SASO CERTIFICATION / SABER CERTIFICATE

SASO certification is indispensable for any product allowed in Saudi Arabia. There are some points to remember when planning to apply for and obtain SABER certificates. 

1. Importers are required to register on the SABER platform.
2. Factory audits of SASO-regulated products can be done only by a notified SASO certification body.
3. Products under the SASO technical regulations need both Product and Shipment Certificates of Conformity.
4. Importers are required to produce self-declaration and shipment SASO certificates for non-regulated products.
5. Make sure to have all the necessary documents in place when applying for a SABER Certificate KSA (product and shipment)
6. Failure to deliver the shipment certificate upon arrival of the consignment in Saudi Arabia would result in the cancellation of the import, and the consignment will have to be re-exported

“SALEEM” is the name of the Saudi Arabian Product Safety Program, administered by the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO). The SALEEM Saudi Arabia program focuses on ensuring the quality of products sold in Saudi Arabia, hence the name. The Arabic word SALEEM means “without risk” or “without danger” to the user, the community, or the environment. SABER Saudi Arabia is an online system used by SALEEM to ensure that all products and shipments comply with the program’s standards. As a platform, SABER facilitates the electronic acquisition of the Certificate of Conformity and Certificate of Shipment Conformity necessary for the entry of imported and domestically manufactured consumer goods into the Saudi market, called the Saber Certification Saudi Arabia. The hub’s purpose is to safeguard businesses against fraudulent activity and guarantee that consumers can buy products without worrying about their well-being. Since January 1, 2019, importers have been required to enter SABER, register the regulated items, and select one of the certifying organizations allowed by SASO to submit a certification request before importing products into the nation. Therefore, SABER offers two distinct certificates to certify products and shipments.

Every Saudi Arabia consignment is required to produce a Shipment Certificate of Conformity. A few points to consider are –

• Every consignment (both regulated and non-regulated) must have a Shipment Certificate of Conformity
• The SASO shipment certificate is valid per consignment.

Documents required:

• Product Certificate of Conformity or self-declaration (in case of non-regulated products)
• Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, or airway bill.

The SASO Shipment Certificate is issued through the SABER platform by an authorized SASO body (for regulated products).

On July 1, 2020, the SABER platform and FASAH system were linked together for a smoother and faster movement of imports in Saudi Arabia. The integration helps in the automatic verification of shipment certificates. A printed copy of the SASO SABER certificate is not necessary upon arrival.

SASO has set specific quality checks and standards for products imported to Saudi Arabia. Every product falling under the SASO regulation must pass quality checks to be eligible for a SASO Certificate for the product. A few points to consider for the SABER certificate are:

• The Product Certificate is applicable for one year.
• Test report from ISO 17025 accredited laboratory
• Actual product photos with clear markings, labeling, and packaging.
• Factory Business License
• Factory audit to be conducted by SASO notified body only.

The Product certificate is issued through the SABER platform after test and audit reports are satisfactory and comply with the SASO technical regulation. The generation of the SABER certificate is testimony to the product’s compliance with the SASO guidelines.