Saudi Arabia has become one of the fastest-growing import markets in the Middle East, with a continuously expanding demand for consumer goods, industrial products, and construction materials. As trade volume increases, the Kingdom has strengthened its regulatory framework to ensure that only safe and compliant products enter the market.
For importers and exporters, this means that product compliance is no longer optional—it is a mandatory requirement before goods can clear Saudi customs. One of the most important systems introduced for this purpose is the SABER certification platform.
Many businesses still struggle to understand what SABER is and how the approval process works before shipping goods to Saudi Arabia. This guide explains in detail what is SABER certificate and how to get SABER certificate for Saudi Arabia step by step, helping importers avoid delays, penalties, and shipment rejections.
What is SABER Certificate?
The SABER certificate is an electronic conformity assessment system developed by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization to regulate product imports into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is a digital platform used to ensure that all imported goods meet Saudi technical regulations and approved safety standards before entering the market.
SABER is not a physical certificate alone—it is a complete online system that connects importers, suppliers, certification bodies, and Saudi customs authorities in one unified platform. Through this system, products are evaluated for compliance before they are shipped and again before they are cleared at customs.
The SABER system ensures that every product entering Saudi Arabia has undergone proper conformity assessment and meets required safety and quality standards.
Why SABER Certificate is Required in Saudi Arabia?
The SABER certification system plays a critical role in protecting both consumers and the Saudi market. It is not only a regulatory requirement but also a quality assurance mechanism for imported goods.
Key reasons why SABER certificate is required:
- Ensures consumer safety by preventing unsafe products from entering the market
- Eliminates substandard and non-compliant imports
- Maintains high-quality standards across all product categories
- Supports Saudi Arabia’s regulatory and trade policies
- Enables faster and smoother customs clearance
- Strengthens transparency in import documentation and approvals
Without SABER approval, products are not allowed to be cleared by Saudi customs, regardless of their origin or value.
Who Needs SABER Certification?
SABER certification is required for almost all businesses involved in exporting goods to Saudi Arabia. It applies to both international and regional supply chains.
The following stakeholders must comply:
- Importers registered in Saudi Arabia
- Foreign exporters shipping goods to the Kingdom
- Manufacturers supplying regulated products
- E-commerce sellers exporting to Saudi platforms like Amazon or Noon
- Trading companies and distributors involved in cross-border trade
Whether you are shipping a single product or large commercial consignments, SABER certification is mandatory.
What Products Require SABER Certificate?
SABER applies to a wide range of product categories that fall under Saudi regulatory control. These include both consumer and industrial goods.
Major product categories include:
- Electrical and electronic products such as appliances and devices
- Construction materials including steel, cement, and building components
- Toys and children’s products requiring safety compliance
- Chemicals and industrial raw materials
- Automotive parts and vehicle components
- Food contact materials like packaging and utensils
Each product category may be subject to specific Saudi technical regulations depending on its classification and risk level.
PCOC
When dispatching your merchandise to the Saudi market, it becomes imperative to possess a certificate known as the ‘Product Certificate of Conformity’ (PCOC). This certificate serves as tangible proof of whether your products have undergone registration within the SABER system and ascertains their alignment with its technical regulations. Moreover, the PCOC is a 1-year valid license and the importer initiates the process of obtaining a PCOC.
You can obtain a PCOC by following these steps:
- Product analysis and classification
- Register on the SABER Platform
- Select a Conformity Assessment Body
- SASO Conformity Assessment Activities
- Get PCOC Certificate
SCOC
The Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) issue the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCOC) for each imported shipment to Saudi Arabia. It is mandatory for all commodities, irrespective of whether they fall under-regulated or unregulated categories. Additionally, this stipulation is applicable universally, ensuring that all products undergo the necessary clearance procedures at customs ports. The SCOC is distributed online through the SABER platform. To get the SCOC for a regulated product, the technical regulations require that the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCOC) be issued first. The certificate is only good for one shipment. The importer is responsible for initiating a request for the SCOC.
Documents needed for SCOC
- Product conformity certificate or self-declaration (in the case of non-regulated products)
- Commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, and airway bills are all examples of valid documents for SCOC.
How to Get SABER Certificate for Saudi Arabia (Step-by-Step Process)
The SABER certification process is fully digital and must be completed before products are shipped to Saudi Arabia.
Step 1: Create Account on SABER Platform
The Saudi importer or authorized representative must register on the official SABER system and create an account.
Step 2: Product Registration Using HS Code
Each product must be registered in the system using the correct HS code, which determines its regulatory category.
Step 3: Select Conformity Assessment Body
An approved certification body is selected to evaluate product compliance according to Saudi standards.
Step 4: Submit Required Documents
All necessary technical and commercial documents are uploaded for review, including test reports and product specifications.
Step 5: Obtain Product Certificate (PCoC) Approval
Once the product is verified, the PCoC is issued confirming compliance with Saudi regulations.
Step 6: Apply for Shipment Certificate (SCoC)
For every shipment, an SCoC must be generated based on the approved PCoC.
Step 7: Customs Clearance in Saudi Arabia
The SCoC is presented at Saudi customs, allowing the shipment to be cleared and released into the market.
Common Challenges in SABER Approval
Many businesses face delays in SABER certification due to avoidable mistakes in documentation and classification.
Frequent challenges include:
- Incorrect HS code selection leading to wrong product classification
- Missing or incomplete test reports from suppliers
- Failure to comply with Saudi technical standards
- Delays caused by certification body processing time
- Differences between declared product specifications and actual shipment
Proper preparation and accurate documentation significantly reduce these risks.
The SABER certification system is a mandatory requirement for all products entering Saudi Arabia. It plays a vital role in ensuring product safety, maintaining quality standards, and simplifying customs procedures through a unified digital platform.
Understanding what is SABER certificate and how to get SABER certificate for Saudi Arabia is essential for any business involved in exporting goods to the Kingdom. From product registration to shipment clearance, each step must be carefully followed to avoid delays and ensure compliance.
Businesses that properly manage SABER certification benefit from faster market entry, reduced regulatory risks, and stronger trade relationships within Saudi Arabia. For companies unfamiliar with the process, professional assistance can help simplify compliance and ensure smooth approval for all shipments.
Need more information? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help!
Verger Group is a SASO-approved entity authorized to issue SABER Conformity Certificates. We provide complete support for conformity assessment and certification to ensure smooth access to the Saudi market.
Along with SABER certification, we also offer factory audit services, pre-shipment inspection services, and other compliance solutions required for entry into Saudi Arabia and GCC markets.