Saber Certification Requirements

SABER certification is a mandatory requirement for imported products entering Saudi Arabia. As of 2025, it covers virtually all goods exported to the country. The entire process is carried out through the online SABER system, and requires two separate certificates: one for the product itself and one for each shipment.

Core Requirements: Two Key Certificates

The core of SABER certification consists of the following two mandatory certificates:

PCoC (Product Conformity Certificate): A “pass” for the product, proving that its design complies with Saudi standards.
- Applicant: Must be submitted to the SABER system by a local Saudi importer.
- Validity: Typically 1 year (may be shorter for high-risk products). Multiple shipments of the same product within the validity period can reuse the same PCoC.
- Key point: Before applying, ensure the product’s HS code is the latest 12-digit code.
SCoC (Shipment Conformity Certificate): A “customs clearance pass” for each batch of goods, proving that the shipment matches the PCoC.
- Applicant: Saudi importer.
- Validity: Valid only for that specific shipment.
- Key point: The application must be completed before the goods arrive at the port.

Strictly Prohibited: As of 1 January 2025, the previous “Undertaking letters” customs clearance method has been completely abolished.

Certification Process: Four Steps to Clearance

Product Compliance Assessment – The exporter provides product documents to an SASO‑recognized body, which determines the certification pathway (e.g., whether testing or factory inspection is required).
Apply for PCoC – The Saudi importer uploads the required documents to the SABER system; after review, the PCoC is issued.
Ship the goods and apply for SCoC – After shipment, the importer applies for the SCoC in the SABER system using the valid PCoC and relevant shipping documents.
Obtain SCoC and clear customs – Once the SCoC is issued, the importer can complete import customs clearance.

Required Documents

For PCoC application:

Saudi importer’s SABER system username and password
Application form
Product test report (from an SASO‑accredited laboratory)
Product photos and product label/nameplate photos
Copy of the manufacturer’s business license
Exporter declaration

For SCoC application:

Valid PCoC certificate
Commercial invoice for the shipment
Packing list
Bill of lading (sea or air)

Applicable Products

SABER certification covers almost all regulated products exported to Saudi Arabia. Products are typically categorised into major groups such as electrical/electronics, building materials & chemicals, textiles, auto parts, children’s products & consumer goods.
To determine whether a specific product requires certification and its risk level, you must search the SABER official website using the product’s Saudi customs HS code. This is the first step in assessing market access requirements.

Exceptions: Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices must be processed through the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) system and are not subject to SABER certification.

Recent Updates & Common Risks

24 July 2025: Newly controlled products include personal protective equipment, paper products, detergents, and communications & information technology equipment.
15 September 2025: Applications for SCoC for steel products, aluminium products, and optical cables must be accompanied by an Arabic declaration approved by the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.
2026: The system will adopt 12‑digit HS codes aligned with customs; some high‑risk products (e.g., chargers, toys, children’s products) will have PCoC validity shortened to 6 months.

Common reasons for detention at customs:

Incorrect HS code: Using an outdated or wrong HS code in the application.
Invalid or missing certificates: No PCoC or SCoC, or SCoC applied for after the goods arrive at port.
Non‑compliant test report: Test report not from an SASO‑accredited lab, or expired.
Non‑compliant product labelling: Label missing Arabic language information, or incomplete information.

Key Risk Reminders

Non‑refundable fees: Once a PCoC or SCoC is issued, the associated fees (including those for re‑application due to errors) are generally not refundable.
Factory inspection for high‑risk products: For high‑risk products (e.g., certain building materials, gas appliances), a factory inspection is mandatory; otherwise a PCoC cannot be obtained.