Saudi Arabia Drone Import Guide: GACA, SABER and CST

Importing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and related components from China into Saudi Arabia involves several authorities, and approvals should be in place before goods are shipped. Commercial importers and system integrators typically deal with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) through the SABER platform, the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA). Requirements change, so confirm current steps with each authority before you commit to an order.

GACA Registration and Import Steps

GACA regulates unmanned aircraft through the Saudi civil aviation regulations, including GACAR Part 48 (Registration and Marking Requirements for Unmanned Aircraft) and GACAR Part 107 (non-recreational civil small unmanned aircraft systems), which covers registration, airman certification and operation.

• Registration threshold: Under GACAR Part 48, an unmanned aircraft must be registered and marked if its maximum take-off mass is 250 g or more, or if it carries a sensor able to capture personal data or survey and geospatial information. Toys that meet neither condition are not required to be registered.
• Online portal: Registration is done electronically through the GACA UAS portal, which also covers remote pilot certificates and online customs clearance.
• Security clearance before import: GACA's UAS guidance states that applicants who intend to bring or import UAS into the Kingdom must first obtain security clearance from GACA's Aviation Security Sector, with customs clearance from ZATCA as a later step. Additional end-use or project information may be requested, so confirm specific requirements with GACA.

SABER Platform and SASO Technical Regulations

SASO administers product conformity through the SABER platform, which is linked with the Fasah customs system. SABER notes that importers must register the required conformity certificates to avoid re-export of the shipment.

• Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC): Products covered by SASO technical regulations, such as the Gulf technical regulation for low voltage electrical equipment or the technical regulation restricting hazardous substances, need a PCoC registered in SABER through an approved conformity assessment body. Which regulations apply depends on the product and its HS code.
• IECEE recognition certificate: For certain electrical product groups, SASO requires a national IECEE recognition certificate based on CB test reports and certificates. Confirm with SASO whether chargers, power adapters or batteries in your order fall within the current product list.
• Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC): A shipment certificate is issued in SABER for each consignment of regulated products. SABER lists the SCoC validity as 90 days.

CST Requirements for Wireless Equipment

Drones, ground control stations and telemetry modules contain radio transmitters, so CST technical specifications apply. CST regulations for licensing telecommunications and IT equipment require devices to conform to CST specifications before import, and a Saudi company filing customs clearance requests needs the relevant import activity in its commercial registration. CST-related conformity processes for many ICT devices have been moving to SABER, so confirm with CST and SASO whether your product needs CST type approval, a SABER certificate, or both. Purely mechanical spare parts are unlikely to need radio approval, but confirm HS-code-linked requirements with the relevant authority before shipping mixed consignments.

Export-Side Check in China

China's Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Customs and the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission issued Announcement No. 49 of 2026, which places certain drones and drone components under dual-use export control from 18 November 2026. Items named in the announcement include autopilots specially designed for unmanned aircraft, certain unmanned aircraft, brushless motors and electronic speed controllers, and specially designed onboard radio communication equipment, where they meet the parameters set out in the announcement. Controlled items may not be exported without a licence, so confirm with your supplier whether your order is covered and whether a Chinese export licence is required before you schedule shipment.

Sourcing Checklist for Saudi Importers

Do not ask a supplier to ship drones by express courier or air freight before the GACA, SABER and CST steps are complete. Request CB test reports for chargers and batteries, accredited RF and EMC test reports, plugs compliant with SASO 2203 for AC chargers, and exact unit serial numbers before dispatch. Supplier test reports support your applications but do not guarantee approval by Saudi authorities. To find manufacturers able to supply the documentation described above for your market, contact our team through the inquiry form on our website.