SASO Certificate of Conformity

The SASO Certificate refers to the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued under the authority of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). This document is mandatory for a wide range of products exported to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its purpose is to confirm that goods meet all applicable Saudi technical regulations, safety requirements, and quality standards before they can enter the Saudi market.

At its core, the SASO Certificate functions as a compliance passport. Without it, products cannot clear Saudi customs, regardless of their quality or brand reputation. Every shipment covered under the SASO system must be accompanied by this certificate to prove that the goods have undergone testing, inspection, and verification by an accredited body.

SASO was established in 1972 and serves as the national standards authority for Saudi Arabia. The organization is responsible for setting regulations, monitoring compliance, and ensuring that all imported and locally manufactured goods align with international best practices while meeting the country’s own safety and quality expectations.

Today, the certification process is managed through SABER, SASO’s official online conformity assessment platform. Exporters must use SABER to obtain the required certificates before shipping products into the Kingdom.

Purpose of SASO certificate

Ensuring compliance with Saudi technical regulations

Saudi Arabia applies strict technical regulations to imported goods. The SASO Certificate serves as proof that a product has been tested against these standards and approved for entry into the market. Without this certificate, even compliant goods may be rejected at customs because no official documentation supports their conformity.

Protecting consumer safety and product quality

The primary purpose of the SASO certification scheme is to protect Saudi consumers. From electronics to children’s toys, every certified product is evaluated for risks such as electrical hazards, chemical exposure, or structural defects. By ensuring products comply with national standards, the SASO Certificate acts as a safeguard for quality and safety.

Requirement for Saudi customs clearance

Saudi customs authorities require a Certificate of Conformity to be presented with each shipment. A missing or invalid certificate can result in costly delays, penalties, or the outright refusal of entry. For exporters, this makes the SASO Certificate an essential part of international trade documentation when targeting the Saudi market.

Products Requiring SASO Certification

Categories of products commonly needing SASO CoC

Most regulated consumer and industrial products entering Saudi Arabia fall under SASO’s scope. Broad categories include:

Electrical and electronic equipment (household appliances, IT products, lighting)
Automotive parts and vehicles (brake pads, tires, safety components)
Children’s products and toys (toys, playground equipment, baby care products)
Construction materials (cement, steel, pipes, insulation)
Chemicals and plastics (detergents, paints, packaging materials)
Textiles and apparel (clothing, footwear, fabrics)

Certain goods may not require a SASO Certificate, particularly those not covered by any Saudi technical regulation. However, exemptions are rare, and exporters should never assume that a product is exempt. Consulting with an accredited certification body or reviewing the latest SASO regulations on SABER is always necessary before shipping.

Types of SASO Certificates

SASO certificates are issued through the SABER platform in two main forms:

Product Certificate of Conformity: Valid for one year, issued per product, confirming compliance with relevant technical regulations.
Shipment Certificate of Conformity: Issued for each shipment, linked to the corresponding Product Certificate, and required for customs clearance.

Both certificates are mandatory for regulated goods and must be obtained prior to export.

SASO Certificate Requirements

To obtain a SASO Certificate of Conformity, exporters must prepare a complete set of documents for review. Typical requirements include:

Detailed product description and specifications
Commercial invoice and packing list
Bill of lading or airway bill
Laboratory test reports from accredited facilities
Manufacturer’s declaration of conformity
Safety data sheets (for chemical products)
Photos of the product and packaging
Existing certifications (ISO, IEC, CE, etc., if applicable)

Standards and technical regulations followed

Every product covered under the SASO scheme must meet specific Saudi technical regulations. These standards are often harmonized with international norms such as ISO, IEC, and GSO (Gulf Standardization Organization). However, in many cases, SASO has additional requirements tailored to Saudi Arabia’s climate, consumer habits, and market conditions. For instance, electrical appliances may need to comply with unique voltage and plug requirements specific to the Kingdom.

Role of accredited certification bodies

SASO itself does not issue certificates directly. Instead, the process is managed through SABER in cooperation with a network of Notified Bodies (NBs) worldwide. These accredited organizations are authorized to evaluate products, conduct conformity assessments, and issue Certificates of Conformity on SASO’s behalf. Exporters must always work with a SASO-approved body to ensure legitimacy and acceptance of the certificate at Saudi customs.

Benefits of SASO Certification for Exporters

Smooth customs clearance in Saudi Arabia

One of the most immediate benefits of holding a SASO Certificate of Conformity is faster and smoother clearance at Saudi customs. Shipments accompanied by valid certificates move efficiently through inspection checkpoints because compliance has already been verified. This reduces the risk of cargo being held at the port, minimizing storage costs and avoiding unnecessary disruptions in the supply chain.

Increased buyer confidence and credibility

Saudi buyers and distributors expect suppliers to demonstrate compliance with national regulations. A SASO Certificate provides tangible proof that a product has been tested, verified, and officially recognized as safe and compliant. For exporters, this certificate strengthens credibility, supports negotiations with buyers, and helps build long-term trust in the Saudi market.

Avoiding shipment delays and penalties

Attempting to ship products without the required SASO Certificate often results in severe consequences. Goods may be detained, returned to the country of origin, or destroyed at the importer’s expense. Financial penalties and reputational damage can also follow. By securing SASO certification before shipment, exporters eliminate these risks and ensure their goods enter the Saudi market without complications.

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.