IMPORTING SAUDI ARABIAN DATES TO USA: WHY IT'S BEST

What do you know about importing dates from Saudi Arabia to the United States? It sounds like a complicated process, doesn't it? Luckily, that couldn't be further from the truth, and what we're going to share with you today will show you why importing dates from Saudi Arabia to the United States should be at the top of your agenda as an entrepreneur. First, let's set some things straight—Saudi Arabia produces more than 500 million kg of dates each year, and this volume is responsible for making Saudi Arabia one of the world leaders in creating this sweet treat.

What are the Dates?

Dates are a sweet, dried fruit once considered a staple food in many parts of Europe and Asia. Today, dates are famous for their nutritional value and as sweet snacks.

The varieties of dates

There are over 200 date varieties, each with a slightly different flavour. While we can't list them all here, we will briefly explain some of the most popular varieties and where they are grown.

How do I import dates from Saudi Arabia?

First-time importers may find it challenging to import dates from Saudi Arabia. Many are surprised to learn that several different types of dates are available in the country, each requiring a unique importation process. Here's a quick overview of how to import dates from Saudi Arabia.

An importer must file an Importer's Exempt Commodity Form (SC-6) with U.S. Customs and Border Protection before importing any dates into America. This form can be found on Customs' website and should be submitted at least one month before your shipment arrives in port. For example, if you plan to import dates in May, you must fill out and submit an SC-6 form by April 30th.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (declaration). Once your shipment arrives in port, you'll need to fill out a CBP form 7501, which will be used to clear your dates through customs. This form can also be found on Customs' website and should be submitted within 30 days of arrival in port. For example, if you import dates in May, you must submit a CBP Form 7501 by June 30th.

Pay your Duty tax rates. You must pay duty on your shipment after filling out a CBP Form 7501. The duty rate depends on whether you sell your dates in bulk or import them for personal use.

Costs involved

Bulk shipments always involve a considerable amount of money. The cost of dates depends on various factors, such as where you buy them, how many you purchase, and when. The best way to get your dates at an affordable price is to import directly from Saudi Arabia. The transportation cost for importing dates directly from Saudi Arabia to the USA or Canada is approximately $2 per pound (as of January 2015). This means purchasing 2 tons will cost you $4 per pound, while 5 tons will cost $6.

Custom charges 5.63% of FOB value + $2 per shipment (as of January 2015). This means that importing 2 tons will cost you $5.63 per pound, and so on. So, if you buy 2 tons of dates at $6 per pound, your total cost will be $1,320 (2 tons x 6 pounds x 4 dollars). With no additional costs, your net profit will be about $1,600 for every two tons of dates you import into the USA or Canada.

If I decide to import, how do I go about it?

The first step is to do some research. Find out how many dates you need to sell to break even, then decide if that's realistic. Once you've decided on a quantity, it's time to start planning your next move. It will take about 6-8 weeks for your dates to arrive in port, so ensure you have enough time before starting your import process.

Secondly, you will need to find a supplier. You can do this by researching online or asking around in your community. Once you've found a few potential suppliers, it's time to contact them and get some quotes. Most suppliers will require that you place an order before they give you a quote, so be prepared for that step.

What challenges do I face when importing my dates from Saudi Arabia?

Paperwork

I researched and discovered that many people need help importing their products. On top of that, everyone in my industry who imports from another country gets fined every day. I quickly forget about paperwork and fees because I work as a date importer. When I realized what it took to import dates, I decided not to do it anymore.

Finance: Finances are a huge part of importing your dates. It's essential to have a lot of money to pay for these fees, and ensuring you keep all of it is even more critical. That way, you can keep your business going without worrying about paperwork and customs. You need more money to import dates.

Language barriers: It's hard to talk to people who don't speak your language, and it's even harder when you have to discuss important business matters. When you import dates, you need to be able to communicate with your clients to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

Saudi Customs Procedures: You need a Saudi Arabia clearing agent to help you with all your paperwork. That way, you don't have to worry about anything but shipping your dates from there. If you don't find someone to help you, you might be stuck dealing with these issues alone. Since I learned how easy it was to import dates, I decided never to do it again. It's just too much work for me and my business.

Where can I get help with importing my goods into the USA?

Customs clearing agents in the USA can help you import your goods into America. They will handle all paperwork and ensure that your goods are shipped safely to their destination. A customs clearing agent can also advise you on importing goods legally and efficiently, saving you time and money. The following companies specialize in importing dates: The following companies specialize in importing dates into Canada: The following company specializes in importing dates into Australia: The following company specializes in importing dates into New Zealand.

Guide to import dates into the USA: If you are planning on importing your goods into the USA, it's a good idea to use a Customs clearing agent. Customs clearing agents can help with all paperwork and ensure your goods are shipped safely to their destination.

Conclusion

Although dates are a popular and essential food in Arabian culture, they often pose a considerable problem for exporters. The main reason? Customs regulations. To simplify things and make importing dates easier, companies must determine which country or countries they want to send their goods to. Because some date importers aren't familiar with international import rules, there are a few tips to remember when trying to get these foods across borders.

References

DATES WHOLESALE BUSINESS: BEST DATES OFFERED IN BULK!