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...

Saber Certification for Toys

Saber Certification for Toys – Complete Guide Saber certification is mandatory for entering the Saudi market. For toys, which fall under the GCC Technical Regulation for children's products, the full certification process consists of two main steps: Apply for a PC Certificate and then Apply for an SC Certificate. Core Certification Process: Two Steps Before starting, ensure your Saudi importer has a valid account on the Saber platform – this is required for all applications. Step & CertificateKey ActionsRequired DocumentsValidityEstimated TurnaroundStep 1: Apply for PC Certificate(Product Conformity Certificate)Importer submits application via Saber platform. Approved by an authorized certification body.- GCC certificate & test reports- Product images & labels- Manufacturer's ISO 9001 certificate- Signed Declaration of Conformity1 yearRenewable. Re-application required if importer changes or product models change.Typically 3-7 working daysStep 2: Apply for SC Certificate(Shipment Conformity Certificate)Before each shipment, importer uploads final commercial invoice and packing list, links a valid PC certificate, and applies for SC.- Valid PC certificate- Commercial invoice- Packing listSingle shipment only1-2 working days after submission All applications, payments, and certificate issuances are done online via the Saber platform. No need to print paper certificates. Note: For toys, a valid GCC certificate is required before applying for the PC certificate. Key Policy Updates (2025) Full Mandatory Enforcement: From 1 January 2025, all shipments must obtain PCoC and SCoC via the Saber system. Letters of undertaking (LoU) are no longer accepted for customs clearance. High-Risk Product Rules & Shorter Test Report Validity: Children's toys are classified as high-risk products and subject...

Saudi SABER Certification for Home Appliances

SABER Certification for Home Appliances – Exports to Saudi Arabia According to the latest requirements from the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) effective from January 1, 2025, all regulated products (including home appliances) exported to Saudi Arabia must obtain certification through the SABER system to clear customs successfully. The core function of the SABER platform is to issue electronic certificates required for customs clearance online. To obtain these certificates, the application must be initiated by a locally registered company in Saudi Arabia (the Saudi importer). Exporters themselves cannot apply directly. The certification process consists of two main steps, resulting in two types of certificates: PC Certificate (Product Certificate of Conformity): This is the market access permit for each product model in Saudi Arabia. It is usually valid for one year and can be used for multiple shipments. SC Certificate (Shipment Certificate of Conformity): This is the “customs clearance pass” for each shipment. One certificate per shipment. It must be applied for before the cargo arrives at the port; otherwise, clearance will be impossible. Certification paths for home appliances exported to Saudi Arabia SABER certification is not a standalone test but an integrated platform. For home appliances, obtaining a PC certificate on SABER usually requires first securing other core certifications. Depending on the type of appliance, the main certification paths are as follows: Product / Certification TypeCommon ExamplesKey Certification Path & NotesHigh-energy appliances – Energy Efficiency (EER) certificationRefrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, dishwashersThis is the first and most...