Exporting to Saudi Arabia requires SASO certification; customs clearance is only possible by using the SABER platform and possessing both required certificates (Source: Industry practice): Definition: SASO stands for the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (Source: GTAI); Strict Rule: SABER became mandatory in 2021 (Source: CQC)—Conclusion: The SASO system is mandatory and operates via the SABER platform (Source: Industry consensus).
I.
System Structure
SASO: Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (Source: GTAI); SABER: Electronic certification platform launched in 2019 (Source: CCPIT); SALEEM: Product safety program (Source: ITA); Replacement: Replaced old SASO certificates as of January 15, 2020 (Source: sasosaber); Mandatory: Fully mandatory as of January 1, 2021 (Source: CQC)—System: SASO + SABER + SALEEM (a three-in-one framework).
II.
Certificate Types
PCoC: Product Certificate of Conformity (Source: ITA); SCoC: Shipment Certificate of Conformity (Source: ITA); Per Shipment: Separate SCoC required for each shipment (Source: Radhi); Importer: Application made by the Saudi importer (Source: Diligence); Customs Clearance: Clearance denied without certificates (Source: CQC)—Certificates: PCoC + SCoC (both are essential).
III. Product Classification
Regulated: Electrical and mechanical industrial components require third-party certification (Source: paklink); Non-regulated: Importer self-declaration/registration (Source: GTAI); Intermediate: Spare parts, bearings, and simple mechanical components (Source: paklink); HS Code: Check the SABER official website for specific requirements (Source: sasosaber); GCC: Shared components for complete vehicles require GCC certification before SABER certification (Source: sasosaber)—Classification: Regulated/Non-regulated (determined by HS Code).
IV.
Application Process
Registration: Importer registers on the SABER platform (Source: ITA); PCoC: Obtain Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) first (Source: CQC); SCoC: Obtain Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) prior to shipment (Source: Radhi); Documentation: Technical documentation + test reports (Source: Diligence); Clearance: Activate Fasah for customs clearance (Source: Radhi)—Process: Registration → PCoC → SCoC (three-step closed loop).
V.
2026 New Regulations
Coding: SABER customs code update effective January 1, 2026 (Source: WTO/FTA); Phase II: Phase II launch on April 22, 2026 (Source: GTIIN); Digital Reports: Mandatory digital type-test reports (Source: GTIIN); PID: Binding to a unique Product ID (Source: GTIIN); Clearance: PCoC cannot be generated without a valid ID (Source: GTIIN)—New Regulations: Coding + Phase II (verify HS codes in advance).
VI. Certificate Renewal and Maintenance
60 days in advance: Apply for renewal before expiration (Source: Radhi); Avoid cargo seizure: Delays impact shipment (Source: Radhi); Updates: Update certificates upon product changes; Annual review: Ongoing surveillance for regulated products;
Fees: Based on product category and certification body quotes (Source: Diligence)—Maintenance: Renew early and update alongside changes (to prevent seizure).
VII. Procurement Recommendations
First, check HS codes (SABER official website); second, determine category (regulated vs. non-regulated); third, secure both certificates (PCoC + SCoC); fourth, track 2026 updates (code revisions);
fifth, renew certificates early (60 days)—SASO: Classification + Dual Certificates + New Regulations (a three-pronged approach).
