Saber Certification for Toys
Saber Certification for Toys – Complete Guide
Saber certification is mandatory for entering the Saudi market. For toys, which fall under the GCC Technical Regulation for children’s products, the full certification process consists of two main steps: Apply for a PC Certificate and then Apply for an SC Certificate.
🪪 Core Certification Process: Two Steps
Before starting, ensure your Saudi importer has a valid account on the Saber platform – this is required for all applications.
| Step & Certificate | Key Actions | Required Documents | Validity | Estimated Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Apply for PC Certificate (Product Conformity Certificate) | Importer submits application via Saber platform. Approved by an authorized certification body. | – GCC certificate & test reports – Product images & labels – Manufacturer’s ISO 9001 certificate – Signed Declaration of Conformity | 1 year Renewable. Re-application required if importer changes or product models change. | Typically 3-7 working days |
| Step 2: Apply for SC Certificate (Shipment Conformity Certificate) | Before each shipment, importer uploads final commercial invoice and packing list, links a valid PC certificate, and applies for SC. | – Valid PC certificate – Commercial invoice – Packing list | Single shipment only | 1-2 working days after submission |
All applications, payments, and certificate issuances are done online via the Saber platform. No need to print paper certificates.
Note: For toys, a valid GCC certificate is required before applying for the PC certificate.
✅ Key Policy Updates (2025)
- Full Mandatory Enforcement: From 1 January 2025, all shipments must obtain PCoC and SCoC via the Saber system. Letters of undertaking (LoU) are no longer accepted for customs clearance.
- High-Risk Product Rules & Shorter Test Report Validity: Children’s toys are classified as high-risk products and subject to stricter controls. New rules shorten test report validity to 6 months, meaning your certification documents need more frequent renewal.
- RoHS Standard Upgrade: From March 2025, exporters of children’s toys must submit additional test reports for hazardous substances (e.g., lead, cadmium, phthalates).
- Factory Audit Trend: While factory audits are not yet mandatory for toys, Saudi authorities are tightening control over high-risk products – it is wise to prepare in advance.
📋 Certification Requirements & Document Checklist
The following core documents are typically required for toy Saber certification:
- Key documents: GCC certificate and corresponding GCC type test report (from a laboratory accredited by the Gulf Standardization Organization).
- Factory qualification: Valid ISO 9001 quality management system certificate of the manufacturer.
- Product information: Clear product and packaging images including Arabic labels, and a detailed application form.
- Declaration of Conformity: Signed by the manufacturer or importer.
- Special test requirements by toy category:
- Electric toys: Safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests.
- Stuffed/plush toys: Physical & mechanical property tests and flammability test.
- Toys made of chemical materials: Chemical safety tests for phthalates, heavy metals (lead, cadmium, etc.).
- Toys for specific age groups (e.g., under 3 years): Stricter safety assessment for small parts, choking hazards, etc., according to GCC standards.
💰 Cost Overview
Saber certification costs consist of four parts. Total cost varies depending on product risk level and testing complexity.
| Cost Item | Reference Cost |
|---|---|
| 1. Official certificate fee (fixed) | – PC certificate: 575 SAR per product/HS code – SC certificate: 402.5 SAR per shipment |
| 2. Product testing fee (variable) | The main cost. For high-risk products like children’s toys, full testing can total approx. RMB 15,000 – 30,000 |
| 3. Agency service fee | Approx. RMB 1,000 – 2,000 |
| 4. Potential factory audit fee | If mandated in the future, approx. RMB 4,000 – 7,000 |
Note: These are market reference costs. Actual total cost depends on your chosen service provider and specific test items. Request a precise quote directly from the certification body.
⚠️ Common Pitfalls & Practical Advice
Three Hidden Traps
- Non-compliant labels: All labels must include Arabic (or bilingual Arabic/English). Content must clearly state country of origin (e.g., “Made in China/صُنع في الصين”), product composition, etc. Missing or incorrect labels are a common cause of port delays.
- Model mismatch with certificate: Ensure the GCC report and subsequent PC certificate accurately cover all exported product models. Any unlisted model can cause the entire shipment to be detained.
- Expired test report: Due to the 2025 rule shortening test report validity to 6 months for toys, always verify the report’s expiry date. Certificates and reports are directly checked by customs – if expired, re-testing is required.
Practical Tips for Smooth Compliance
- Choose a competent certification body: Working with an experienced third-party certification body helps identify risks, prepare documents, and avoid rework and extra costs caused by unfamiliarity with the process.
- Plan cost and time: Normal certification takes about 10-15 working days, but allow 1.5–2 months in advance for document preparation. Budget approximately RMB 20,000–40,000 (first-year total for high-risk products).
- Define responsibilities clearly: Usually, the exporter provides technical documents (test reports, GCC certificate), and the importer handles the Saber platform application.
💎 Summary & Action Checklist
Overall, the complete Saber certification cycle for toys can be summarised as:
Preparation (1–2 months) → Testing & certification (2–4 weeks) → Application & issuance (1–2 weeks).
To ensure smooth exports, follow this action checklist:
- Step 1: Obtain GCC certification – the foundation for everything.
- Step 2: Obtain Saber PC certificate – your Saudi importer submits the GCC report and other documents via the Saber platform.
- Step 3: Apply for SC certificate per shipment – before each shipment, the importer applies for an SC certificate using the valid PC certificate.
- Step 4: Prepare Arabic labels – ensure all product and packaging labels are compliant.
