Key points
- SABER is SASO's online platform and is linked to FASAH, so customs sees the certificate electronically.
- PC: one per regulated product, issued by a SASO-approved certification body, usually valid one year.
- SC: one per shipment, for regulated and non-regulated goods alike; without it cargo can be held or re-exported.
- Non-regulated, low-risk goods use a self-declaration instead of a PC but still need an SC.
- Most delays come from data that does not match: HS code, model, invoice or product photos.
What SABER is, and what it is not
SABER is the online conformity platform of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). It replaced the old paper certificate of conformity with electronic certificates that are tied to the importer, the product and the shipment, and it is integrated with FASAH, the customs single window run by ZATCA. Since 1 July 2020 shipment certificates are verified automatically in FASAH, so no printed copy travels with the goods. SABER is not a licence to sell food or medical products: those need SFDA. It also does not replace CST type approval for wireless devices or energy-efficiency registration for appliances; those run alongside it.
PC vs SC: the two certificates
- Covers one regulated product, identified by model, brand and HS code.
- Issued by a SASO-approved conformity assessment body after it reviews test reports and, where required, a factory audit.
- Usually valid for one year, then renewed.
- Requested by the Saudi importer; the manufacturer supplies the evidence.
- Needed for every consignment entering the Kingdom, regulated or non-regulated.
- Links the products in the shipment to their valid PC or self-declaration, plus invoice and packing list.
- Valid only for that shipment; SGS reported a 60-day validity from issue in 2022, so request it close to shipping.
- Checked by FASAH before release; a shipment without one may have to be re-exported.
- For products not covered by any SASO technical regulation, classed as low risk.
- The importer registers the product with a supplier declaration on SASO forms instead of a PC.
- Product photos have been required for non-regulated products since October 2022.
- An SC is still needed for each shipment.
| Point | Product Certificate (PC) | Shipment Certificate (SC) |
|---|---|---|
| Applies to | Regulated products under a technical regulation | Every shipment |
| Who applies | Saudi importer on SABER | Saudi importer on SABER |
| Who issues | SASO-approved certification body | Certification body, after checking the PC |
| Evidence | Test reports, declarations, photos, audit where required | Valid PC or self-declaration, invoice, packing list |
| Validity | Usually one year | That shipment only |
| Fees | Government fee plus certification body fee | Separate fee per shipment |
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Which products need what
SABER assigns each product a risk level from its HS code and category. If a SASO technical regulation covers the product, a PC is required; if not, the product is treated as low risk and registered with a self-declaration. Certification bodies list regulations covering electrical and electronic equipment, restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS), building materials, batteries, kitchen tools, toys, textiles, shoes, leather, paints, paper, packaging, pressure vessels, lubricating oils, detergents, lifts and vehicle spare parts, among others. The list keeps growing, so check the HS code on SABER before production.
| Product group | What is usually needed | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and electronic goods | PC under the technical regulation, test reports to current standards, RoHS evidence | IT and AV equipment moved to SASO IEC 62368-1:2020 from 1 January 2023 |
| Wireless devices (phones, routers, Bluetooth) | PC plus CST type approval | Two separate approvals; plan both |
| Appliances and air conditioners | PC plus energy-efficiency registration | Efficiency labels must match the registered model |
| Toys, textiles, shoes | PC under the product regulation | Labelling and material test reports |
| Building materials, paints, lubricants, detergents | PC under the relevant regulation | Some regulations need a factory audit (Type 3) |
| Vehicle spare parts, tyres, batteries | PC under the relevant regulation | Model and part numbers must match the invoice |
| Low-risk goods with no regulation | Self-declaration plus SC | Photos and correct HS code still required |
| Food, cosmetics, medical devices | SFDA, with SABER where applicable (cosmetics) | SABER alone is not enough |
The SABER process step by step
- Register on SABERThe Saudi importer, with a valid CR, creates an account on saber.sa.
- Add the productEnter product name, brand, model, photos and the Saudi customs tariff code; SABER shows the regulation and risk level.
- Choose a certification bodySelect a SASO-approved body, many of which have offices in China, and pay the government and body fees.
- Supply the evidenceThe manufacturer sends test reports, declarations of conformity, a risk assessment and technical files as requested.
- Testing or audit if requiredThe body may require new tests or a factory audit, depending on the certification type.
- PC issuedThe body issues the Product Certificate in SABER, usually valid one year.
- Request the SC per shipmentBefore each shipment the importer requests an SC, linking products, quantities and the invoice.
- Clear customsThe broker files the FASAH declaration, which reads the SC electronically.
Timeline: how long SABER takes
Neither SASO nor the certification bodies publish one fixed timeline, because it depends on the regulation, the certification type and how complete the documents are. As a rule, Type 1a (document review and testing) is faster than Type 3 or Type 5, which need a factory audit. An SC for a product with a valid PC is usually the quick part, once the invoice data matches. Start the PC while production is running, not when the goods are packed.
| Stage | What drives the time | How to speed it up |
|---|---|---|
| Product registration | Correct HS code and complete product data | Confirm the HS code with your broker first |
| Certification body review | Quality of test reports | Use reports from accredited labs to the current standard version |
| Testing | Whether existing reports are accepted | Ask the body early whether new tests are needed |
| Factory audit (Type 3 or 5) | Audit scheduling in China | Book the audit as soon as the body confirms the type |
| Shipment Certificate | Data match with the PC and invoice | Use the exact PC model names on the invoice |
Common rejections and how to avoid them
- HS code on SABER differs from the HS code in the FASAH declaration or on the invoice.
- Model or brand on the invoice does not match the model on the PC.
- Test reports issued to an old version of the standard, for example IEC 62368-1 reports to the 2017 edition after 2023.
- Missing or unclear product photos, which SABER has required since 2022.
- Product Certificate expired before the Shipment Certificate was requested.
- Goods shipped before the SC was issued, leaving cargo held at the port.
- A product registered as non-regulated when a technical regulation actually applies.
SABER checklist before goods leave China
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SABER quiz
Frequently asked questions
What is a SABER certificate?
It is the electronic certificate of conformity issued through SASO's SABER platform. Saudi customs checks it in FASAH before releasing most imported products.
What is the difference between PC and SC?
The PC certifies a regulated product and is usually valid one year. The SC certifies one shipment, links it to the PC or self-declaration, and is needed for every consignment.
How long is a SABER certificate valid?
A Product Certificate is usually valid one year. A Shipment Certificate covers only that shipment; SGS reported a 60-day validity from issue in 2022.
Can a Chinese exporter apply for SABER?
No. The Saudi importer applies. The exporter supplies test reports, photos, declarations and technical files, and may host a factory audit.
How long does it take to get a SABER certificate?
It depends on the regulation, the certification type and the documents. Type 1a is generally fastest; audits under Type 3 or 5 add time. Start before production ends.
What happens if my shipment arrives without an SC?
Customs will not release it. The cargo waits at the port, building storage and demurrage, and can be required to be re-exported.
Do food and cosmetics need SABER?
Food is controlled by SFDA rather than SABER conformity. Cosmetics need SFDA listing and SABER where applicable; medical devices need SFDA authorisation.
Sources
- SASO – SABER conformity platform
- US International Trade Administration – Saudi Arabia import requirements and documentation
- TÜV NORD – SASO SABER PCoC and SCoC
- Intertek – Saudi Arabia product conformity (SABER)
- QIMA – SASO conformity and SABER certification
- SGS – Trade and certification: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (2022 SABER updates)
General information checked on the date shown. Rules and rates change: our team confirms the details for your shipment.