SASO Certificate of Conformity

The SASO Certificate of Conformity is a mandatory document for regulated products shipped to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It confirms that goods meet national technical regulations, safety requirements, and quality standards established by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization. Shipments without the appropriate conformity documents cannot pass Saudi customs. 

This guide explains the SASO framework, the role of the SABER platform, documentation requirements, technical regulations, and the full compliance workflow importers and exporters must follow.

Overview of SASO, SALEEM, and the SABER System

Saudi Arabia manages product conformity through a structured regulatory system that includes three components.

SASO

The national authority that develops technical regulations, standards, and conformity assessment rules. It defines the requirements that regulated products must meet before entering the Saudi market.

SALEEM Program

The Saudi conformity assessment program that classifies products into regulated categories, outlines the applicable technical regulations, and defines the conformity assessment models that Certification Bodies follow.

SABER Platform

The online system used for product registration, documentation submission, fee payment, assessment requests, and issuance of conformity certificates. SABER provides customs with direct digital verification and replaces older paper-based processes.

All regulated products must be processed through SABER.

Purpose of the SASO Certificate of Conformity

Compliance with national technical regulations

The SASO Certificate confirms that the product meets Saudi technical regulations related to safety, quality, performance, labeling, and testing.

Protection of consumer safety

Certification evaluates regulated products for risks such as electrical hazards, chemical exposure, mechanical issues, or structural instability. The certificate supports national safety objectives.

Requirement for customs clearance

Saudi customs authorizes clearance only for shipments that have an approved Shipment Certificate of Conformity in the SABER system.

Products Requiring SASO Certification

Many consumer and industrial goods are regulated under SASO technical regulations. Common categories include:

• Electrical and electronic appliances
  
• Lighting and LED products
  
• Information technology equipment
  
• Automotive parts, tires, and safety components
  
• Toys and children’s products
  
• Household goods and kitchenware
  
• Chemical products such as detergents and paints
  
• Plastics and packaging materials
  
• Construction materials including cement, steel, and insulation
  
• Mechanical machinery and equipment
  
• Gas appliances and related components

Importers verify regulation status during SABER product registration before certification begins.

Certificate Types Issued Through SABER

Two certificate types apply to regulated goods in Saudi Arabia.

Product Certificate of Conformity

• Valid for one year
  
• Issued per product model
  
• Confirms product compliance with applicable technical regulations
  
• Issued after assessment by an approved Certification Body (CB)

Shipment Certificate of Conformity

• Issued for each shipment
  
• Linked to the corresponding Product Certificate
  
• Required for customs clearance

Both certificates must be obtained before goods arrive at Saudi ports.

Responsibilities of Importers and Exporters

Importer responsibilities

• Create and manage a SABER account
  
• Register the product under the correct HS code
  
• Identify the relevant technical regulation
  
• Assign a Certification Body
  
• Upload documents and complete SABER payments
  
• Apply for Shipment Certificates before dispatch

Exporter responsibilities

• Provide complete technical documents and product data
  
• Provide samples for testing when needed
  
• Provide accurate labeling and packaging information
  
• Support the Certification Body during evaluation
  
• Ensure shipped goods match the certified model

Both parties must coordinate to maintain compliance and avoid delays.

Documentation Required for SASO Certification

The following documents are typically required during assessment:

• Product specification sheet and technical details
  
• HS code information
  
• Factory or manufacturer declaration
  
• Laboratory test reports from approved laboratories
  
• Safety data sheets for relevant product categories
  
• Product photos and packaging details
  
• Commercial invoice and packing list
  
• Labeling information compliant with Saudi rules
  
• Applicable conformity certificates (ISO, IEC) if relevant

Important note on pre-approvals

Some high-risk product categories require mandatory approvals before the Product Certificate can be issued. Examples include:

• SASO IECEE Certificates for mobile phones, chargers, laptops, and similar electronics
  
• Energy Efficiency Certificates for air conditioners, refrigerators, and similar appliances
  
• Water Efficiency Certifications for washing machines, dishwashers, and sanitary products

These pre-approvals are completed before the Certification Body can validate the Product Certificate.

Technical Regulations for Regulated Products

Technical regulations describe required safety, environmental, and performance conditions for regulated goods. These regulations often align with international standards such as ISO and IEC but may include additional national requirements.

Areas typically covered include:

• Electrical safety, voltage, and plug compatibility
  
• Mechanical and physical safety for household items and toys
  
• Chemical restrictions for certain product categories
  
• Energy efficiency performance for appliances
  
• Stability and construction requirements for building materials
  
• Labeling and warning information in Arabic and English

Compliance with these technical regulations is verified by the Certification Body during evaluation.

Examples of Regulation Areas by Product Category

Product Category	Regulation Areas
Electrical Appliances	Electrical safety, voltage compatibility, energy efficiency
Toys	Mechanical testing, chemical composition, physical safety
Automotive Components	Durability, safety standards, material compliance
Chemical Products	Formulation limits, safety data verification
Construction Materials	Fire resistance, structural stability, strength testing
Lighting Products	Electrical safety, lumen output, energy performance

SASO Conformity Workflow in SABER

The certification process follows a structured sequence.

Step 1: Product registration

The importer registers the product in SABER and identifies the relevant technical regulation.

Step 2: Assigning a Certification Body

The importer selects a SASO-approved Certification Body authorized for the product category.

Step 3: Document submission

Technical documents and test reports are uploaded to SABER.

Step 4: Testing

If required, accredited laboratories conduct testing to demonstrate compliance with the applicable technical regulation.

Step 5: Conformity assessment

The Certification Body reviews all submitted documents and testing results.

Step 6: Issuance of the Product Certificate

Once the assessment is approved, the Product Certificate becomes valid for one year.

Step 7: Shipment Certificate application

For each shipment, the importer submits the invoice and packing list to SABER for verification.

Step 8: Customs clearance

Customs verifies the Shipment Certificate in SABER before authorizing market entry.

Common Issues Affecting Certification

Some issues commonly delay SABER approvals:

• Incorrect HS code selection
  
• Expired or incomplete test reports
  
• Labeling not aligned with Saudi requirements
  
• Mismatch between tested products and shipped products
  
• Missing documentation in the technical file
  
• Use of non-recognized laboratories for high-risk items

Addressing these concerns early improves processing times.

Comparison of Certificate Types

Item	Product Certificate	Shipment Certificate
Validity	One year	One shipment
Purpose	Confirms product compliance	Confirms shipment compliance
Issued by	Certification Body (CB)	SABER digital verification
Required documents	Technical file and test reports	Invoice and packing list
Required at customs	Indirectly	Yes

Benefits of SASO Compliance

A consistent compliance process offers several operational advantages:

• Faster customs clearance
  
• Reduced detention and storage costs
  
• Stable market access
  
• Improved trust with buyers
  
• Clear documentation management
  
• Predictable logistics planning

Proper compliance supports supply chain efficiency and reduces disruption.

Exporter Checklist for SASO Compliance

1. Confirm regulation status for the product category.
   
2. Prepare the complete technical file.
   
3. Provide testing samples when required.
   
4. Verify that labeling meets Saudi requirements.
   
5. Ensure the certified model matches the shipped model.
   
6. Coordinate document submission with the importer.
   
7. Confirm that all pre-approvals (IECEE, EER, Water Efficiency) are completed for applicable products.

---

The SASO Certificate of Conformity serves as the legal and practical foundation for exporting regulated products to Saudi Arabia. Compliance with SASO requirements determines whether shipments move smoothly through customs or face costly delays. Exporters that integrate certification into their strategy establish reliability, credibility, and long-term access to the Saudi market.

At ECQA, we guide exporters through the SASO certification process with accuracy and efficiency. By coordinating with accredited Notified Bodies through the SABER platform, we ensure documentation, testing, and conformity assessments are managed properly, helping businesses save time and avoid compliance risks. Contact ECQA today to obtain your SASO Certificate and deliver products into Saudi Arabia without unnecessary obstacles.

FAQs of SASO Certificate of Conformity