SASO
Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization: the authority that develops Saudi technical regulations, standards, and product-conformity requirements.
SASO/SABER Certification for Saudi Arabia
SASO/SABER Certification
Saudi Arabia · SASO / SABER
SASO/SABER Certification for Saudi Arabia
Saudi product conformity for regulated products is managed through the SABER platform under SASO requirements. The process mainly involves a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) for the product and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) for each shipment. Markek supports the process from classification and documentation to shipment readiness.
- SASO + SABER
- Authority + Platform
- PCoC + SCoC
- Product + Shipment
- End-to-End
- Classification to Shipment
Quick Summary
SASO/SABER Certification, Briefly
People often use SASO Certification and SABER Certification interchangeably, but technically they mean different things. SASO is Saudi Arabia’s standards and technical-regulation authority, while SABER is the electronic platform used to manage product conformity. For regulated products, the actual conformity certificates are the PCoC, which confirms product conformity, and the SCoC, which applies to each shipment.
On this page, you’ll understand:
- What SASO is and how SABER fits into the process
- The difference between PCoC and SCoC
- Which products use the SABER platform
- The certification and shipment process
- Documents, timelines, and common mistakes
- Current requirements exporters should know
SASO Certification
OVERVIEW
What Is SASO Certification, and How Does SABER Work?
Manufacturers and exporters often refer to Saudi product conformity as “SASO Certification” or “SABER Certification.” The terms are commonly used for the same compliance journey, but technically each has a different role.
SABER
The electronic platform through which applicable products are registered and conformity processes are managed.
PCoC and SCoC
The actual conformity certificates used for regulated products through SABER.
The wider product-safety framework is SALEEM, which classifies products by risk and determines the technical regulations that apply.
For regulated products, the process generally works in two stages:
-
First comes the PCoC.
The product is assessed against the applicable Saudi technical regulation. The application is submitted through the Saudi importer’s SABER account to an approved conformity assessment body.
-
Then comes the SCoC.
A separate shipment certificate is requested for each consignment using the product and invoice information.
THE TWO CERTIFICATES
PCoC vs SCoC — What’s the Difference?
| Comparison | PCoC | SCoC |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Product Certificate of Conformity | Shipment Certificate of Conformity |
| Covers | The product | A shipment/consignment |
| How often | Obtained, then renewed annually | Every shipment |
| Validity | Typically up to 1 year | One consignment |
| Based on | Conformity assessment of the product | A valid PCoC + the commercial invoice |
| Purpose | Confirms conformity | Supports customs clearance |
| Issued in | A few working days | Same or next working day |
SASO describes the product conformity certificate as evidence that a product meets applicable technical requirements, while the shipment certificate is issued for commercial consignments through SABER.
WHO NEEDS IT
Who Needs SASO/SABER Certification?
-
Foreign manufacturers exporting regulated products to Saudi Arabia
-
Exporters and trading companies supplying the Kingdom
-
Saudi importers and distributors
-
Local manufacturers placing applicable products on the Saudi market
Regulatory Framework
SASO/SABER Certification
BY INDUSTRY
Which Products Need SASO/SABER Certification?
Many consumer and industrial products imported into Saudi Arabia are managed through SABER. The exact route depends on the product classification and applicable technical regulation.
| Product Category | Typical SABER Route | May Also Require |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical & electronic products | PCoC + SCoC | Energy efficiency, G-Mark, or any other product-specific approval |
| Home appliances | PCoC + SCoC | Energy efficiency requirements |
| Toys | PCoC + SCoC | G-Mark and safety testing |
| Automotive parts, tyres, batteries | PCoC + SCoC | Product-specific SASO requirements |
| Building & construction materials | PCoC + SCoC | Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) for some categories |
| Textiles & apparel | PCoC + SCoC | Labeling and chemical requirements |
| Machinery & industrial equipment | PCoC + SCoC | Applicable technical regulations |
Final applicability should always be checked against the exact product specifications and HS classification.
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SASO/SABER Certification
CERTIFICATE TYPES
The Three Main Outputs on SABER
PCoC — Product Certificate of Conformity
- For:
- Regulated products
- Purpose:
- Confirms product conformity
- Validity:
- Typically up to 1 year
SCoC — Shipment Certificate of Conformity
- For:
- Each shipment
- Purpose:
- Shipment and customs documentation
- Validity:
- One consignment
Self-Declaration Certificate
- For:
- Non-regulated products
- Purpose:
- Supplier declaration of conformity
- Validity:
- 1 year
The SABER Process
PROCESS
The SABER Process — PCoC First, Then SCoC
Stage 1 — Product certification
-
Classification
HS code & regulation
-
Testing
Review test evidence
-
PCoC
Product certification
Stage 2 — Shipment certification
-
SCoC
Invoice & shipment details
-
Shipment clearance
Complete the certificate process
Renew for future shipments. Track the PCoC expiry date and renew before future shipments are affected.
Stage 1 — Product Certification
-
Classification
Confirm the 12-digit HS code and product status, and identify the applicable SASO technical regulation and standards.
-
Testing
Review available test reports and identify whether additional testing is required. Existing international reports such as IEC/CB may support conformity where the applicable regulation and assessment route allow them.
-
Technical file & PCoC
Prepare the technical documentation and submit the application through the Saudi importer’s SABER account to the appropriate conformity assessment body. SASO’s process includes selecting a conformity assessment body, application review, and a certification decision.
Stage 2 — Shipment Certification
-
Apply for the SCoC
Create the shipment request using the relevant product certification, invoice, and shipment information.
-
Shipment clearance
Complete the shipment-certificate process before customs clearance. SASO specifically advises suppliers to prepare conformity or self-declaration documentation through SABER before shipping.
-
Renewal
Track the product certificate’s expiration date and renew it before future shipments are affected.
DOCUMENTATION
Documents Required
Product stage
Product technical file
Test evidence, labels & manufacturer details
PCoC
Product Certificate of Conformity
Each shipment
Shipment file
Invoice, consignment & applicable conformity details
SCoC
Shipment Certificate of Conformity
For the PCoC:
- Applicable product test reports
- Product photographs
- Label and marking artwork
- Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity
- Technical datasheet or specification
- Manufacturer details
- Additional technical-file documents required by the applicable regulation
SASO confirms that product-certificate applications require technical-file contents based on the technical regulation and product type.
For each SCoC:
- Commercial invoice and shipment information
- Products covered by the shipment
- Valid product conformity details where applicable
- Country of shipment and other required consignment data
SASO’s shipment-certificate workflow requires product selection, invoice details, quantities, values, and shipment-country information.
TIMELINE & VALIDITY
Validity & Typical Timeline
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Classification | 1–2 working days |
| Testing | Depends on product and existing reports |
| PCoC | Depends on document readiness and assessment |
| SCoC | Same or next working day (After shipment information is available) |
For reference, SASO currently lists an estimated 8 working days for its product conformity certificate registration service and 3 working days for its imported commercial-product shipment certificate service. Depending on product category, test-report availability, conformity-assessment requirements, and completeness of the technical file, actual project timelines may vary.
8 working days
Product conformity certificate registration service
Estimated service period
3 working days
Imported commercial-product shipment certificate service
Service period
REGULATORY UPDATES
What SABER Users Should Know in 2026
Saudi requirements continue to evolve, so exporters should avoid relying on old HS-code lists or previous shipment practices.
Shipment certificates now cover regulated and non-regulated products
SASO states that regulated products require product conformity certification followed by shipment certification, while non-regulated products use self-declaration followed by the shipment process.
Regulated products
PCoC
Product conformity certification
SCoC
Shipment certification
Non-regulated products
Self-declaration
Supplier declaration of conformity
SCoC
Shipment certification
Use the current 12-digit customs classification
Saudi Arabia introduced the integrated GCC customs tariff at the 12-digit level from . Product classification should therefore be checked against the current tariff rather than older codes.
Check requirements before shipping
SASO advises suppliers and customs agents to determine product status, coordinate conformity assessment where required, and prepare SABER documentation before dispatch.
Last reviewed:
REGULATORY UPDATES
What SABER Users Should Know in 2026
Saudi requirements continue to evolve, so exporters should avoid relying on old HS-code lists or previous shipment practices.
Shipment certificates now cover regulated and non-regulated products
SASO states that regulated products require product conformity certification followed by shipment certification, while non-regulated products use self-declaration followed by the shipment process.
Regulated products
PCoC
Product conformity certification
SCoC
Shipment certification
Non-regulated products
Self-declaration
Supplier declaration of conformity
SCoC
Shipment certification
Use the current 12-digit customs classification
Saudi Arabia introduced the integrated GCC customs tariff at the 12-digit level from . Product classification should therefore be checked against the current tariff rather than older codes.
Check requirements before shipping
SASO advises suppliers and customs agents to determine product status, coordinate conformity assessment where required, and prepare SABER documentation before dispatch.
Last reviewed:
COST & MISTAKES
What Determines SASO/SABER Certification Cost?
There is no single SABER certification price for every product. The overall cost can vary based on:
-
Product category and risk level
-
Number of models or product families
-
Testing requirements
-
Conformity assessment route
-
Factory audits where applicable
-
Number and frequency of shipments
Common Mistakes That Delay Certification
-
Wrong product classification
Starting with an incorrect HS code may lead to the wrong certification route.
-
Shipping too early
Complete the required SABER documentation before the shipment reaches Saudi customs.
-
Incomplete technical files
Missing test reports, labels, or product information can delay assessment.
-
Expired product certification
Track renewal dates against upcoming shipments.
-
Using the wrong authority
Not every product follows the same Saudi compliance route.
-
Missing additional approval
Products with ICT or wireless functions may also require CST assessment depending on their technical features.
MARKEK SUPPORT
How Markek Supports Your SASO/SABER Certification
Markek International Certifications supports manufacturers, exporters, and importers through the Saudi product conformity process.
-
Classification
-
Testing review
-
PCoC coordination
-
Shipment support
-
Classification & Route Mapping
We review your product details and HS code to identify the applicable technical regulation and certification route before unnecessary testing begins.
-
Testing Coordination
We coordinate with appropriately accredited laboratories and review existing reports to determine whether additional testing is required.
-
Technical File & PCoC Coordination
We prepare and review the conformity documentation and coordinate the PCoC process through the appropriate approved conformity assessment route.
-
Shipment Certification Support
Once the product certification is in place, we coordinate SCoC documentation with the Saudi importer for upcoming shipments.
Markek’s source material identifies the organization as operating under the ISO/IEC 17065 product certification and ISO/IEC 17020 inspection frameworks, with experience across multiple international markets.
Frequently asked questions
Is SASO Certification the Same as SABER Certification?
They are often used interchangeably, but technically they are not the same. SASO is the authority that develops Saudi standards and technical regulations, while SABER is the electronic platform used to manage product conformity. For regulated products, the actual conformity certificates are the PCoC and SCoC.
What is SABER certification?
SABER Certification is a commonly used term for the Saudi product conformity process that is managed through the SABER platform. For regulated products, the process generally involves a PCoC for the product and an SCoC for each shipment.
What is the difference between PCoC and SCoC?
The PCoC relates to product conformity, while the SCoC relates to an individual shipment. Regulated products generally complete product certification before shipment certification.
Can I get an SCoC without product certification?
For a regulated product requiring a PCoC, the applicable product conformity process must be completed before its shipment certificate can be finalized. Non-regulated products follow the self-declaration route instead.
Who manages the SABER account?
The Saudi-side supplier or importer manages the SABER account, while the foreign manufacturer or exporter provides the technical and conformity documentation required for the product.
What is the validity period for a PCoC?
Validity depends on the applicable product and certification route. Where a certificate is time-limited, renewal should be planned before upcoming shipments.
Do non-regulated products need SABER documentation?
Yes. SASO states that non-regulated products use a self-declaration process and then complete the applicable shipment-certificate procedure.
Can I use existing test reports?
Possibly. Existing reports may support the assessment where their standards, product coverage, and laboratory credentials meet the applicable Saudi requirements.
Does a wireless product need CST approval as well?
ICT equipment may require separate CST approval depending on the product and applicable CST technical specifications. This should be checked during classification rather than assumed based on the presence of a wireless feature alone.
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