Overview
Batteries store and deliver electrical energy chemically, and because they can overheat, leak or — for lithium types — ignite if defective, they are treated as safety-critical products in Saudi Arabia. Both performance (capacity, cycle life) and safety (short-circuit, overcharge, transport) are assessed.
Batteries fall under the SABER conformity scheme. A Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) is required for the product, and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) is required for each consignment before it can clear Saudi customs. Lithium batteries additionally require transport-safety evidence (UN 38.3) and a safety data sheet, because they are classed as dangerous goods in shipping.
Product Types
The SABER route applies across primary (non-rechargeable) and secondary (rechargeable) batteries, including:
- Automotive starter batteries (lead-acid, SLI) and maintenance-free batteries
- Industrial and stationary lead-acid batteries (VRLA, AGM, gel)
- Lithium-ion cells, packs and power tools / e-mobility batteries
- Solar and energy-storage (ESS) battery banks
- UPS and backup batteries
- Nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal-hydride rechargeable batteries
- Primary cells — alkaline, carbon-zinc, lithium coin and button cells
The exact scope of your certificate is defined from the battery chemistry, voltage and capacity. We structure the certificate so the batteries you actually export are covered.
HS Codes
Batteries are commonly classified under the headings below. These are examples only — the correct code depends on the chemistry and application.
- 8507.10 — Lead-acid accumulators for starting piston engines (automotive starter batteries)
- 8507.20 — Other lead-acid accumulators (industrial / stationary)
- 8507.60 — Lithium-ion accumulators
- 8507.30 / 8507.50 — Nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal-hydride accumulators
- 8506 — Primary cells and primary batteries (alkaline, lithium coin cells)
Applicable Saudi Requirements
Batteries are certified through SABER registration on the Saudi platform. The main requirements are:
- A valid PCoC issued against the applicable Technical Regulation and standards
- An SCoC for each individual shipment before customs clearance
- Test evidence for performance (capacity, cycle life) and safety (short-circuit, overcharge)
- For lithium batteries: a UN 38.3 transport-test summary and a safety data sheet (SDS/MSDS)
- Correct marking of voltage, capacity, chemistry and handling/disposal symbols
- A registered Saudi importer on the SABER platform to link the shipment
Technical Regulation
Batteries are assessed under the applicable Saudi Technical Regulation for batteries and low-voltage electrical products, which addresses electrical and chemical safety, performance and marking. The exact regulation and standard set is confirmed at assessment from the battery type and HS code. Our Technical Regulations guide explains how regulations are matched to products.
Testing / Standards
Batteries are typically evaluated against the standard for their chemistry and application. Typical verification includes:
- IEC 60095 — lead-acid starter batteries (automotive)
- IEC 62133 / IEC 61960 — safety and performance of secondary lithium (and Ni) cells and batteries
- IEC 60086 — primary batteries (dry cells)
- UN 38.3 — transport testing for lithium cells and batteries (altitude, thermal, vibration, shock, short-circuit, overcharge)
- Capacity, cycle life, charge retention and high-temperature performance
- Safety tests — overcharge, forced discharge, external short-circuit and crush
Existing IECEE CB reports and UN 38.3 test summaries may be accepted where they cover the correct model and are within validity. We review your reports before arranging any new product testing, so you only test what is genuinely missing.
Documents Required
A typical battery application uses the set below; our full documents required guide explains each item.
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- HS code of the battery
- Technical datasheet showing chemistry, voltage, capacity (Ah/Wh) and dimensions
- Product test reports to the applicable IEC standard
- UN 38.3 test summary and safety data sheet (SDS/MSDS) for lithium batteries
- Product photographs showing ratings, chemistry and handling markings
- Manufacturer details and Declaration of Conformity where relevant
- Saudi importer registration details
PCoC Process
The Product Certificate of Conformity certifies the battery model or range against the applicable standard. In outline:
- Classification and scope
We confirm the chemistry, HS code, ratings and applicable standard, and define what the certificate should cover.
- Report and transport-safety review
We check whether your test reports can be reused and, for lithium, confirm the UN 38.3 summary and SDS are in order.
- Technical review
An approved certification body reviews the documents, markings and test evidence against the regulation.
- 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:
- Shipment details submitted
The invoice, packing list and the linked PCoC are submitted for the specific consignment.
- Verification and payment
The shipment is verified against the valid PCoC and the SCoC fee is settled on the platform.
- 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 test reports (and, for lithium, UN 38.3) already exist. Our SABER timeline guide covers this in detail.
- With acceptable existing reports — a PCoC can typically be arranged within a few working days
- When fresh testing is required — safety, cycle-life and UN 38.3 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
- Lithium batteries shipped without a valid UN 38.3 test summary — the most frequent cause of held or refused consignments
- Missing or outdated safety data sheet (SDS/MSDS)
- Declared capacity (Ah/Wh) not matching the test report or rating label
- Test report covering a different cell or pack configuration than the units shipped
- HS code declared on the invoice not matching the battery chemistry actually shipped
We check these points up front so shipments are not held at customs or by the carrier for avoidable reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do lithium batteries need UN 38.3 as well as SABER?
Yes. Lithium cells and batteries are dangerous goods for transport and require a valid UN 38.3 test summary and a safety data sheet in addition to their product test report. The PCoC review and the shipping documentation both rely on this evidence, so we confirm it up front.
Are automotive and lithium batteries certified differently?
Yes. Automotive lead-acid starter batteries are generally evaluated to IEC 60095, while lithium-ion batteries follow IEC 62133 / 61960 plus UN 38.3 for transport. We confirm the correct standard set for your exact chemistry so the reports are in scope.
Can one PCoC cover a range of batteries?
A PCoC can often cover a range of related models from the same manufacturer and chemistry, depending on how the scope is defined. Different chemistries or very different capacities usually need separate evidence. We structure the certificate so the batteries you actually export are covered.
How much does SABER certification for batteries cost and how long does it take?
It depends mainly on whether valid test reports (and UN 38.3 for lithium) already exist. With acceptable reports 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 battery details 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 batteries 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 automotive, lead-acid, lithium-ion, Ni-Cd/Ni-MH and primary batteries — generally classified under HS heading 8507 (accumulators) and 8506 (primary cells). We confirm the correct classification for your exact battery during assessment.
Get Your Batteries Certified
Send us your battery chemistry, voltage, capacity, HS code and any existing test reports or UN 38.3 summaries. We will confirm the applicable Technical Regulation and transport requirements, review your testing, and coordinate the PCoC and each SCoC so your shipments clear Saudi customs without delay.