Saudi SASO IECEE Certification for Laptops and Tablets

Laptops and tablets exported to Saudi Arabia must obtain the SASO IECEE Recognition Certificate (SIRC) . This certification is a mandatory clearance document for regulated electronic and electrical products under the Saudi Product Safety Program (SALEEM). The core prerequisite for obtaining this certificate is a valid CB Test Certificate and Report.

Below is a breakdown of the key information you need to know.

🛡️ Certification Overview

The following core requirements must be carefully observed for smooth export:

Item	Specific Requirement
Mandatory Scope	Laptops, tablets, and their accessories (e.g., chargers) are all on the mandatory list.
Mandatory Nature	It is a prerequisite for customs clearance; cargo without the certificate will be rejected by Saudi Customs.
Certificate Validity	Typically 1 year, with options for 1 or 3 years available.
Voltage & Frequency	The CB test report must include Saudi national differences (220-240V / 60Hz).
Plug Standard	Must comply with Saudi standards: British BS 1363 3-pin plug or SASO 2203.

📋 Technical Standards & Latest Regulations

To ensure compliance, products must meet the following core technical and regulatory requirements during the design phase:

Safety Standards: Applicable safety standards are primarily IEC 60950-1 (old) or IEC 62368-1 (new).
New Port Regulation (Mandatory) : Effective April 1, 2026, all laptops exported to Saudi Arabia must be equipped with a unified USB Type-C charging port. Testing must be performed according to standards SASO IEC 62680-1-2 and SASO IEC 62680-1-3.
Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) : A RoHS report is required to meet Saudi regulations (phased enforcement starting July 2022).
Communications Regulation (CITC) : Products with wireless capabilities (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) must also meet the regulations of the Saudi Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) and may require additional CITC approval.

📄 Certification Process & Document Checklist

Step-by-Step Process

Preparation: Accurately determine the product’s HS Code to confirm it falls under mandatory scope. Simultaneously, choose a qualified certification body (NCB).
Obtain CB Report & Certificate: Send samples to an IECEE-recognized lab to obtain a CB Test Report and CB Certificate that include Saudi national differences. This is the foundation of the entire certification process.
Apply for SASO IECEE Certificate Online: Log in to the official SASO online portal (https://www.saso.gov.sa/), create an application, enter product, manufacturer, and importer information, and upload all required documents.
SASO Review & Issuance: SASO reviews the submitted documents and, once confirmed, issues the SASO IECEE Recognition Certificate, available for download electronically.
SABER Registration (Critical Subsequent Step) : After obtaining the IECEE certificate, use it on the SABER system (https://saber.sa/) to apply for two key clearance documents: Product Conformity Certificate (PCoC) (valid for one year) and Shipment Conformity Certificate (SCoC) (required per shipment).
Shipment & Clearance: After completing SABER registration and obtaining the SCoC certificate, arrange shipment. The SCoC is required for customs clearance.

Core Document Checklist

Prepare the following documents in advance:

CB Test Certificate and CB Test Report: Must be issued by an IECEE-recognized lab (CBTL) and include Saudi national differences.
Product Photos: Clear images showing product appearance, ports, labels, nameplate, and packaging.
Product Manual: Required in both English and Arabic.
Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity: Declares that the product meets relevant Saudi regulations and IEC standards.
Manufacturer’s Business License: Copy with company seal.
Importer’s Commercial Registration (CR) : Commercial registration document of the Saudi local importer.
Critical Components List (CDF) : Lists key internal components (e.g., power adapter, battery) and their certification information.
Product Specification Sheet: Detailed technical parameters.

💰 Cost & Timeline Estimates

Processing Time: The entire process typically takes 6–12 weeks, depending on CB report acquisition speed and SASO review efficiency.
Cost Components: Includes product testing fees, CB certificate application fee, Saudi IECEE certificate application fee, SABER registration fees, etc. Total cost varies by product type and service provider.

It is recommended to request a precise quotation directly from your chosen certification body (e.g., SGS, TÜV).

⚠️ Special Considerations

Consistency Check: The product description, model number, critical components, etc., in the submitted CB report must be identical to the actual shipped product. SASO has implemented AI image recognition systems for comparison; discrepancies may lead to clearance failure.
Series Model Application: If models differ only in color or memory size, you may apply to include multiple series models on one certificate. However, sub-model names should typically be distinguishable from the main model.
Importer Qualification: The entire application process usually requires a Saudi local importer or their SABER system agent to complete; manufacturers cannot finalize the application directly.
Accessory Requirements: Accessories such as chargers and batteries must also meet their respective certification standards, e.g., IEC 62133 for batteries.

💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can an old CB report using IEC 60950-1 still be used?
A: It may no longer be accepted or may have a very short validity period. Saudi Arabia has fully transitioned to the new standard IEC 62368-1. It is strongly recommended to apply for a CB report based on the new standard to avoid costly retesting and delays.

Q: What is the relationship between Saudi IECEE certification and SABER?
A: IECEE is the “entry permit” for products entering Saudi Arabia, while SABER is the mandatory online system used before clearance. The IECEE certificate must be obtained first, then used on the SABER system to apply for the SCoC certificate required for each shipment.

Q: For a laptop with wireless functions, what additional certification is needed beyond IECEE?
A: Additional CITC approval is required. When finally applying for the PCoC on SABER, both the IECEE and CITC certificates must be submitted together to pass.

💎 Summary

Exporting to Saudi Arabia requires certification as the primary gateway to the market. In particular, the USB Type-C port regulation (mandatory from April 1, 2026) , along with simultaneously meeting multiple regulations such as communications (CITC) and environmental (RoHS) , poses higher challenges for product design and compliance preparation. Planning ahead and choosing a reliable certification partner is key to avoiding risks.