Grocery Delivery Apps in Saudi Arabia: Permits, Tracking and Rules

Grocery delivery apps operating in Saudi Arabia must hold a valid commercial license and a home delivery permit issued through Balady. For international online orders, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) provides a shipment tracking service for individual importers.

What are the regulations for grocery delivery apps in Saudi Arabia?

Home delivery is an electronic service that allows licensed businesses to apply for a permit to operate. According to 2025 data published by Balady on April 27, 2025, the system regulates delivery operations, enforces health and safety standards, improves service quality, protects public health and builds consumer trust.

Any grocery app or e-commerce store offering delivery inside the Saudi market must carry an active commercial license alongside a home delivery permit issued through the official platform.

How do businesses get a home delivery permit on Balady?

Permits are issued exclusively online through the Balady portal. The service targets licensed commercial establishments that provide home delivery. Processing is instant and completely free.

The application steps are:

1. Log in to the beneficiary dashboard on Balady and open the commercial licenses box.
2. Select the commercial license you want to attach the delivery permit to, then click "More".
3. Choose "Issue Home Delivery Permit" to complete the request.

The main requirement is an active commercial license and compliance with municipal conditions for home delivery. Customer service can be reached at 199040 or [email protected]. Agents are available from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day of the week, while self-service tools run twenty-four hours a day.

How do you track international e-commerce shipments through ZATCA?

When you buy products from global online stores, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) offers a shipment tracking service for individual importers. It lets you follow incoming parcels handled by express carriers within Saudi customs using your waybill number.

To track a shipment:

• Visit the website and select the express shipment tracking service.
• Specify the shipping type.
• Choose how to track by entering either the customs declaration details or the waybill number.
• The system displays the shipment status and any fees collected under the customs declaration.

The process takes five minutes and carries no extra charges. ZATCA launched the service on 30 Rabi Al-Thani 1444 AH, corresponding to November 24, 2022. For further inquiries, contact the authority's call center at 19993 or [email protected].

Which government apps support e-commerce in Saudi Arabia?

Beyond delivery permits and customs, government agencies have built smart applications to streamline trade and financial procedures. The Ministry of Finance, for example, released a mobile portal app so users can access information around the clock. According to Ministry of Finance data, the app has been downloaded more than one hundred thousand times and holds a rating of 3.8.

The Kafalah program for small and medium enterprise financing also operates through its digital platform. It outlines the steps to secure a financing guarantee and includes the "Muahhal" tool to assess approval probability, supporting retail stores and emerging apps, according to the Kafalah program.

What does this mean for grocery app users?

Every time you order through a Saudi grocery app, you are dealing with a business subject to clear government oversight. A home delivery permit from Balady confirms the establishment meets municipal and health requirements. If your order involves goods imported through international stores, the customs tracking system shows the exact status and applicable fees before the package arrives.

This combination of local delivery regulation through Balady and international shipment management through ZATCA creates a structured framework for consumer protection and organized e-commerce.

Key figures

• Home delivery permit cost: Free (Balady)
• Delivery permit processing time: Instant (Balady)
• Balady customer service number: 199040 (Balady)
• Customs shipment tracking time: Five minutes (ZATCA)
• Shipment tracking launch date: November 24, 2022 (ZATCA)
• ZATCA call center number: 19993 (ZATCA)
• Ministry of Finance app downloads: More than one hundred thousand (Ministry of Finance)
• Ministry of Finance app rating: 3.8 (Ministry of Finance)

What should consumers keep in mind?

Always verify that the grocery stores and apps you use hold an active commercial license and a Balady-issued home delivery permit. When ordering from international retailers, use the shipment tracking service on the ZATCA website to check customs fees and delivery status. Follow updates from Balady and ZATCA regarding any changes to delivery requirements or customs duties to ensure a transparent shopping experience.