The SABER Certificate is an essential requirement for all products being imported into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Administered under the Saudi Product Safety Program (SALEEM) and regulated by SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization), the SABER platform is designed to facilitate the registration and clearance of both regulated and non-regulated products.
In this guide, we will walk you through every critical detail about the SABER certification process, registration steps, documents required, and associated fees, ensuring you can efficiently and compliantly export your products to Saudi Arabia.
What is the SABER Certificate?
The SABER Certificate is an online conformity assessment system that verifies a product’s compliance with Saudi Technical Regulations before it enters the Saudi market. The platform acts as a digital gateway between importers, SASO-accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), and Saudi Customs.
The SABER system classifies products into two categories:
Regulated Products: Must adhere to specific Technical Regulations and require additional certification.
Non-Regulated Products: Still require registration but involve simpler verification.
Why is the SABER Certificate Mandatory for Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia mandates SABER certification to:
Ensure consumer safety
Prevent entry of counterfeit or non-compliant goods
Facilitate faster customs clearance
Promote standardization and product traceability
Every importer in Saudi Arabia must obtain the appropriate Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) through the SABER platform for each product.
Key Components of the SABER Certification Process
1. Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)
The PCoC confirms that a specific product complies with relevant Technical Regulations. It is valid for one year and issued by a SASO-approved Certification Body.
2. Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)
Each shipment of certified products must be accompanied by an SCoC, which ensures that products in the consignment match the certified models under the PCoC.
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain the SABER Certificate
Step 1: Importer Registration on SABER Platform
The first step is for the Saudi importer to register on the SABER platform using their commercial registration (CR).
Step 2: Product Registration
Products must be registered under the correct category — regulated or non-regulated. Importers need to enter details such as:
Product name and model
Manufacturer details
Country of origin
HS code
Step 3: Select Certification Body
For regulated products, a SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) must be selected. This CAB evaluates your product and issues the PCoC upon successful assessment.
Step 4: Submit Required Documents
Typical documentation includes:
Test reports from ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs
Product datasheets/specifications
Quality management certificates (e.g., ISO 9001)
Technical files (drawings, manuals)
Step 5: Product Evaluation and PCoC Issuance
The CAB reviews the documentation and test reports. If compliant, the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) is issued and uploaded to the SABER system.
Step 6: Shipment Certificate Application (SCoC)
Before the shipment is dispatched, the importer must request the SCoC through the SABER platform by referencing the valid PCoC. The CAB reviews shipment documentation and approves issuance.
Documents Required for SABER Certificate
Commercial Invoice
Certificate of Origin
Product Technical File
Lab Test Reports (IEC/ISO standard)
Product Images
HS Code
Authorized Representative Letter (if applicable)
Quality Management System Certificate (if applicable)
SABER Certificate Validity and Renewal
PCoC Validity: 1 year, renewable annually
SCoC Validity: Per shipment basis
Renewal of the PCoC involves re-submitting updated documents or confirming that no changes were made to the product since the previous certification.
Who Issues the SABER Certificate?
SABER certificates are issued by SASO-accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies located in Saudi Arabia and internationally. These bodies are responsible for:
Evaluating product compliance
Issuing certificates under the relevant technical regulations
Communicating directly with SABER and SASO
Some recognized CABs include:
TUV Rheinland
SGS
Intertek
Bureau Veritas
UL
Applus+
QIMA
Which Products Require SABER Certification?
Examples of regulated products include:
Electrical appliances (e.g., washing machines, air conditioners)
Children’s toys
Building materials
Lubricating oils
Vehicle spare parts
Textiles
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
A full list of regulated products can be found on SASO’s website or within the SABER platform.
SABER Certificate Fees in Saudi Arabia
Costs vary based on product category and certification body. However, typical fee structure includes:
PCoC Fee: SAR 500 to SAR 1,200 (per product, per model)
SCoC Fee: SAR 350 to SAR 650 (per shipment)
CABs may also charge separate evaluation or testing fees depending on the product complexity.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Importing products without a valid SABER Certificate can lead to:
Customs clearance delays
Product rejection or return
Heavy fines or penalties
Legal action and potential blacklisting
Benefits of SABER Certification for Importers
Streamlined Clearance: Digital verification speeds up customs release.
Market Access: Gain entry into the fast-growing Saudi Arabian market.
Consumer Trust: Demonstrates commitment to product safety and quality.
Regulatory Assurance: Stay compliant with ever-evolving Saudi regulations.
How We Can Help You Get the SABER Certificate
We assist global exporters and Saudi importers in seamlessly navigating the SABER registration process. Our services include:
Product classification guidance
Document preparation and review
Liaising with SASO-approved CABs
Managing renewals and shipment certificates
End-to-end compliance support
With expert insight and local understanding, we ensure your product enters the Saudi market without disruption.
Conclusion
Acquiring the SABER Certificate for Saudi Arabia is not just a regulatory formality—it is a critical gateway for businesses seeking to trade safely and legally in the Saudi market. Whether you're an established exporter or a new business planning to enter KSA, understanding and complying with the SABER requirements is non-negotiable.
Take action today to ensure your products meet the necessary Saudi Conformity Assessment criteria. A small investment in compliance can lead to significant rewards in one of the Middle East’s most lucrative markets.
