Overview
Adhesives and sealants are certified as chemical products, which is what sets them apart from most hardware. The certificate has to show the product is within the permitted limits for volatile organic compounds (VOC) and any restricted substances, and that it is correctly classified, labelled and documented as a chemical. Because adhesives and sealants often contain solvents, isocyanates or formaldehyde and are used in enclosed spaces, Saudi Arabia examines the composition, labelling and Safety Data Sheet as closely as the bond strength.
Adhesives and sealants fall under the SABER conformity scheme. A Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) is required for the product range, and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) is required for each consignment before it can clear Saudi customs. For these products, the certificate relies heavily on the VOC and restricted- substance test reports, the Safety Data Sheet and the GHS hazard label.
Product Types
The SABER route and chemical requirements apply across adhesives, glues and sealants, including:
- Silicone sealants (sanitary, glazing, general purpose)
- Polyurethane (PU) sealants and adhesives
- Acrylic and MS-polymer sealants
- Epoxy adhesives and structural bonding systems
- Construction / tile adhesives and grouts
- Cyanoacrylate (instant / super glue)
- White glue (PVA), wood and paper adhesives
- Contact adhesives and hot-melt adhesives
The scope of your certificate is defined from the adhesive or sealant type, chemistry, intended use and pack sizes. We structure the certificate so the products you actually export are covered.
HS Codes
Adhesives and sealants are commonly classified under the headings below. These are examples only — the correct code depends on the chemistry and use of the product.
- 3506 — Prepared glues and other prepared adhesives, not elsewhere specified
- 3214 — Glaziers' putty, resin cements, caulking compounds and sealants (mastics)
- 3208 / 3209 — Sealing coatings based on synthetic polymers
- 3919 — Self-adhesive plates, sheets, tape and film
- 3506.10 — Products suitable for use as glues, put up for retail (≤ 1 kg)
Applicable Saudi Requirements
Adhesives and sealants are certified through SABER registration on the Saudi platform. The main requirements are:
- A valid PCoC issued against the applicable Technical Regulation for the product
- An SCoC for each individual shipment before customs clearance
- VOC (volatile organic compound) content within the permitted Saudi limit where it applies
- Restricted substances (formaldehyde, certain solvents, heavy metals) within permitted limits
- A Safety Data Sheet (SDS / MSDS) for the product
- GHS-compliant hazard labelling with the required Arabic information (pictograms, signal word, hazard statements)
- Correct product name, batch and manufacturer details on the label
- A registered Saudi importer on the SABER platform to link the shipment
Technical Regulation
Adhesives and sealants are assessed under the applicable Saudi Technical Regulation for chemical products together with the chemical-labelling (GHS) requirements. The regulation is built around hazard classification, restricted-substance and VOC limits, Safety Data Sheets and GHS labelling. The exact regulation and standard set is confirmed at assessment from the product type, chemistry and HS code. Our Technical Regulations guide explains how regulations are matched to products.
Testing / Standards
Adhesives and sealants are typically evaluated for composition, safety and, where relevant, performance. Typical verification includes:
- VOC content determination (ISO 11890 / equivalent)
- Restricted substances — formaldehyde, solvents, heavy metals
- Hazard classification for GHS labelling and the SDS
- Bond / tensile and shear strength as applicable
- Curing, movement and durability for construction sealants (ISO 11600)
- Flash point and physical properties for classification
Existing accredited VOC and restricted-substance test reports may be accepted where they cover the correct product and composition. We review your reports before arranging any new product testing, so you only test what is genuinely missing.
Documents Required
A typical adhesive or sealant application uses the set below; our full documents required guide explains each item.
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- HS code of the product
- Technical datasheet (TDS) showing type, chemistry and use
- VOC and restricted-substance test reports where applicable
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS / MSDS)
- Product label artwork showing GHS pictograms and Arabic hazard information
- Declaration of Conformity and manufacturer details
- Saudi importer registration details
PCoC Process
The Product Certificate of Conformity certifies the adhesive or sealant range against the applicable regulation. In outline:
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Classification and scope
We confirm the product type, chemistry, intended use, HS code, applicable VOC and restricted-substance limits and the applicable standards, and define what the certificate should cover.
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Report and label review
We check whether your test reports can be reused and confirm the label and Safety Data Sheet carry the required GHS hazard information in Arabic.
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Technical review
An approved certification body reviews the documents, label, SDS and test evidence against the regulation.
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PCoC issued
Once the review is satisfied, the PCoC is issued on the SABER platform. It is typically valid for one year.
SCoC Process
A Shipment Certificate of Conformity is issued per consignment and is what customs checks at the border. In outline:
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Shipment details submitted
The invoice, packing list and the linked PCoC are submitted for the specific consignment.
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Verification
The shipment is verified against the valid PCoC, the declared composition and labelling are confirmed, and the SCoC fee is settled on the platform.
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SCoC issued
The SCoC is issued for that shipment, allowing it to clear Saudi customs. Each new shipment needs its own SCoC.
Certification Timeline
The main variable is whether valid VOC and restricted-substance reports already exist and whether the label and SDS meet the GHS requirements. Our SABER timeline guide covers this in detail.
- With acceptable existing test reports and compliant composition — a PCoC can typically be arranged within a few working days
- When fresh testing is required — VOC and restricted-substance testing turnaround is the main driver, usually a few weeks depending on scope
- SCoC — normally issued quickly per shipment once a valid PCoC is in place
Common Problems
- Label missing the required GHS pictograms or Arabic hazard information
- No Safety Data Sheet, or an SDS that does not match the product
- VOC or restricted-substance figure above the permitted limit
- Hazard classification on the label not matching the SDS
- Test report not covering the exact product or composition shipped
- HS code declared on the invoice not matching the product actually shipped
We check these points up front — especially the GHS label, the Safety Data Sheet and any composition limits — so shipments are not held at customs or rejected for avoidable reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are adhesives and sealants treated as chemical products under SABER?
Yes — adhesives and sealants are certified as chemical products, so the certificate depends on a Safety Data Sheet and GHS hazard labelling as much as on bond performance. Products that contain solvents, isocyanates or cyanoacrylate carry specific hazards that must be classified, labelled and documented. We confirm the applicable requirements for your exact product at assessment.
Do I need a Safety Data Sheet and Arabic label for adhesives?
Yes — a Safety Data Sheet (SDS / MSDS) is required and the label must carry GHS hazard information — pictograms, signal word and hazard statements — with the required Arabic content. A missing SDS or a label without the required Arabic hazard information is a common reason an adhesive or sealant shipment is queried. We review the label artwork and SDS as part of the assessment.
Do adhesives and sealants have to meet VOC limits?
Where a VOC limit applies to the product category, the adhesive or sealant must stay within it, and the VOC figure has to be supported by a test report. Solvent-based products typically carry higher VOC than water-based ones, so the limit that applies depends on the product type. We confirm whether a VOC limit applies to your product and what evidence is needed during assessment.
How much does SABER certification for adhesives cost and how long does it take?
It depends mainly on whether valid test reports with compliant figures are already in place. With acceptable evidence a PCoC can often be arranged within a few working days; if fresh testing is required the laboratory turnaround is the main variable. Send your product details, SDS and reports for a specific quote and timeline at no cost. See our SABER certificate cost guide.
How long is the PCoC valid, and do I need a new SCoC for every shipment?
A Product Certificate of Conformity is typically valid for one year, so one PCoC can cover multiple shipments of the same products during that period. A Shipment Certificate of Conformity is issued per consignment — every individual shipment needs its own SCoC before it can clear Saudi customs.
Which products and HS codes does this cover?
The same SABER route applies across glues, silicone and PU sealants, epoxy and construction adhesives and instant glues — generally classified under HS headings 3506 and 3214. We confirm the correct classification and applicable requirements for your exact product during assessment.
Get Your Adhesives & Sealants Certified
Send us your product type, chemistry, intended use, HS code, Safety Data Sheet and any existing VOC or restricted-substance test reports. We will confirm the applicable Technical Regulation, testing and labelling requirements, review your testing and labelling, and coordinate the PCoC and each SCoC so your shipments clear Saudi customs without delay.