Saudi SABER Certification Exempted Products
It is important to note that there is no officially published, unified “Exemption Product List” for SABER certification. The core principle of SABER is that all products exported to Saudi Arabia must be declared through the SABER system. However, depending on the product’s use, risk level, and industry, different certification pathways are available, and in some cases, the standard PC+SC process may be exempted.
Based on current Saudi regulations, SABER “exemption” mainly falls into the following scenarios:
1. Non-Commercial Use Products (True Exemption)
For products not intended for commercial sale and imported for personal use or specific purposes, a Non-Commercial Use Certificate can be applied for, eliminating the need for standard PC and SC certificates. Applicable scenarios include:
- Personal use items – products imported for personal use
- Construction/Maintenance supplies – materials for factory construction or equipment maintenance
- Raw materials for production – raw materials used in production lines
- Factory equipment – machinery imported for factory production
- Government procurement goods – supplies provided to government agencies under procurement contracts
How to apply: The importer must register on the SABER platform, select the “Non-direct-to-consumer products” category, submit the exemption reason and supporting documents (e.g., purchase contract, license). After approval, a certificate is issued.
2. Cosmetics (Alternative Pathway – Not True Exemption)
Cosmetics and perfumes do not need to apply for PC and SC certificates via SABER. Instead, they follow a separate pathway: provide GSO 1943 test report + Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) registration certificate, then apply for inspection to obtain a traditional COC certificate (SASO COC). This is a different certification channel, not a true product exemption.
3. Medical Devices & Pharmaceuticals (Not Under SABER)
Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and medical equipment must be registered through the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) system and do not fall under SABER certification.
4. Electronic Display Products (Exemption from Energy Efficiency Regulation)
Under Saudi’s energy efficiency technical regulation for electronic displays, the following products are exempt from energy consumption requirements: displays with a visible screen area less than 100 cm², projectors, conference display systems/conference screens, medical monitors, VR products, control displays. This exemption applies only to that specific technical regulation, not from SABER entirely.
5. Raw Materials
Raw materials (e.g., metal materials, plastic granules) are considered unregulated and do not require SABER registration.
6. Government/Diplomatic Goods
Goods carried by government officials of various countries on official visits to Saudi Arabia are exempt from SABER certification.
7. Low-Risk Products (Simplified Certification – Not Exemption)
Low-risk products are not exempt, but follow a simplified certification pathway. Products not covered by any Saudi technical regulation are classified as low-risk. The importer only needs to submit a Supplier Conformity Declaration in the SABER system and apply for an SC certificate – no PC certificate is required.
Special Reminders
“Exemption” does not mean “no declaration”. In most exemption scenarios, you still need to declare or apply for the appropriate certificate through the SABER platform. You cannot ship directly without any action.
Official inquiry method: The most reliable way is to log on to the official SABER website (https://saber.sa/), enter the product’s HS code, and the system will automatically determine whether the product is regulated and what type of certification is required. HS codes are updated periodically – always check the official system before shipping.
Regulations change continuously: The scope of mandatory SABER certification continues to expand. As of 2025, mandatory product categories have increased from the original 10 to 15, adding new energy equipment, smart home products, personal protective equipment, etc. Always re-check before each shipment.
Bottom line: SABER certification is mandatory for all products exported to Saudi Arabia. No certificate means absolutely no customs clearance. Since 2025, post-arrival application has been eliminated – certificates must be completed before the vessel arrives at port.
Quick Decision Flowchart
| Product Scenario | Certification Path | PC Required? | SC Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-commercial use (personal use, industrial raw materials, etc.) | Apply for Non-Commercial Use Certificate | ❌ | ❌ (alternative certificate) |
| Cosmetics/Perfumes | SFDA registration + traditional COC | ❌ | ❌ (alternative certificate) |
| Pharmaceuticals/Medical devices | Apply via SFDA system | ❌ | ❌ (not under SABER) |
| Raw materials | Unregulated, no registration | ❌ | ❌ |
| Low-risk products | Self-declaration + SC | ❌ | ✅ |
| Medium/High-risk products | PC + SC | ✅ | ✅ |
If you have a specific product and want to confirm whether it falls under an exemption, please provide the HS code or product description, and I can help analyze.
