1. Certification Introduction

SABER certification is an online application system introduced by SASO. SABER is essentially a web-based tool used for product registration, issuance, and obtaining the Certificate of Conformity (CoC). Saber has been gradually implemented according to Saudi Technical Regulations (TR) since January 2019, with the transition completed by February 2020. All importers of regulated products must register their products in the Saber system. After passing the review and obtaining the Certificate of Conformity, the products can be smoothly cleared through customs.

2. Product Categories

Saber certification classifies all products entering Saudi Arabia into high, medium, and low risk categories based on their level of risk. Different certification methods are required depending on the risk category. So, how do you determine the product category?

(1) Provide: Product name + (Saudi) Customs code

(2) Query: Visit the official Saudi Saber website (https://Saber.sa/) to check

3. Certification Methods

After querying on the Saudi website, a result will be displayed, corresponding to the five most common certification methods:

Category 1: Non-regulated products, issue a Declaration of Conformity:

Certification method: If this result appears, simply register and apply for the SCOC certificate, which stands for "Shipment Conformity Certificate for imported products." With this certificate, it indicates that your product is permitted to enter the Saudi market.

Category 2: Commonly regulated products, issue COC or QM certificate:

Certification method: If this result appears, you need to apply for the following two certificates: 1) PC certificate: Certificate of conformity for regulated products; 2) SC certificate: Shipment Conformity Certificate for imported products.

The mandatory certification currently covers the following product ranges: textile products (garments, towels, etc.), leather, shoes, luggage, low-voltage video communication cables, switches, jewelry, paper bowls, etc.

Category 3: Products regulated by IECEE standards, apply for IECEE:

Certification method: 1) First, test the product to obtain a CB test report and CB certificate; 2) Then apply for energy efficiency/energy efficiency exemption for the product; 3) Apply for IECEE certification; 4) Finally, complete Saber certification to obtain the PC and SC certificates for customs clearance.

The mandatory certification currently covers the following product ranges: light sources and lamps and their accessories, water pumps, headphones, computers, and other digital products.

Category 4: Products regulated by GCC regulations, apply for GCC certification:

Certification method: 1) First, test the product and apply for GCC certification after passing the test; 2) Apply for Saber certification to obtain the PC and SC certificates for customs clearance.

The mandatory certification currently covers the following product ranges: household sockets, plugs, power strips, fans and exhaust fans, and other household appliances.

Category 5: Products regulated by GCC regulations, apply for QM certification:

Certification method: 1) First, test the product; 2) Saudi officials send auditors to conduct a factory inspection at the Chinese enterprise; 3) Apply for Saber certification to obtain the PC and SC certificates for customs clearance.

The mandatory certification currently covers the following product ranges: gas appliances, tiles, steel cylinders, etc.

Non-regulated products do not require complicated test reports and factory inspections; they can directly obtain the PC and then the SC.

4. Certification Process

Phase 1: PC certificate (Product Certificate of Conformity)

l Importer registers an account on the SABER platform system

l Importer enters application information into the SABER system

l Importer selects a conformity assessment certification body in the SABER platform system

l Pay the PCoC certificate fee

l The certification body receives the application and contacts the manufacturer/exporter to provide certification documents

l Evaluate the certification documents and submit the approved documents to the SABER platform

l SABER platform issues the PCoC certificate online, valid for 1 year

Phase 2: SCoC certificate (Shipment Certificate of Conformity)

l Importer submits an SCoC application to the SABER system

l Verify the regulated product and confirm the validity of the PCoC certificate

l Pay the SCoC fee

l SABER platform issues the SCoC certificate online, valid only for the specific batch of imported goods

5. Certification Documents

(1) Importer’s business license (must provide accurate CR NO and license validity period)

(2) Manufacturer’s name and address

(3) English product name and model

(4) Product photos + product dimensions

(5) User manual in English and Arabic

(6) Trademark image

(7) Customs code

(8) Test reports (GSO, IEC, ISO, EN, etc. standards). For products under GCC, energy efficiency, water efficiency, IECEE, etc., provide relevant certificates.