A Saber certificate is necessary in Saudi Arabia to confirm that imported goods have been inspected and assessed to meet the country’s safety and quality requirements. With proper documentation, imported goods can be cleared through Saudi customs without delay. The SASO–SABER Certificate of Conformity functions as a regulatory clearance requirement for products entering the Saudi market.
Saudi Arabia applies a structured product safety and conformity system to protect consumers, prevent counterfeit goods, and regulate fair trade. Compliance with this system is mandatory for regulated products and is enforced during customs clearance.
What Is the SASO–SABER Certificate of Conformity?
The SASO–SABER Certificate of Conformity serves as technical evidence that a product and its shipment comply with standards and technical regulations issued by Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). It confirms that conformity assessment has been completed through approved procedures and that products placed on the Saudi market meet defined safety and quality requirements.
This certification framework supports the following objectives:
- Preventing unsafe and non-compliant products from entering the Saudi market
- Reducing counterfeit and substandard consumer goods
- Supporting smooth and compliant customs clearance
What Is SABER?
SABER is the official electronic platform used to apply for and manage Certificates of Conformity in Saudi Arabia. It enables importers and local manufacturers to register products, submit documentation, and coordinate with SASO-approved conformity assessment bodies.
Through the SABER platform, businesses can request both Product Certificates of Conformity and Shipment Certificates of Conformity for regulated and non-regulated products, whether imported or locally manufactured. SABER operates as the operational gateway through which Saudi conformity requirements are implemented.
What Is SALEEM?
SALEEM is the Saudi Product Safety Program established by SASO to regulate the safety of products placed on the Saudi market. SALEEM is a regulatory framework, not a software platform or certification body. It defines how products are classified, assessed, and approved based on safety risk, technical requirements, and regulatory scope.
Under SALEEM, SASO issues technical regulations for products that may pose risks to consumers, property, or the environment. These regulations determine whether a product is classified as regulated or non-regulated and what conformity assessment steps apply.
While SALEEM defines what compliance is required, the SABER platform defines how compliance is applied and managed.
SASO–SABER Certificate for Saudi Arabia – Requirements
The SASO–SABER certificate is required for products that fall under Saudi technical regulations. When applying for SABER certification, the following points should be observed:
- Importers must register on the SABER platform
- Only SASO-approved conformity assessment bodies are authorized to perform conformity activities for regulated products
- Product and Shipment Certificates of Conformity are required for products subject to SASO technical regulations
- Non-regulated products require shipment registration and declaration through SABER
- All technical documents and product details must be accurate and complete
SABER Certification Process for Exports to Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, SASO oversees the Product Safety Program known as SALEEM. The program focuses on ensuring that products sold in the Kingdom do not present safety or quality risks to users, society, or the environment.
To implement SALEEM requirements, SASO uses the SABER electronic system. Through SABER, importers register regulated products, select SASO-approved conformity assessment bodies, and apply for the required certificates.
Since January 1, 2019, regulated products must be registered in SABER before importation. Certification requests are reviewed and issued only by conformity assessment bodies authorized by SASO.
Who Can Issue the SASO–SABER Certificate of Conformity?
Only SASO-approved conformity assessment bodies are authorized to issue:
- Product Certificates of Conformity (PCoC)
- Shipment Certificates of Conformity (SCoC)
Consultants and service providers may assist with documentation, coordination, and compliance preparation, but they do not issue certificates.
What Products Require a SASO–SABER Certificate?
Products that require a SASO–SABER Certificate are classified as regulated products under Saudi technical regulations. These typically include:
- Electrical and electronic products
- Mechanical equipment and machinery
- Construction and building materials
- Textiles and consumer goods
- Chemical products
Regulated products are further classified as medium-risk or high-risk, depending on their safety impact. Additional conformity requirements may apply based on this risk classification.
How to Obtain a SASO–SABER Certificate for Saudi Arabia
The certification process may vary depending on product risk and applicable regulations. In general, the process includes:
- Registering the product in SABER using the correct Saudi HS Code
- Submitting product specifications and supporting technical documents
- Coordinating with a SASO-approved conformity assessment body
- Completing conformity assessment activities
- Issuance of the Product Certificate of Conformity (if applicable)
- Entering shipment and invoice details in SABER
- Issuance of the Shipment Certificate of Conformity for customs clearance
What Is a SASO Certificate of Conformity (CoC)?
The SASO Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is a mandatory regulatory requirement for regulated products exported to Saudi Arabia. It confirms compliance with SASO technical regulations and supports Saudi Arabia’s regulatory and consumer protection objectives under Saudi Vision 2030.
Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) vs Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)
The conformity assessment process for regulated products includes two distinct certificates:
Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)
The PCoC confirms that a regulated product complies with Saudi technical regulations before importation. It is issued by a SASO-approved conformity assessment body and is typically valid for one year. A valid PCoC is required before shipment certification can be issued for regulated products.
Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)
The SCoC is required for each shipment entering Saudi Arabia. It confirms that the shipped goods match the approved product registration and comply with applicable regulations. The SCoC is mandatory for customs clearance and is valid for one shipment only.
Complete Guideline for SASO Certificate of Conformity
Saudi Arabia is one of the largest and fastest-growing markets in the Middle East. For exporters and manufacturers, understanding the Saudi product safety and conformity framework is essential. While the certification process is structured, navigating requirements, documentation, and coordination can take time.
At Qdot, our experts provide professional support to help organizations prepare for SASO–SABER compliance, coordinate with approved conformity assessment bodies, and manage certification requirements efficiently.
For guidance on SASO–SABER certification for Saudi Arabia, you may contact Qdot through Call / WhatsApp: +971 56 502 1526 or +971 800 QDOT9 (73689) or Email: info@qdot.ae for further assistance.
FAQ's
SASO SABER is an online platform used to ensure that products meet Saudi Arabia's safety, quality, and regulatory standards before they are imported or sold.
It is required to confirm that products meet the standards set by Saudi Arabia to protect consumers and ensure the products are safe and compliant with local regulations.
Manufacturers, importers, and suppliers who wish to sell regulated products in Saudi Arabia need SASO SABER certification.
Products like electronics, food items, building materials, medical devices, automotive parts, and cosmetics require SASO SABER certification.
To apply, create an account on the SABER platform, upload the required documents, and submit your application for a Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
You will need product test reports, commercial invoices, product specifications, and a manufacturer’s declaration of conformity.
SASO SABER certification is valid for one year. It must be renewed annually.