Since January 2025, obtaining a SABER certificate has become mandatory for importing goods into Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom enforces strict product compliance through SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization), making SABER certification an essential requirement for accessing the Saudi market. This official electronic platform ensures that imported products meet approved safety and quality standards before customs clearance.
Without valid SABER certification, shipments may face rejection, re-export costs, financial penalties, and significant delays at Saudi ports. For businesses planning business setup in Saudi Arabia or exporting products to the Kingdom, understanding SABER compliance is critical for smooth and uninterrupted market entry.
This guide covers the complete SABER registration process, certificate types, documentation requirements, regulatory updates, and cost structures applicable in 2025. Riz & Mona Consultancy assists UAE and Dubai-based businesses with SABER certification, export compliance, and SFDA product registration in Saudi Arabia to ensure full regulatory alignment and hassle-free access to the Saudi market.
Understanding SABER: The Electronic Platform
SABER is Saudi Arabia’s official electronic platform for product conformity assessment. It was developed by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) to regulate all goods entering the Saudi market, ensuring safety and compliance.
2025 SABER Regulatory Updates
From January 1, 2025, both PCoC and SCoC are mandatory for all shipments.
Alternative documents such as undertaking letters or post-arrival applications are no longer accepted.
Non-compliance consequences include:
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Customs rejection
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Mandatory re-export
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Financial penalties
The Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) must be obtained before goods arrive at Saudi ports.
Any SCoC application submitted after arrival is considered a regulatory violation and may result in customs detention.
The Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) now offers extended validity:
- Valid for one year
- Reusable for multiple shipments of the same product model
- Must be renewed before expiry to remain eligible for SCoC issuance
SASO has expanded the list of regulated products and updated several technical regulations.
Important action:
Businesses must verify their HS codes against the latest SABER platform list to ensure correct Technical Regulation (TR) mapping and avoid rejection.
Communications and IT devices have been migrated from the CST platform to SABER.
All IT and communication equipment now requires:
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SABER-issued PCoC and SCoC
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Compliance with IEC 62368-1 for audio, video, and ICT devices
Regularly monitor SASO announcements and SABER system notifications to stay updated on regulatory changes and ensure uninterrupted product entry into the Saudi market.
Steps to Register on SABER Platform
Create Account
Visit saber.sa and select account type:
- Trader Inside Saudi Arabia: Requires Saudi commercial registration
- Trader Outside Saudi Arabia: Requires origin country registration
- Local Manufacturer: Requires commercial and industrial registration Account activation: 1-3 business days
Complete Company Profile
Add company details in Arabic/English, commercial registration expiry, contact information, and national address. Foreign companies must partner with a Saudi-based importer.
Add Product Information
- Product identification (name, brand, model, origin)
- 12-digit Saudi HS code
- Technical specifications and dimensions
- Minimum 3 product photos
- Manufacturer details
Select Certification Body (CAB)
Choose from SASO-approved bodies (SGS, Intertek, TÜV, Bureau Veritas, QIMA). Consider geographic presence, processing time, technical capability, and fees.
Submit Technical Documentation
Core Documents
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Commercial invoice
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Certificate of Origin
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ISO 9001 certificate of the manufacturing facility
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Technical specifications and datasheets
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SABER Risk Assessment Form (signed by the manufacturer)
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Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)
Product Documentation
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Test reports from ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories
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Product manual and user guide in Arabic and English
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Safety certifications and compliance declarations
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Arabic product labels in line with SASO requirements
Visual Requirements
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High-resolution product images with a minimum of three different angles
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Packaging details and packaging images
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Label artwork clearly showing Arabic text
Note: Additional documentation may be required depending on the product category and applicable Saudi technical regulations.
Conformity Assessment CAB conducts:
- Product testing at approved laboratories
- Factory audit (Type 3 certification if applicable)
- Document verification
- Sample inspection if required Timeline: 5-10 days
Obtain Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)
Once the technical documentation is approved, the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) is issued through the SABER platform. The PCoC is valid for one year and can be reused for multiple shipments of the same product model, reducing the need for repeated certification.
The certificate is stored digitally in the SABER system, allowing easy access for future shipment approvals. It must be renewed before expiry to continue obtaining Shipment Certificates of Conformity (SCoC) and ensure uninterrupted market access in Saudi Arabia.
Apply for SCoC Critical
Apply before goods arrive at Saudi ports. Late applications result in customs rejection.
- Navigate to “Shipment Certificate Requests”
- Select products from registered PCoC list
- Enter invoice and Bill of Lading details
- Add product quantities and barcodes
Pay and Download SCoC Cost
SAR 402.50 (including VAT) per shipment Payment: SADAD, Mada, Visa/MasterCard, Apple Pay Certificate valid for 60 days
Customs Clearance
SABER is fully integrated with the FASAH customs platform, enabling seamless electronic verification of compliance. Customs authorities verify certificates digitally through the system, eliminating the need for physical documents and ensuring faster, smoother customs clearance.
Apply for SCoC Critical
Apply before goods arrive at Saudi ports. Late applications result in customs rejection.
- Navigate to “Shipment Certificate Requests”
- Select products from registered PCoC list
- Enter invoice and Bill of Lading details
- Add product quantities and barcodes
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Who Needs SABER Certification?
SABER Certification Costs
| Cost Item | Typical Range (SAR) | Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) | 1,000 – 3,000 | Per product model, valid for one year |
| Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) | 402.50 | Per shipment, VAT included |
| Laboratory Testing | 500 – 2,000 | Testing by ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories |
| Factory Audit (Type 3 – if applicable) | 1,500 – 5,000 | Required for selected high-risk product categories |
| Translation & Labeling Compliance | 200 – 500 | Arabic manuals, labels, and compliance text |
Important Cost Notes:
Certification costs vary based on product type, testing needs, and selected CAB. Incorrect HS codes or delayed SCoC applications may lead to extra charges or re-export costs.
Cost-Saving Tip:
An annual PCoC helps reduce overall costs by covering multiple shipments of the same product model.
Types of SABER Certificates
A product-level certification confirming compliance with Saudi technical regulations. Key features:
- Issued online via SABER by SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs)
- Valid for one year
- Reusable for multiple shipments of the same product model
- Required before applying for any SCoC
- Cost varies by certification body
shipment-specific certificate for each consignment. Key features:
- Valid for single shipment only
- Must be obtained before goods arrive at Saudi ports
- Verifies products match approved PCoC specifications
- New application required for every shipment
- Fee: SAR 402.50 (including VAT)
| Feature | PCoC | SCoC |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Product compliance | Shipment clearance |
| Validity | One year | Single shipment |
| Application | Once per product model | Every shipment |
| Requirement | First step in process | Requires valid PCoC |
Previous alternatives like undertaking letters are eliminated. Both certificates are mandatory for all products. Late applications (after shipment arrival) result in customs rejection, re-export, and penalties.
Understanding HS Code Classification
Correct HS code classification is critical for SABER registration. Saudi Arabia uses a 12-digit code structure: 6 international digits plus 6 Saudi-specific digits.
A. What Is an HS Code?
A globally recognized numerical system for product classification. In SABER, HS codes link products to applicable Saudi technical regulations and determine certification requirements.
B. Why HS Codes Matter
- Determine if full conformity assessment or SDOC is required
- Map to specific technical regulations and testing requirements
- Impact customs duties and VAT calculations
- Incorrect codes cause application rejections and shipment delays
C. Finding Your HS Code
- Access SABER platform → “HS Codes” section
- Search by product keywords
- Review suggested 12-digit codes and associated TRs
- Verify against official SASO list (saber.sa)
- For multi-component products: classify each component, use most regulated code
D. Certification Impact
- Regulated codes: PCoC required before shipment
- Non-regulated codes: SDOC sufficient; optional PCoC for market credibility
Key Tip: Professional consultancy can help ensure accurate classification and reduce compliance risks. Proper classification prevents costly rejections and delays.
Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for SCoC after goods arrive at port
- Selecting incorrect HS codes
- Submitting incomplete technical documentation
- Using non-approved certification bodies
- Missing Arabic labeling requirements
- Forgetting to renew PCoC before expiry
FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can a foreign company apply for SABER certification without a Saudi importer?
No. Foreign companies must work through a Saudi-based importer with valid commercial registration who initiates all SABER applications.
How long is a Product Conformity Certificate valid, and what happens at renewal?
Valid for one year. Renewal requires full retesting and updated documentation—start 2-3 months before expiry.
What is the total processing time from start to finish for SABER certification?
3-4 weeks total: account setup (1-3 days), documentation (3-7 days), testing (5-10 days), PCoC (10-14 days), SCoC (1-3 days).
What happens if my PCoC expires while my shipment is in transit?
Cannot apply for SCoC with expired PCoC. Goods face customs detention and mandatory re-export at your expense.
Can I modify product details after obtaining a PCoC?
No. Any product changes require new PCoC application with fresh testing. Minor labeling updates may be exempt—consult your CAB.
What are the consequences of shipping goods without a valid SCoC?
Immediate customs rejection, mandatory re-export (>SAR 1,000/container), storage fees (SAR 300-500/day), and possible blacklisting. No exceptions since January 2025.
