How to Access the Saudi Arabia Market with SABER Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)

Since January 1, 2019^1, SABER registration has been mandatory for all commercial products imported into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Manufacturers are responsible for selecting the authorized Certification Body that will apply for a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) on their behalf.

What is the Saudi Arabia SABER system?

SABER is a product conformity certificates registration system implemented by Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Org. (SASO). To facilitate goods entrance and coordination with Saudi customs, all commercial products shall be registered on SABER with a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) before entering the market of Saudi Arabia.

From July 1, 2020, companies have not been required to print the SCoC, which is automatically included in the FASAH (Saudi shipment clearance portal) system. This system replaces the regulation rolled out on January 1, 2020 which necessitates barcode displays on the packaging or outer box of all products exported into Saudi Arabia. Under the current system, any shipment to Saudi Arabia that is not SCoC registered will be refused upon arrival and sent back at the cost of the importing party. 

To date, SASO has implemented over 50 technical regulations covering the following product categories:

• Auto parts
• Batteries
• Building materials
• Electrical and electronic products
• Food contact materials
• Machinery and equipment
• Telecommunications products
• Textiles
• Toys

CST compliance for wireless devices in Saudi Arabia

Wireless devices imported into Saudi Arabia must meet additional certification requirements laid out by the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST). Devices such as smartphones, routers, and other wireless-enabled products must comply with CST standards to ensure wireless compatibility and safety before entering the market.

Common charger regulation

SASO has also introduced a common charger regulation similar to the EU’s IEC 62680-1-2, focusing on the standardization of charging interfaces in line with emerging internation standards. This regulation aims to reduce e-waste and improve customer convenience and must be met before SABER registration.

SABER Certificate of Conformity (CoC) requirements

• Products covered under the Technical Regulations must comply with the corresponding requirements and be registered on SABER with a Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
• Additional certification requirements within the Technical Regulation must be met first before SABER registrations are submitted. For example, regulated products for G-Mark are required to obtain a valid G-Mark certificate before registering for a CoC.
• If no additional certification requirements are applicable, valid test reports issued by accredited laboratories shall be provided for Certificate of Conformity (CoC) application.

SABER CoC certification procedure

Stage 1: Product Certificate of Conformity-PCoC/PC

1. Submit product information to the selected Certification Body (CB) for conformity evaluation.
2. Pay the evaluation fee and registration fee, if applicable.
3. Download the Certificate of Conformity upon receiving approval.

Stage 2: Shipment Certificate of Conformity - SCoC/SC

1. Submit shipment information; Upload invoice and packing list.
2. Pay registration fee, if applicable.
3. Download the Certificate of Conformity upon approval*
   
   

*Note that each SCoC is only valid for one time. New products will need to be registered again.

List of documents required for SABER CoC certification 

1. Application form
2. Business registration of applicant, manufacturer and factory
3. G-Mark Certificate, if applicable
4. Product manual, in Arabia or both Arabic and English
5. Product description, critical component list/material list, design and production drawings, with brief illustration where necessary
6. SASO Energy Efficiency Registration Certificate, if applicable
7. Test reports, if any
8. Any other necessary documents

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References

1. Renee Koh. n.d. Saudi Arabia: certification customs platform SABER, Frequently asked questions and a step-by-step guide. Switzerland Global Enterprise.