SABER Compliance refers to the mandatory electronic product conformity certification program implemented by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) for all goods exported to Saudi Arabia. It is a compulsory requirement for products entering the Saudi market.
The core of this system is the SABER online platform. Since its launch in 2019 and full transition by February 2020, all products subject to Saudi technical regulations must be registered in the SABER system by the importer to obtain the necessary compliance certificates before the goods can be cleared through customs.
Core Certificates: PCoC and SCoC
The key to SABER compliance is obtaining the following two certificates:
- Product Conformity Certificate (PCoC) – Issued for a specific product model. It certifies that the product model complies with relevant Saudi technical regulations and standards.
- A PCoC is typically required for each product model and each manufacturing plant.
- The certificate is valid for one year.
- Shipment Conformity Certificate (SCoC) – Issued for each individual shipment. It certifies that the specific batch of goods is consistent with the product certified under the PCoC.
- Each shipment (based on invoice/bill of lading) requires a separate SCoC application.
- This certificate is valid only for that particular shipment and is a mandatory document for customs clearance.
Important Update: Effective 1 January 2025, all goods exported to Saudi Arabia must have both the PCoC and SCoC applications completed through the SABER system before arrival at the port. SCoC certificates issued after the goods have arrived will be considered invalid.
Who Operates the SABER System?
The entire SABER registration and certification process must be carried out by the local Saudi importer or their representative.
- Exporter/Manufacturer: Responsible for providing technical documentation, test reports, product specifications, and other required materials to the Saudi importer, and ensuring that the product itself meets Saudi standards.
- Saudi Importer: Responsible for registering an account on the SABER platform, selecting an accredited Conformity Assessment Body (CAB), uploading documents, paying fees, and applying for both the PCoC and SCoC certificates.
Overview of the Compliance Process
- Product Classification: Based on the product’s HS code, the SABER system determines whether the product is “regulated” or “non-regulated”.
- Apply for PCoC: For regulated products, the Saudi importer, through the SABER platform, commissions an SASO‑accredited CAB to review the product documentation. Upon approval, a PCoC is issued. For non‑regulated products, a supplier’s self‑declaration may suffice.
- Apply for SCoC: Before shipment, the importer applies for the SCoC certificate on SABER using the invoice and shipment details for that specific batch.
- Customs Release: Saudi Customs (via the FASAH system) verifies the validity of both the PCoC and SCoC online. Once confirmed, the goods are cleared.
Key Points to Note
- High‑risk Products: Certain high‑risk products (e.g., some electrical and electronic appliances) may require additional pre‑certification, such as an IECEE certificate, before they can proceed to the PCoC and SCoC stages.
- Certificate Renewal: The PCoC is valid for one year and must be renewed on time.
- 2026 Updates: Saudi Arabia has recently updated certain customs tariff codes (HS codes) on the SABER platform, affecting multiple sectors including textiles, building materials, and electronics. This further raises compliance requirements regarding certificate processing and correct code matching.
In summary, SABER compliance is an essential gateway for products exported to Saudi Arabia. Its core requirement is to obtain both the PCoC and SCoC certificates through the SABER platform, and the entire process must be handled by the local Saudi importer.
