includes the conditions related to the operation of duty-free markets.

The authority stressed that the decision will contribute to supporting supply chains and improving logistical services provided to duty-free markets by providing a wide range of goods and products for travel shopping.

“The duty-free shops will grant additional sales channels to local companies by selling their products to the duty-free operators, which supports and contributes to the promotion of national products,” the authority said.

The authority also clarified that duty-free markets are currently located in the departure terminals of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahad International Airport in Dammam and Prince Muhammad bin Abdulaziz Airport in Madinah.

The authority seeks to expand opening duty-free markets as needed in air, sea and land ports.

Duty-free markets at customs outlets are defined as retail outlets that allow travelers to purchase goods and products that are permitted to be traded in the Kingdom, and which are subject to exemption from customs duties or taxes.

Tax exemption systems differ from one country to another depending on the location of the duty-free market — arrival or departure terminals — and in accordance with the provisions of the unified customs system and its executive regulations and other relevant regulations in each country.

A number of conservative Muslim countries of the Arabian Gulf, particularly Qatar, allow the sale of alcoholic beverages in duty-free stores, but restricts its import into the country, while in other Gulf states, for example in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, alcohol bought in duty-free can be imported, but in limited quantities.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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