To import ACP or aluminium coil into the Gulf in 2026 you deal with three things: the 5% GCC common customs tariff, SABER/SASO product conformity (for Saudi Arabia) or the equivalent, and — new since 2025 — anti-dumping measures the GCC placed on semi-finished Chinese aluminium (sheet, plate, strip). Finished ACP is generally treated as a building product, but raw aluminium coil can fall under the anti-dumping scope, so the product form you import changes the landed cost. Here is how to plan it.
The 5% GCC tariff and conformity
The GCC applies a 5% common external tariff on most building materials, charged on the CIF value. For Saudi Arabia you also need SABER/SASO conformity registration for the product; other GCC states have their own conformity routes. A real supplier provides the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and test certificates your broker needs to clear the goods.
The 2025 anti-dumping shift on aluminium semis
In 2025 GCC authorities announced anti-dumping measures on imports of semi-finished aluminium — sheet, plate and strip — from China. The key nuance: anti-dumping generally targets raw semis, not finished building products. So finished FR ACP is usually treated as a facade product, while plain aluminium coil is more exposed. Before you commit, ask your broker to confirm the HS code classification and whether anti-dumping applies to the exact form you are importing.
China’s removed export rebate changes pricing
Separately, China removed its export tax rebate on aluminium products from December 2024. That raised the effective export cost of coil and semis by roughly the old rebate. Any 2026 quote should already reflect this — if a price looks like last year’s, ask whether the rebate change is included, because it affects the real floor price.
Practical way to plan landed cost
Build the landed cost as: factory price (post-rebate) + freight (CIF your port) + 5% GCC tariff + any anti-dumping duty on the specific HS code + conformity/clearance. For facade projects, importing finished FR ACP often lands cleaner than raw coil because of the anti-dumping exposure on semis. If you run a local ACP line and the coil HS code is clear of anti-dumping, coil is cheaper per panel.
Frequently asked questions
What tariff applies to ACP in the GCC? The 5% GCC common external tariff on the CIF value, plus SABER/SASO conformity for Saudi Arabia.
Is there anti-dumping duty on Chinese aluminium in the Gulf? Since 2025 the GCC applies anti-dumping measures on semi-finished aluminium (sheet/plate/strip). Finished ACP is usually treated as a building product — confirm the HS code for your form.
Did China change aluminium export pricing? Yes — China removed the aluminium export tax rebate in December 2024, raising effective export cost. 2026 quotes should reflect it.
Is it cheaper to import coil or finished ACP? Finished FR ACP often lands cleaner due to anti-dumping exposure on raw coil; coil is cheaper only if its HS code is clear of anti-dumping and you laminate locally.
Related: insulated panel import duty & tax by country 2026 · SABER certification Saudi import guide.
Talk to the factory: GSM BuildTech (Beijing Guanshimao Technology Co., Ltd.) makes insulated aluminium panels, FR aluminium composite panels and PVDF aluminium coil in Tianjin, China. Email sales@insulatedaluminumroof.com or WhatsApp +86 155 2274 6824 for factory-direct pricing. See the technical reference & FAQ.