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SASO Certificate

A SASO Certificate of Conformity is mandatory for exporting regulated products to Saudi Arabia. We manage the full SABER registration,...

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Key takeaways

A SASO Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is mandatory for exporting regulated products to Saudi Arabia and proves compliance with SASO technical regulations.
It is issued under the SALEEM conformity programme through the SABER online platform, managed by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO).
Two certificates apply: a Product CoC (PCoC), valid one year, and a Shipment CoC (SCoC), issued per consignment.
SASO-authorised Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) issue the certificates once the product meets the required standards.
Saudi customs is integrated with SABER and FASAH, so any regulated product without a valid certificate is rejected, fined or returned.
The certificate enables smooth customs clearance and access to the Saudi market under Vision 2030.

Overview

What is a SASO Certificate?

The SASO Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is an official document confirming that products exported to Saudi Arabia meet the technical regulations and safety requirements set by the Kingdom. It is compulsory under the SALEEM programme through the SABER platform and is managed by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). Certification is completed online through SABER.

SABER is a single online system where importers and exporters register products and undertake conformity assessments. Without a certificate of conformity, products cannot legally enter the Saudi market. The regulation safeguards consumers, promotes fair competition and supports the goal of Saudi Vision 2030 by emphasising product quality and safety.

Product categories covered

Electronics and appliances
Cosmetics
Building materials
Automotive parts
Textiles
Chemicals and hazardous items

Types of certificate

Types of SABER certificates

Since 1 January 2019, importers must initiate certification requests through SABER before bringing goods into Saudi Arabia. The system ensures that both the product and the shipment meet regulatory standards. Two core certificates are issued.

Certificate	Scope and validity
Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)	Validates that a specific product complies with the applicable technical regulations. Product-specific and valid for one year.
Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)	Issued for every consignment and linked to a valid PCoC. Without it, the shipment cannot pass Saudi customs.

Role	Function in the system
SASO	Defines the technical regulations. Think of it as the lawmaker.
SALEEM	The conformity assessment programme that enforces the regulations.
SABER	The digital interface where applications are managed and CABs are selected.

Why it matters

Benefits of a SASO Certificate

Faster customs clearance

Saudi customs validates the SCoC through the FASAH system, so compliant shipments are cleared without avoidable hold-ups.

Higher trust with importers

A valid certificate signals to Saudi buyers and partners that your products meet the Kingdom’s standards.

Protection from counterfeits

Conformity assessment helps keep counterfeit and low-quality products out of the market.

Government tender access

Compliance opens access to government tenders and e-commerce markets in Saudi Arabia.

Legal market entry

Regulated products cannot legally enter the Saudi market without a valid certificate of conformity.

Vision 2030 readiness

Certification aligns your exports with the quality and safety goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Compliance

Why you absolutely need it

No certificate, no clearance is the rule. Saudi customs is integrated with the SABER and FASAH systems. Any regulated product arriving without a valid SASO Certificate is rejected, fined or returned. The list of regulated items is long and covers most electronics, appliances, cosmetics, textiles, automobile parts and chemicals.

What non-compliance can cost you

Immediate rejection of the shipment at Saudi customs.
Fines levied on regulated goods arriving without a valid certificate.
Return of goods to the country of origin.
Storage charges and delays while documentation is corrected.

How it works

The SABER process, step by step

Certification runs entirely through the SABER platform, from registration to final customs clearance. The product stage produces the PCoC and the shipment stage produces the SCoC.

Product certificate (PCoC)

Register on SABER
The importer or authorised exporter creates a SABER account and enters each product with its HS code, product category and technical documents.
Select a certification body
Choose a SASO-accredited Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) such as SGS, QIMA, HQTS or Tabseer from the SABER dashboard.
Product evaluation
The CAB reviews documents and may request lab test reports compliant with ISO/IEC, factory audits, product photos or markings, and ISO 9001 quality certifications.
Get the PCoC
Once approved, the CAB issues a Product Certificate valid for one year, electronically linked to your SABER profile.

Shipment certificate (SCoC)

Apply for the SCoC
Before each shipment, log in and request a Shipment CoC using the already-issued PCoC.
Upload shipping documents
Submit the commercial invoice, packing list and shipping documents for the consignment.
CAB verification
The CAB checks the validity of the associated Product Certificate and confirms documentation and product consistency in SABER.
Customs clearance
Saudi customs validates your SCoC through the FASAH system, and clearance is granted once all checks pass.

Paperwork

Documents required

Commercial Invoice with product details, value and HS code
Packing List with weight, dimensions and packaging
Bill of Lading or Airway Bill as shipment proof
Certificate of Origin issued by the Chamber of Commerce
Test Reports from accredited labs (ISO/IEC 17025)
Technical Data Sheet (TDS) with product specifications
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for chemicals or hazardous items
Product photos including labels and packaging
Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and Factory Audit Report for high-risk goods

Lifecycle

Validity & renewal

The Product CoC (PCoC) is valid for 1 year and is renewable annually.
The Shipment CoC (SCoC) is valid for one shipment only and expires once the shipment clears Saudi customs.
The optional SASO Quality Mark is valid for 3 years and requires annual surveillance and possible re-audits.
To renew a PCoC, submit fresh product documentation in SABER before the prior certificate expires and keep lab reports and declarations valid.

Exporting to other markets too? See our CE Certification, UKCA Certification and MSDS Certification services.

Budgeting and timeline

Cost factors and typical timeline

Costs depend on the certificate type, the product category and whether a factory audit is required. The typical timeline runs from document submission to issuance of the shipment certificate.

Stage	Estimated time
Document submission	1 to 3 working days
Technical review and product evaluation	3 to 7 working days
Factory audit (if required)	1 to 2 weeks, scheduling dependent
Issuance of Product Certificate (PCoC)	5 to 10 working days
Issuance of Shipment Certificate (SCoC)	1 to 3 working days

PCoC fee covers the application and technical review charges.
SCoC fee is charged per shipment and covers issuance and technical evaluation.
Factory audit fee is a per-day charge for on-site inspection by an authorised body.
Technical study fee covers evaluating product compliance with applicable standards.
Quality Mark licensing is optional and covers application, technical review, audit and multi-year licensing.

Exporting to Saudi Arabia?

Tell us your product and HS code, and we will map the exact certificate, documents and timeline, then handle the full SABER registration and CoC issuance.

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Official source

Conformity requirements for Saudi Arabia are set by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What distinguishes the PCoC from the SCoC?

The Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) is issued for a product once and lasts one year, proving the product meets the relevant technical regulations. The Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) is issued for each consignment, is linked to a valid PCoC and expires once that shipment clears Saudi customs.

Is a SASO Certificate required for all products?

No. The SASO Certificate is mandatory only for regulated goods. However, the list of regulated items is long and includes most electronics, appliances, cosmetics, textiles, automobile parts and chemicals.

Can Indian exporters apply from India?

Yes. Indian exporters can start from India by selecting a SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) that is located or represented in India.

How long does it take to get the PCoC?

The time varies with the product category and whether documents are ready. Generally, if the documents are in order, a PCoC is issued in about 7 to 15 working days.

What are the most common mistakes to avoid?

Common mistakes include using incorrect or outdated HS codes, submitting incomplete or poor-quality test reports, mismatched product descriptions and selecting the wrong product category.

What happens if goods arrive without a valid certificate?

The shipment is immediately rejected by Saudi customs. It may be delayed, you could incur storage charges, or the goods may be returned to origin.

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