Complete Guide to SABER Certification for Building Materials Exported to Saudi Arabia
1. Introduction to SABER Certification and Key Changes
SABER is the mandatory online product safety certification system introduced by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). All products imported into Saudi Arabia must obtain the required certificates through the SABER platform to clear customs. Launched in 2019, SABER has now fully replaced the old SASO certification model and is the only electronic gateway for market access to Saudi Arabia. The official website is saber.sa – all applications must be completed on this platform.
Critical Policy Updates for 2025:
- Full Mandatory Certification: As of January 1, 2025, all goods exported to Saudi Arabia must obtain PCoC (Product Conformity Certificate) and SCoC (Shipment Conformity Certificate) through the SABER system. The old “letter of commitment” customs clearance method has been completely abolished. Applying for certificates after the goods have arrived at port is invalid and will result in customs clearance failure.
- Certificates must be obtained before arrival: Applying for certificates after the vessel arrives is considered invalid, leads to clearance refusal, and may incur fines and demurrage charges.
- Ongoing HS Code Updates: Saudi SABER platform HS codes have been continuously updated since 2025, affecting building materials, metal products, stone, etc. After the new codes are implemented, existing certificates become invalid, and applicants must re-submit certification applications.
2. Applicable Product Scope: Which Building Materials Need Certification?
SABER certification covers a wide range of building materials, mainly including the following six categories:
| Category | Technical Regulation | Typical Products |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Technical Regulation for Building Materials Part 1: Metallic and Alloy Components for Buildings and Construction | Construction steel, aluminum alloy profiles, steel structural parts |
| Part 2 | Technical Regulation for Building Materials Part 2: Thermal Insulation and Cladding Materials for Buildings | Insulation panels, cladding materials |
| Part 3 | Technical Regulation for Building Materials Part 3: Hydraulic Fittings and Related Products | Pipes, fittings, valves |
| Part 4 | Technical Regulation for Building Materials Part 4: Bricks, Tiles, Ceramics, Sanitary Ware | Ceramic tiles, toilets, faucets, ceramic basins, bathroom products |
| Part 5 | Technical Regulation for Building Materials Part 5: Pipes for Water, Electricity, and Gas Networks | PVC pipes, metal pipes, cable conduits |
| Part 6 | Technical Requirements for Doors, Windows, and Accessories | Aluminum doors/windows, hardware accessories |
In addition, cement, glass, paints, lubricants, and other chemical building materials are also within the mandatory scope.
3. Certification Models and Risk Levels
SABER adopts different certification models based on product risk level, automatically determined by the product’s HS code in the system. There are three main types:
1. Low‑risk products
- Self‑declaration model allowed. The importer submits a self‑declaration on the SABER platform; third‑party certification bodies are generally not required.
2. Medium‑risk and standard risk products (Type 1a / Type 3)
- Test reports and technical documents are required. Some products (e.g., construction steel, sanitary ware) also need factory inspection and annual surveillance.
- Most building materials fall into medium‑ or medium‑high risk. Building metal and alloy parts are classified as medium‑risk.
3. High‑risk products (Type 5)
- In addition to test reports and technical files, mandatory factory inspection (audit), batch sampling, and quality management system review are required.
- Applicable products include cement, household gas appliances, etc. Steel bars (rebar) are classified as high‑risk.
4. Core Certification Process: PCoC + SCoC
All building material exports must complete the two‑stage certification described below.
Stage 1: Obtaining the PCoC (Product Conformity Certificate)
Validity: 1 year. For the same importer and same product model, no re‑application is required within the validity period; it can be used for multiple shipments.
Application steps:
- Account registration: The Saudi local importer registers on the SABER website (Chinese manufacturers cannot apply directly; the Saudi importer must initiate).
- Product information entry: Fill in HS code, brand, model, manufacturer information, etc.
- Select certification body: Choose an SASO‑approved certification body within the SABER system.
- Submit technical documents: Provide application form, manufacturer business license, product photos, Arabic or bilingual product labels, valid test reports, etc.
- Body review: The certification body verifies documents to ensure compliance with Saudi technical regulations.
- Pay fees and obtain certificate: After paying the platform fee, the system issues the PCoC.
Important reminder: If you find product information errors before paying the PCoC fee, you can resubmit without extra cost. Once payment is made, information cannot be modified; you must re‑apply and pay again.
Stage 2: Obtaining the SCoC (Shipment Conformity Certificate)
Validity: single shipment only. Required for each shipment. Must be obtained before the vessel arrives at port – post‑arrival applications are invalid and will block clearance.
Application steps:
- The importer logs into SABER, submits an SCoC application, and links it to the valid PCoC.
- Upload commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading number, and other shipment information.
- The certification body confirms the PCoC is valid and matches the information.
- Pay the platform fee (approx. 455‑575 SAR).
- After approval, the system issues the SCoC, which is used for customs clearance.
SCoC is generally issued within 1 working day, maximum 3 days.
5. Cost Structure
SABER certification costs mainly consist of the following items. Total cost varies significantly depending on product risk level and testing complexity.
| Cost Item | Description | Approximate Range |
|---|---|---|
| Official PCoC fee | Fixed platform fee per product model/HS code | 575 SAR (~1000‑1100 RMB) |
| Official SCoC fee | Fixed platform fee per shipment | 402.5‑455 SAR (~750‑850 RMB) |
| Product testing fee | Testing at SASO‑accredited laboratory | Fire resistance: ~5,000‑12,000 RMB |
| Factory inspection fee | Only for high‑risk products | ~4,000‑7,000 RMB (including auditor travel) |
| Certification service fee | Third‑party agency service fee | PCoC: ~4,000‑6,000 RMB; SCoC: ~1,000 RMB |
Estimated total for building materials: PCoC ~1,500‑2,500 SAR, SCoC ~400‑600 SAR. For high‑risk materials requiring factory inspection and complex tests (e.g., cement, some ceramics), total cost may reach tens of thousands of RMB.
Cost optimization tips:
- Use existing internationally recognised test reports (e.g., CB report) to avoid retesting.
- PCoC is valid for one year – for repeated exports of the same product within the year, only the SCoC fee is needed.
- Combine similar products in one application to reduce unit cost by ~40%.
6. Key Certification Requirements & Common Issues
1. Sample Testing & Standards
- Testing must be conducted by an ISO 17025‑accredited laboratory. Validity: ordinary test report 1 year, GCC report 3 years, CB report 2 years. Testing costs vary: EMC for electronics ~3,000‑8,000 RMB; fire resistance for building materials ~5,000‑12,000 RMB.
2. Product Labelling Requirements
- Labels and instructions must be bilingual: Arabic + English.
- Country of origin must be clearly marked as “Made in China”.
- SASO logo size must not be less than 5 mm.
- Hazardous products (e.g., electrical appliances) must have safety warnings on both packaging and product body.
3. Special Pre‑certifications
Some building materials require additional certificates before applying for SABER:
- Wires, cables, lighting: need IECEE certification (approx. 1 month).
- Sanitary ware (toilets, faucets): need water efficiency (RWC) certification (approx. 1 month).
- Cement, some ceramics, artificial stone: need QM (Saudi Quality Mark) – strictest model, requires factory inspection (2‑3 months).
Note: Products that already have IECEE, GCC, or QM certification may be exempt from the PCoC platform fee when converting to PCoC. Plan ahead and allow adequate lead time.
4. HS Code Verification
- Must use the official Saudi 12‑digit HS code, not the Chinese 10‑digit code. There is about a 15% difference. Wrong codes invalidate certificates.
- Verify the correct HS code via the SABER website or with an authorised certification body.
- Important 2026 update: Effective 1 January 2026, SABER will fully update HS codes. After the new codes take effect, existing certificates become invalid – re‑application will be required. Building materials, metals, ceramics, sanitary ware, etc. are all affected.
5. Relationship with GCC Certification
Some building materials (those covered by Gulf common standards) may require GCC certification before SABER. The process: obtain GCC certification → use it to apply for PCoC on SABER → then apply for SCoC. When converting from GCC to PCoC, the PCoC platform fee may be waived.
6. Applicant Entity
All SABER applications must be initiated by a legally registered company in Saudi Arabia (the importer). Chinese factories or exporters cannot apply directly on SABER alone. Chinese exporters must cooperate with a Saudi importer or authorised certification agent.
7. Latest Developments (2025‑2026)
1. Ministry of Commerce & Investment (MOCI) Declaration
Since 2025, the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) has expanded approval requirements for building materials:
- From 17 April 2025: Tiles, paper products, car batteries, etc. require additional MOCI approval when applying for SABER.
- From 15 September 2025: Building materials such as steel, scaffolding, steel structures were added to the MOCI approval scope.
- From 1 May 2026: Further expansion – additional building materials will require prior MOCI approval and submission of a declaration document (MOCI) when applying for PCoC or SCoC. Without an approved declaration, certification bodies may not issue certificates.
The applicant must complete and obtain approval for the MOCI declaration in the SABER system before the certification body can issue the PCoC.
2. Full HS Code Update
Effective 1 January 2026, the SABER platform will implement a comprehensive HS code update to align with the latest ZATCA (Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority) codes. Building materials (metals, ceramics, sanitary ware, pipes, and related products) are all affected. Once the new codes apply, existing certificates become invalid – re‑application will be required. Exporters should verify product classifications in advance and prepare for adjustments.
3. Growing Market Demand
Driven by Saudi Vision 2030, demand for building materials continues to grow. The Saudi domestic building materials market relies on imports for 40‑45% of its needs, with major demand in cement, tiles, marble, etc. In 2026, overall SABER application volume is expected to increase by over 30% year‑on‑year, with building materials representing a significant share. Timely certification is not only a compliance requirement but also a strategic advantage to capture Saudi market opportunities.
8. Common Failure Reasons & Avoidance Tips
| Common Issue | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Wrong HS code (using Chinese 10‑digit code) | Verify the correct Saudi 12‑digit HS code on the SABER website in advance |
| Test report not from ISO 17025 lab | Choose an SASO‑recognised lab and confirm report validity |
| Shipment dispatched before PCoC approved | Obtain PCoC (valid 1 year) first, then apply for SCoC before shipment |
| Product label missing Arabic / country of origin | Prepare bilingual labels (Arabic+English) stating “Made in China” |
| Special pre‑certification required but not prepared | Check additional requirements (GCC/IECEE/QM/RWC) by HS code; allow 1‑3 months lead time |
| Invoice amount mismatched with declared information | Ensure all shipping documents are accurate and consistent |
| Certificates applied after arrival | Obtain SCoC before vessel arrival |
9. Required Documents for Customs Clearance
When goods arrive at a Saudi port, the importer uses the following documents:
- SABER PCoC (electronic)
- SABER SCoC (electronic)
- Commercial Invoice (CI)
- Packing List (PL)
- Bill of Lading (BL)
- Certificate of Origin (CO)
- CCPIT invoice certificate (if applicable)
- Other special certificates (if applicable: GCC, QM, water efficiency, etc.)
Because the SABER platform is fully integrated with the FASAH customs system, the SCoC is automatically verified electronically – no paper copy is required.
Core Summary:
As of January 1, 2025, all building materials exported to Saudi Arabia must obtain both PCoC (valid 1 year) and SCoC (valid per shipment, obtained before arrival) through the SABER platform. Certification must be initiated by the Saudi importer through an SASO‑approved certification body. Completing certification on time is not only a compliance threshold but also a strategic necessity to seize market share in Saudi Arabia.
⚠️ Special Note: SABER certification policies are updated frequently. Effective 1 January 2026, the SABER platform will fully update HS codes – after the new codes apply, existing certificates become invalid and applications must be resubmitted. Before each shipment, always verify the latest requirements on the SABER website or with a certification body. For further assistance, refer to the official SABER platform: https://saber.sa
