Saudi SABER Certification for Home Appliances

SABER Certification for Home Appliances – Exports to Saudi Arabia

According to the latest requirements from the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) effective from January 1, 2025, all regulated products (including home appliances) exported to Saudi Arabia must obtain certification through the SABER system to clear customs successfully.

The core function of the SABER platform is to issue electronic certificates required for customs clearance online. To obtain these certificates, the application must be initiated by a locally registered company in Saudi Arabia (the Saudi importer). Exporters themselves cannot apply directly.

The certification process consists of two main steps, resulting in two types of certificates:

PC Certificate (Product Certificate of Conformity): This is the market access permit for each product model in Saudi Arabia. It is usually valid for one year and can be used for multiple shipments.
SC Certificate (Shipment Certificate of Conformity): This is the “customs clearance pass” for each shipment. One certificate per shipment. It must be applied for before the cargo arrives at the port; otherwise, clearance will be impossible.

📋 Certification paths for home appliances exported to Saudi Arabia

SABER certification is not a standalone test but an integrated platform. For home appliances, obtaining a PC certificate on SABER usually requires first securing other core certifications. Depending on the type of appliance, the main certification paths are as follows:

Product / Certification Type	Common Examples	Key Certification Path & Notes
High-energy appliances – Energy Efficiency (EER) certification	Refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, dishwashers	This is the first and most critical certification for such products. Products must undergo energy efficiency testing and registration at an SASO-approved lab to obtain an energy efficiency label. Then, use that label and related reports to apply for the PC certificate via SABER. Multiple energy efficiency standards have been updated in/after 2025, e.g.: – Refrigerators: according to SASO 2664/2692 – Air conditioners: according to SASO 2663/2664 – Washing machines: according to SASO 2883 and 2692 – Electric dishwashers: according to SASO 3029:2023, with phased stricter requirements
Small appliances – GCC certification	Electric fans, microwaves, toasters, hair dryers	Requires GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) certification and obtaining a G-Mark certificate. GCC certification is valid for three years. Certification can often be based on an existing CB test report, simplifying the process and saving time/cost.
High-risk electrical/electronic products – IECEE certification	Mobile phones, chargers, luminaires, water pumps	For certain high-risk electronic products, an IECEE National Acceptance Certificate must be obtained before applying on SABER. This typically requires a valid CB test report and certificate (within 3 years, including Saudi national differences: 220V/60Hz).
Other high-risk or special products – QM/others	Gas cooktops, some building materials	Some high-risk products (e.g., gas appliances) may require more stringent SQM (Saudi Quality Mark) or direct QM certification, which may include factory inspections. Additionally, from July 2025, the scope of RoHS restricted substances will expand, requiring extra test reports for small appliances and other products.

📝 General application process

Obtain core reports/certificates – Based on the product path, complete relevant tests (energy efficiency, GCC, IECEE, etc.) and obtain corresponding certificates or reports.
Apply for PC certificate – The Saudi importer uploads the core certificates/reports to the SABER system. After approval and payment, the PC certificate (valid for 1 year) is issued.
Apply for SC certificate – Before each shipment, the importer logs into SABER, links the valid PC certificate, and uploads the commercial invoice and packing list. After payment and approval, the SC certificate is issued online and used for customs clearance.

⚠️ Key points to note

1. Product compliance essentials

Electrical safety – Must meet safety standards, such as the general standard for household appliances SASO IEC 60335-1 and EMC requirements.
Restricted substances – Must comply with Saudi RoHS, restricting the content of 10 hazardous substances including lead, cadmium, and mercury.
Voltage & plug – Saudi grid standard is 220V/60Hz; products must be compatible. Plug must be British standard BS 1363 three-pin flat plug (Saudi standard SASO 2203).
Labels & instructions – Product labels, nameplates, instructions, and warnings must include Arabic, and the country of origin must be stated (e.g., “Made in China” must be translated into Arabic). High-energy appliances (e.g., air conditioners, refrigerators) require an additional Saudi energy efficiency label.
Packaging & religious taboos – Products and packaging must not contain any symbols or images that violate Islamic teachings, such as six-pointed stars, crosses, or naked female images.

2. Certificate & customs clearance essentials

Applicant – The SABER system account must be registered and operated by the local Saudi importer or their authorized representative.
Certificate validity management – Pay attention to validity periods. PC certificates are typically 1 year; energy efficiency labels must be renewed annually; GCC certificates are valid for 3 years; SC certificates are per shipment.
Official barcode – When applying for an SC certificate, the SABER system usually requires the product’s 13-digit international barcode (GTIN).
Apply for certificates early – All SABER certificates must be issued before the goods arrive at the port. Applying after arrival is invalid and may result in fines and demurrage charges.

💡 Practical advice and summary

Work with a professional agency – Saudi regulations change frequently. Working with an agency experienced in SABER certification from the start can avoid unnecessary detours and losses.
Plan time and cost reasonably – Core testing (e.g., energy efficiency, GCC testing) is the most time‑consuming (approx. 2–4 weeks) and costly part. The actual PC/SC applications on SABER are fast, usually taking 1–2 working days.
Communicate closely with your importer – Since the importer must do the SABER application, coordinate in advance, prepare all necessary documents, and ensure the importer’s account is ready.
Stay updated on official policies – Monitor the SASO website or use the SABER system’s enquiry functions to keep track of latest regulatory updates.
Set up a certificate management system – Given the different validity periods and application timelines, establish a tracking system or calendar reminders to avoid shipment delays due to expired or missing certificates.