What does the SABER Certificate mean?
For companies that want to send goods to Saudi Arabia, the SABER Certificate for Saudi Arabia is absolutely necessary. The Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) runs SABER, an online tool that makes it easier for products to be registered and make sure they meet Saudi safety and quality standards. The certification makes sure that all goods, both imported and made in the country, meet the Technical Regulations (TRs) that the Kingdom requires.
For what reason does the SABER Certificate matter?
Businesses that want to do business in the Saudi market must get a SABER Certificate. The following perks come from this certification:
Makes Sure: Checks that goods meet safety and quality standards in Saudi Arabia.
Speeds up customs clearance: pre-approving goods speeds up the process of importing them.
Lowers Trade Barriers: Follows best practices from around the world to make trade go smoothly.
Boosts Consumer Trust: This makes Saudi customers more sure that the product is safe.
Stops Delays in Market Entry: Stays away from regulatory problems that could stop a product from entering Saudi Arabia.
Why do you need a SABER certificate?
The SABER certification method must be followed by any business that wants to bring goods into or make goods in Saudi Arabia. Often, the following areas are affected:
Electrical and electronic gear
Things for building
Parts for cars
Cosmetics and personal care items
Materials that come into contact with food
Fabrics and Textiles
Chemicals and Products
Before their goods can be sold officially in Saudi Arabia, both importers and local manufacturers must make sure that they go through the SABER certification process.
How to Register a SABER Certificate
Step 1: Sign up for the SABER platform
Businesses must first use their business registration information to sign up on the SABER online portal (https://saber.sa). To start the approval process, the importer needs to make an account.
Step 2: Sorting the products
Businesses must label their goods according to the Technical Regulations (TRs) set by SASO once they are listed. The type of compliance that is needed is based on the description.
Step 3: Ask for a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC).
To get the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC), each product has to be checked by a Notified Body (NB). These are the steps:
Submission of product information (like test records and technical specs).
An approved certification body will do the inspection.
Giving out the PCoC after compliance.
4. Get the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)
When a product has a PCoC, every package needs to be registered in the SABER system so that it can get a package Certificate of Conformity (SCoC). Goods won’t be cleared at Saudi customs without a SCoC.
Step 5: Clearing customs and getting into the market
Products can be brought into Saudi Arabia once they have the right licenses. Before letting someone in, the Saudi Customs Authority checks to make sure they are following the rules.
What You Need to Get a SABER Certification
Businesses must provide the following in order to properly register for a SABER Certificate:
Getting a commercial registration (CR) as an importer
Technical Details and Test Reports for the Product
Certifications that are already in place
Bill of Lading and Invoice
Declaration of Conformity from the Manufacturer
Information for Suppliers and Importers
Before they can be accepted, these papers must be sent to a recognized certification body for review.
The costs of getting SABER certified
The price of getting a SABER Certificate changes based on:
Type of Good and Classification
Fees for testing and inspection
Let Body Service Charges Know
Renewal fees every year
Businesses should plan for compliance costs based on the complexity of their products and the number of tests they need to pass, even though there are no set fees.
Problems that most people face and how to solve them
1. Classifying products in a complicated way
Solution: To find the right Technical Regulation for your goods, talk to an experienced SABER consultant.
2. Approvals from notified bodies that are late
Solution: Before sending in the paperwork, make sure it is all full and meets SASO requirements.
The cost of testing is high.
Solution: To avoid doing the same tests twice, only work with foreign testing labs that are accredited and recognized by SASO.
4. Trouble Getting Around the SABER Portal
Solution: Get help with registration and submissions from service providers that are allowed by SABER.
What Makes PCoC and SCoC Different
Notes:
Certificate of Conformity for the Product
A certificate of conformity for shipping
Reason
Makes sure the product is legal before it is imported
signs off on specific packages for clearance
Validity
One year
Use only once per package
Put out by
Bodies That Were Notified
The SABER app
What You Need
Required for goods that are regulated
Must be done for customs clearance
In conclusion
The SABER Certificate is a must for companies that want to bring goods into or make things in Saudi Arabia. Companies can successfully navigate Saudi regulations and make sure a smooth market entry by knowing the registration process, the documents needed, and the compliance requirements.
For the SABER licensing process to go smoothly, businesses should only work with approved Notified Bodies and keep up with the latest SASO rules to stay in line.
