Exports to Saudi Arabia: Guide to Saudi Conformity Certification Process
As a major economic pillar in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia (hereinafter referred to as “Saudi”) has been steadily advancing infrastructure development and industrial diversification in recent years, gradually becoming a key market that global enterprises are eager to enter. However, before goods can access the Saudi market, exporters must first overcome a critical entry barrier — obtaining product conformity certification in accordance with the regulations of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO).
What is the Saudi Conformity Certification?
The Saudi Conformity Certification, namely the SASO Product Conformity Assessment Program, is implemented through the SABER electronic platform. Under this certification, products must undergo testing and document review based on Saudi technical regulations before shipment, in order to obtain a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) online. The SCoC is a mandatory document for customs clearance — one certificate is required per shipment. Without it, customs will not release the goods.
The certification covers an extremely wide range of products, including but not limited to building materials, electrical and mechanical equipment, household appliances, lighting, toys, textiles, food contact materials, chemicals, and more.
The Saudi Conformity Certification, namely the SASO Product Conformity Assessment Program, is implemented through the SABER electronic platform. Under this certification, products must undergo testing and document review based on Saudi technical regulations before shipment, in order to obtain a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) online. The SCoC is a mandatory document for customs clearance — one certificate is required per shipment. Without it, customs will not release the goods.
The certification covers an extremely wide range of products, including but not limited to building materials, electrical and mechanical equipment, household appliances, lighting, toys, textiles, food contact materials, chemicals, and more.
Saudi Conformity Certification Process
Step 1: Preliminary Document Preparation (Factory Side)
- Confirm the latest 12-digit Saudi HS code (Saudi Arabia fully updated its old HS codes in 2026; using an incorrect code will immediately invalidate the certificate).
- Complete product test reports (complying with the relevant SASO standards; energy-efficiency products require additional energy-efficiency testing).
- Actual product photos and outer packaging label design (mandatory bilingual Arabic and English, marked “Made in China”).
- User manual (Arabic and English bilingual), business license, and ISO 9001 certificate.
Step 2: Saudi Importer Registers a SABER Account and Submits the PC Certificate Application
The importer logs into the saber.sa platform, uploads the complete set of documents provided by the factory, and selects a SASO-accredited Conformity Body (CB) for review. The typical review period is 3–5 working days. If the documents are correct, the electronic PC certificate (PCoC) will be issued.
Step 3: Apply for the SC Customs Clearance Certificate After Shipment
After the goods are loaded and the bill of lading, commercial invoice, and packing list are issued, the importer links the valid PC certificate in the system, enters the cargo value, quantity, and other details, and obtains the SC certificate (SCoC) after approval and payment.
Step 4: Customs Clearance
The SC certificate information is synchronized with the Saudi FASAH customs system. Customs will release the goods upon successful online verification; no physical certificate needs to be sent.
Within the Saudi SABER system, the PCoC product registration and the SCoC customs clearance certificate are closely linked. Any missing documents or non-compliance with standards will directly delay the shipment.
About Cotecna
For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.