How long does Saber certificate take?

The time it takes to get a SABER certification does vary depending on the situation, but I will go into more detail to explain the process and the factors that influence it. Product Registration: Registering your product in the SABER system is usually the first step in the process. This step can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the complexity of your product and your familiarity with the system. It is critical that all the necessary information is filled out correctly, otherwise it may cause delays in subsequent steps. Choose a Certification Body: Depending on the type of product, you will need to choose a certification body that is recognized by the Saudi Arabian Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). This step may involve some research and communication to ensure that the body you choose has experience handling your specific product. This step usually does not take too much time, but choosing the wrong body may cause delays in the subsequent process. Document Preparation and Submission: You will need to prepare and submit a series of documents, which may include product specifications, test reports, declarations of conformity, etc. The time for this step will largely depend on whether you have prepared all the necessary documents in advance. If the documents are incomplete or not in the correct format, the certification body may ask for resubmission, which may extend the entire process. Product Testing (if...

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...

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...

Saudi SABER Certification for Lighting Products

Exporting lighting products to Saudi Arabia requires mandatory SABER certification, an online clearance system introduced by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). Think of it as an electronic permit – all regulated products (including lighting) must register on this platform and obtain certificates before shipment, otherwise they will be blocked at Saudi customs. Importantly, SABER certification is not a single document but a combination of requirements, typically including SABER + core pre‑certifications (Energy Efficiency / IECEE) + additional tests. Major 2026 Updates: Three Key Changes Before starting, note these important updates effective in 2026: HS Code Mandatory UpdateThe SABER platform has fully adopted the new 12‑digit HS code synchronised with Saudi Customs (ZATCA). Always use the latest 12‑digit code when searching on SABER; old codes will cause certificate rejection. PC Certificate Validity AdjustmentsLighting products usually fall under “general categories”, but confirm with your certification body. Different product types have different validity periods – monitor your certificate expiry dates. Product Standards UpgradedEnergy efficiency standards for lighting (e.g., SASO 2902) have undergone important updates. Ensure your products comply with the latest versions. Which Lighting Products Need Certification? All lighting products under SASO’s regulated scope require certification. Common categories include: Light sources: LED bulbs, incandescent, halogen, fluorescent lamps, etc. Luminaires: Downlights, spotlights, panel lights, high bay lights, floodlights, street lights, LED strips, table lamps, floor lamps, wall lights, etc. Control gear & accessories: LED drivers, transformers, controllers, etc. Special note: Not all lighting products follow...

Saudi SABER certification for refrigerators

For exporting refrigerators to Saudi Arabia, you must first obtain Saudi Energy Efficiency Certification, and then apply for the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and Shipment Certificate of Conformy (SCoC) through the SABER platform. According to the new 2025 regulations by SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization), all goods exported to Saudi Arabia must go through the SABER system. The traditional "letter of commitment" customs clearance method has been abolished. Below is the core certification process for refrigerators exported to Saudi Arabia: 1. Certification Roadmap: Obtain the "Entry Ticket" First, Then the "Permit" For large appliances like refrigerators, the certification logic is very clear: Pre-certification → Dual certificates on SABER. Phase 1: Obtain Saudi Energy Efficiency Certification (Entry Ticket)This is the most critical prerequisite for exporting refrigerators. Saudi Arabia enforces mandatory energy efficiency standards for refrigerators. Without an energy efficiency certificate, the subsequent process cannot proceed. Core standard: The current standard is SASO 2892:2025, which specifies Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and testing requirements. How to do it: The manufacturer must have the product tested by a SASO-accredited laboratory and obtain a valid energy efficiency test report and registration certificate. Phase 2: Apply for two certificates on the SABER platform (Permit)After obtaining the energy efficiency certificate, proceed through the SABER online system (https://saber.sa/). The process consists of two steps: Apply for PCoC (Product Certificate of Conformity): This is the "ID card" for the product. The importer registers on SABER, submits the application, and uploads your...

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: CategoryTechnical RegulationTypical...