Saber Certificate

Saudi SABER Certification: Mandatory Clearance Certificate for Exports to Saudi Arabia

I. What is SABER Certification?

SABER certification is a mandatory online certification system introduced by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). Officially launched in 2019 and fully replacing the old SASO certification on January 15, 2020, it is the mandatory electronic customs clearance platform that all products must go through to enter the Saudi market. SABER is essentially an online tool platform for product registration, conformity certificate issuance, and retrieval. According to 2025 data, the detention rate of shipments without SABER certification at Saudi customs is as high as 95%, and non-compliant products face fines of 20% of CIF value or destruction.

Core logic of SABER: SASO sets the rules, SABER executes the process. SASO is the Saudi regulatory authority responsible for formulating technical regulations and standards that all products must comply with, and for authorizing accredited third-party certification bodies. SABER is the platform that enterprises directly interact with – all compliance operations (product registration, submitting test reports, applying for certificates, etc.) are completed here.

II. Two Core Certificates: PC Certificate and SC Certificate

The SABER certification system mainly involves two types of core certificates; both are interlinked and indispensable.

PC Certificate (Product Certificate of Conformity) is a product-type registration certificate proving that the product design meets Saudi standards. It is valid for one year (validity for some high-risk categories has been shortened to 6 months) and can be used repeatedly for multiple shipments within the validity period. It is the prerequisite and basis for applying for an SC Certificate. Chinese manufacturers cannot apply directly; it must be applied for by the Saudi local importer on the SABER platform.

SC Certificate (Shipment Certificate of Conformity) is a shipment-specific customs clearance certificate proving that the batch of goods is consistent with the registered PC certificate. It follows a “one certificate per shipment” model; each shipment must apply separately. It is valid for 60 days and becomes unusable after expiry. The SC certificate is the direct document for customs clearance and release of goods at Saudi Customs. Without an SC certificate or applying after arrival at port, heavy fines will apply.

The relationship can be summarized as: First, obtain a “long-term ID” (PC certificate) for your product; then, for each subsequent export shipment, obtain a “single-use permit” (SC certificate) for that batch.

III. Complete Application Process for SABER Certification

The SABER certification application generally follows the four steps below. Enterprises should plan ahead to avoid shipment delays due to certification timeline issues.

1. Confirm Product Category and HS Code: First, use the HS Codes search tool on the SABER website (saber.sa) to enter the first 6 digits of your domestic HS code to inquire the Saudi 12-digit HS code. Determine the required certification type based on the search result. From 2026, the platform fully uses the new 12-digit HS code synchronized with Saudi Customs (ZATCA); applications using the old code will be rejected by the system.
2. Apply for PC Certificate (Product Certificate of Conformity): The Saudi importer registers the product on the SABER system, selects an SASO-authorized Conformity Assessment Body (CAB), submits application documents (including a test report compliant with Saudi standards, product and label photos, etc.). After the CAB reviews and approves, the importer pays 575 SAR on the SABER system and receives the PC certificate. PC processing time is usually 3-5 working days; if a factory inspection is required, the lead time may extend to 15 days or more. The PC certificate is linked to the importer; changing the importer requires reapplying for the PC certificate.
3. Apply for SC Certificate (Shipment Certificate of Conformity): After obtaining the PC certificate, the importer enters shipment information on the SABER system, uploads trade documents such as commercial invoice, packing list, submits the SC application, pays the system fee, and typically receives the SC certificate within 1-2 working days.
4. Customs Clearance: Clear Saudi customs using the SC certificate and relevant trade documents (Certificate of Origin, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, etc.). The SABER platform is seamlessly integrated with the Saudi Customs FASAH system, and SC certificates are automatically verified at customs.

SABER certification also has various special models applicable to different product categories. Electronic and electrical products require an IECEE certificate before applying for PC certificate. Products covered under Gulf-wide GCC regulations require GCC certification first. High-risk products such as building materials require the strictest SQM model, where Saudi officials arrange factory inspections in China. The required model for a specific product must be determined based on the HS code.

IV. Fee Reference (for guidance only)

Fee Item	Reference Amount
PC Certificate official registration fee	575 SAR (approx. 1000 CNY) per model
SC Certificate official registration fee	402.5 SAR (approx. 730 CNY) per shipment
Test report fee	Low risk: 3,000-8,000 CNY; Medium risk: 8,000-15,000 CNY; High risk: 15,000-30,000 CNY
Factory inspection fee (high-risk products)	10,000-20,000 CNY (including travel expenses)
Certification service fee (agent)	PC: ~4,000-6,000 CNY; SC: ~1,000 CNY

Note: Actual fees vary by product and certification body.

V. Key Updates in 2026

Important updates for SABER certification in 2026 that enterprises should pay special attention to:

1. Mandatory HS Code Update: As of January 1, 2026, the platform fully uses the new 12-digit HS code synchronized with Saudi Customs (ZATCA). Certificates using the old code will be considered invalid. Product description and material must match the code; similar products cannot share the same code.
2. Adjustment of Certificate Validity: For some high-risk categories (e.g., chargers, toys, machinery, children’s products), PC certificate validity has been shortened from 1 year to 6 months. Ordinary categories have been extended to 2 years. The SC certificate remains single‑shipment valid for 60 days.
3. Product Standard Upgrades: Air conditioners must comply with new energy efficiency standards SASO 2663:2025 and SASO 2874:2025; applications using the old standard will cease on August 31, 2026, and enforcement becomes mandatory from December 1, 2026. Additionally, effective April 1, 2026, USB Type-C interface becomes mandatory for products such as portable computers.
4. Expanded Control Scope: The number of mandatory product categories has exceeded 150. New energy equipment, some chemicals, smart home products, and others have been added to the control scope.
5. Process & Timeline Changes: PC certificate applications should be initiated 45 days in advance (previously 30 days). Expedited amendment fee is USD 300 per change. High-risk categories must renew the PC certificate before expiry to avoid SC certificate linking failure.

VI. Quick Reference of Common Product Certification Categories

Product Category	Certification Model	PC Certificate Required?
Non-controlled low-risk products (e.g., some daily necessities)	Self-declaration (SDOC)	No PC required; apply for SC directly
Textiles, luggage, footwear & hats, paper products, doors & windows, etc.	PC1	Yes
Building materials, personal protective equipment, food contact materials, elevators, batteries, fire-fighting equipment, etc.	PC3	Yes
Food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics	SFDA	Independent system, separate application
High-risk products: high-voltage electrical appliances, gas equipment, cement, etc.	SQM / Type 5	Yes, requires factory inspection
GCC-wide electrical appliances (e.g., AC, refrigerator, washing machine)	GCC	Must obtain GCC certificate first

For reference only; always verify based on HS code.

VII. Practical Advice and Reminders

1. Importer-led process: The PC certificate must be applied for by the Saudi local importer on the SABER system. Exporters need to coordinate with their Saudi customer in advance to ensure active cooperation. Professional certification service agents can also be hired.
2. Test report must be from an accredited laboratory: Use a test report issued by an SASO‑recognized laboratory with ISO 17025 accreditation. The report must indicate the standard version and parameter units correctly; the report must be issued within 1 year. Expired reports or reports from non-recognized bodies will lead to rejection of the PC application.
3. SC certificate must be obtained before arrival at port: The SC certificate must be applied for before the shipment leaves the origin port. Applying after arrival will cause customs clearance failure, high fines, or even forced return. The “Undertaking Letter” clearance method has been fully abolished since 2025.
4. Information consistency is critical: The product itself, technical documents, and commercial invoice must be exactly consistent. Any minor discrepancy (model number, parameters, pictures) may lead to rejection. Establish a strict internal checking process.
5. Labeling and document compliance: Product labels must include Arabic information and the country of origin marking. Missing or non-compliant labels will result in confiscation by Saudi Customs.
6. Plan certification timelines in advance: Normal PC processing takes 3-5 working days, but high-risk products or those requiring factory inspection may take 35-45 working days. Start 1-2 months in advance. Missing documents can add 10-15 days.
7. Check specific product requirements: The most reliable method is to search using the 12-digit HS code on the official SABER website (https://saber.sa/home/hscodes) to determine the certification category and requirements for your product. For further questions, consult an SASO‑accredited certification body directly for a tailored certification proposal.

Certificate Sample