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SABER Certificate Saudi Arabia: Complete Registration Guide

Updated 20 January 2026

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 […]

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 AND 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.

Key Purpose of SABER

SABER operates under the Saudi Product Safety Program (SALEEM). Every product must comply with Saudi technical regulations before market entry. This requirement applies to both imported and locally manufactured products, making compliance mandatory for all businesses.

Digital Transformation Benefits

The SABER platform has transformed the certification process by introducing a fully digital system that:

  • Replaces the old paper-based SASO Certificate of Conformity

  • Enables faster customs clearance

  • Improves product traceability for importers

  • Reduces delays at Saudi ports

  • Ensures only compliant products reach Saudi consumers

Core Functions and Scope of Application

Through SABER registration, businesses can:

  • Register their products in the system

  • Apply for Product Certificates of Conformity (PCoC)

  • Obtain Shipment Certificates of Conformity (SCoC) for customs clearance

The system covers all product categories, including electronics, building materials, and consumer goods. SABER registration is mandatory, not optional, and is a critical step for smooth and compliant market entry into Saudi Arabia.

2025 SABER Regulatory Updates

Mandatory Dual Certification (Effective January 1, 2025)

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:

  • Customs rejection

  • Mandatory re-export

  • Financial penalties

Pre-Arrival SCoC Requirement

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.

Extended PCoC Validity

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

HS Code List Expansion (Effective September 15, 2025)

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.

IT Devices Migration to SABER (Effective February 12, 2025)

Communications and IT devices have been migrated from the CST platform to SABER.

All IT and communication equipment now requires:

  • SABER-issued PCoC and SCoC

  • Compliance with IEC 62368-1 for audio, video, and ICT devices

Compliance Tip

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

  • Commercial invoice

  • Certificate of Origin

  • ISO 9001 certificate of the manufacturing facility

  • Technical specifications and datasheets

  • SABER Risk Assessment Form (signed by the manufacturer)

  • Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)

Product Documentation

  • Test reports from ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories

  • Product manual and user guide in Arabic and English

  • Safety certifications and compliance declarations

  • Arabic product labels in line with SASO requirements

Visual Requirements

  • High-resolution product images with a minimum of three different angles

  • Packaging details and packaging images

  • Label artwork clearly showing Arabic text

Note

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?

A. Required Stakeholders

• Importers: Any entity with valid Saudi commercial registration importing goods
• Manufacturers/Exporters: International and local manufacturers selling to Saudi market
• Distributors/Retailers: Must ensure supply chain partners are SABER-compliant

Product Categories Requiring Certification

• Electrical & Electronic Devices (appliances, IT equipment)
• Construction Materials (cement, steel products)
• Toys & Children’s Products
• Cosmetics & Chemicals
• Food Contact Materials (packaging, kitchenware)
• Automotive Parts (tires, brake pads)
• Textiles & Garments
• Medical Devices
• Machinery & Equipment

Product Classification

• Regulated Products: Require full conformity assessment under technical regulations and mandatory SABER certification
• Non-Regulated Products: Can use Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDOC) at no testing cost; optional PCoC enhances credibility

Exemptions

• Personal use shipments under SDR thresholds
• Testing samples (maximum 5 units)
• Diplomatic goods
• Transit shipments

Verification Steps

Check your product’s regulatory status through SABER HS codes list or SASO’s Technical Regulations portal before importing. Correct classification ensures smooth customs clearance.

SABER Certification Costs

Cost ItemTypical Range (SAR)Details / Notes
Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)1,000 – 3,000Per product model, valid for one year
Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)402.50Per shipment, VAT included
Laboratory Testing500 – 2,000Testing by ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories
Factory Audit (Type 3 – if applicable)1,500 – 5,000Required for selected high-risk product categories
Translation & Labeling Compliance200 – 500Arabic manuals, labels, and compliance text
Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)
Typical Range (SAR)1,000 – 3,000
Details / NotesPer product model, valid for one year
Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)
Typical Range (SAR)402.50
Details / NotesPer shipment, VAT included
Laboratory Testing
Typical Range (SAR)500 – 2,000
Details / NotesTesting by ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories
Factory Audit (Type 3 – if applicable)
Typical Range (SAR)1,500 – 5,000
Details / NotesRequired for selected high-risk product categories
Translation & Labeling Compliance
Typical Range (SAR)200 – 500
Details / NotesArabic 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

Two certificates are mandatory for Saudi Arabia imports as of January 1, 2025: Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC).

Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)

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 Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)

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)

Key Differences

FeaturePCoCSCoC

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

2025 Compliance Update

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.

01

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.

02

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

03

C. Finding Your HS Code

1. Access SABER platform → “HS Codes” section
2. Search by product keywords
3. Review suggested 12-digit codes and associated TRs
4. Verify against official SASO list (saber.sa)
5. For multi-component products: classify each component, use most regulated code

04

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

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Foreign companies must work through a Saudi-based importer with valid commercial registration who initiates all SABER applications.

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About the author

Mona

Managing Partner · Riz & Mona Consultancy

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For me, business is personal. It’s about creating trust, empowering visionaries, and leaving a legacy of excellence.

Published 18 December 2025 · Updated 20 January 2026