SASO Certification Process

SASO Certification (Saudi Arabia) – Complete Guide

Introduction to SASO Certification

The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) is the official technical authority of Saudi Arabia, established in 1972 to regulate standards, metrology, and quality assurance across the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia mandates that all regulated products imported into the country must comply with SASO Technical Regulations. To ensure compliance, exporters are required to obtain:

  • Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)
  • Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)

These certificates are issued under the SALEEM Program through the SABER online platform and are legally mandatory for customs clearance in Saudi Arabia.

Without valid SASO certification, goods are not permitted entry into the Kingdom.

Why SASO Certification is Mandatory

SASO certification confirms that products meet Saudi Arabia’s safety, quality, and technical standards. It helps:

  • Prevent unsafe or non-compliant products from entering the market
  • Protect consumers and public safety
  • Ensure fair competition
  • Align with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives for quality, innovation, and market surveillance

Exporters frequently face shipment delays, rejections, or penalties due to incorrect or missing SASO documentation. Proper certification through SABER eliminates these risks.

What is the SASO Certificate of Conformity (CoC)?

The SASO Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is an official document confirming that a product complies with applicable Saudi Technical Regulations.

It is:

  • Mandatory for regulated products
  • Issued through SABER
  • Required for customs clearance
  • Enforced under the SALEEM Conformity Assessment Program

Role of SASO, SALEEM & SABER

SASO
  • Develops Saudi standards and technical regulations
  • Oversees conformity assessment framework
SALEEM Program
  • National conformity assessment system
  • Ensures products meet safety and quality benchmarks
SABER Platform
  • Online portal for product and shipment certification
  • Connects importers, Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), and Saudi Customs
  • Mandatory for all imports since 1 January 2019

Two Main Types of SABER Certificates

1. Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)

The PCoC certifies that a product complies with Saudi technical regulations.

Key Features:

  • Product-specific
  • Valid for 1 year
  • Mandatory before shipment certification

Process:

  1. Importer registers product on SABER (HS code, specs, category)
  2. Selects a SASO-approved CAB
  3. CAB reviews technical documents and test reports
  4. Additional testing or factory audit (if required)
  5. PCoC issued electronically via SABER
2. Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)

The SCoC is required for each shipment and is linked to a valid PCoC.

Key Features:

  • Shipment-specific
  • Mandatory for customs clearance
  • Valid only for the declared consignment

Process:

  1. Importer applies for SCoC in SABER
  2. CAB verifies PCoC and shipment documents
  3. Fees paid by importer
  4. SCoC issued electronically

Step-by-Step SASO Certification Process via SABER

Step 1: SABER Registration

Importer creates an account and registers product details, including:

  • HS code
  • Product category
  • Technical specifications
  • Product photographs

Step 2: Select Conformity Assessment Body (CAB)

Choose a SASO-approved CAB such as:

  • SGS
  • QIMA
  • HQTS
  • TÜV
  • Intertek
  • Tabseer

Step 3: Product Evaluation & PCoC Issuance

CAB verifies:

  • Test reports
  • Technical documents
  • Compliance with SASO regulations
  • PCoC issued if compliant.

Step 4: Shipment Certificate (SCoC) Application

Importer submits shipment documents and applies for SCoC.

Step 5: Saudi Customs Clearance

Saudi Customs verifies SCoC via FASAH system and clears the shipment.

Products Covered Under SASO Certification

SASO regulations apply to a wide range of products, including:

  • Electrical & Electronic Products
  • Cosmetics & Personal Care Products
  • Building & Construction Materials
  • Automotive Components
  • Toys & Child Products
  • Household Appliances
  • Chemical & Industrial Products

Documents Required for SASO Certification

  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing List
  • Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
  • Certificate of Origin
  • ISO/IEC 17025 Test Reports
  • Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
  • Safety Data Sheet (SDS) – if applicable
  • Product & Label Photographs
  • Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
  • Factory Audit Report (for high-risk products)

Validity & Renewal

  • PCoC: Valid for 1 year, renewable annually
  • SCoC: Valid for one shipment only
  • SASO Quality Mark: Valid for 3 years with annual surveillance audits

Timely renewal is essential to maintain uninterrupted access to the Saudi market.

Why Choose Qualitance India for SASO Certification?

Qualitance India provides end-to-end SASO / SABER certification support, including:

  • Product classification & applicability check
  • SABER account registration
  • Coordination with SASO-approved CABs
  • Test report & documentation support
  • PCoC & SCoC issuance
  • Shipment-wise compliance assistance
  • Ongoing renewal & regulatory updates

With deep expertise in international conformity assessment, we help exporters avoid delays, rejections, and compliance risks while ensuring smooth Saudi market entry.

Conclusion

SASO certification is not optional—it is a legal requirement for exporting regulated products to Saudi Arabia. Correct certification through SABER ensures smooth customs clearance, buyer confidence, and compliance with Saudi technical regulations.

With Qualitance India as your compliance partner, you gain clarity, accuracy, and complete regulatory support—allowing you to expand into the Saudi market with confidence.

Get Expert Assistance for SASO Certification

Email: info@qualitanceindia.com

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