Overview
"Car spare parts" is not a single product with one test — it is dozens of different component types, each assessed against the standard that applies to it. A headlamp is judged on photometric performance, a mirror on optical and impact performance, a suspension arm on mechanical fatigue strength, and a body panel mainly on dimensional fit and material. What ties them together for Saudi conformity is that each part must carry evidence matching its actual function, and — because unmarked or counterfeit parts are a genuine road-safety risk — clear manufacturer identification and part-number marking so the component can be traced back to its source.
General spare parts fall under the SABER conformity scheme. A Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) is required for each part range, and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) is required for each consignment before it can clear Saudi customs. Tyres and automotive batteries have their own dedicated Technical Regulations and are covered on our Tyres and Batteries pages — this page covers the wider range of general vehicle spare parts.
Product Types
The SABER route for general spare parts covers component groups including:
- Body parts and panels — bumpers, fenders, bonnets, doors
- Lighting — headlamps, tail lamps, indicator and signal lamps
- Mirrors — exterior and interior rear-view mirrors
- Suspension and steering — shock absorbers, control arms, tie rods, ball joints, steering columns
- Engine mechanical parts — belts, hoses, gaskets, seals, pulleys
- Transmission and clutch components
- Exhaust system parts — mufflers, silencers, exhaust pipes
- Radiators and cooling-system parts
- Wiper blades and washer-system parts
- Electrical components — alternators, starters, sensors, wiring harnesses
- Interior trim and seating components
Tyres, automotive batteries, brake pads/linings and lubricants each sit under their own dedicated regulation and are handled separately (see the related pages in the sidebar). We confirm which route applies to your exact part mix during assessment.
HS Codes
Vehicle spare parts are commonly classified under the headings below. These are examples only — the correct code depends on the exact part.
- 8708.10 / 8708.29 — Bumpers and other body parts and accessories
- 8708.80 — Suspension systems and parts (shock absorbers, etc.)
- 8708.91 / 8708.92 — Radiators and silencers / exhaust pipes
- 8708.93 / 8708.94 — Clutches, steering wheels, columns and boxes
- 8708.99 — Other parts and accessories of motor vehicles
- 8512.20 — Electrical lighting and signalling equipment for vehicles
- 7009 — Vehicle mirrors and glass mirrors
Applicable Saudi Requirements
General spare parts are certified through SABER registration on the Saudi platform. The main requirements are:
- A valid PCoC issued against the applicable Technical Regulation and standard for each part type
- An SCoC for each individual shipment before customs clearance
- Part-specific test evidence matched to the component's actual function (photometric for lamps, optical/impact for mirrors, mechanical/fatigue for suspension parts)
- Manufacturer identification and part-number marking on the component itself, for traceability
- Correct Arabic/English labelling and packaging identification
- A clear part-by-part breakdown on mixed spare-parts consignments
- A registered Saudi importer on the SABER platform to link the shipment
Technical Regulation
Unlike a single-product category, general spare parts are assessed under whichever Technical Regulation and standard applies to that specific component — many aligned to UN ECE regulations for lighting and mirrors, and to ISO/SAE standards for mechanical and structural parts. The exact regulation and standard set is confirmed at assessment from the part type and HS code. Our Technical Regulations guide explains how regulations are matched to products.
Testing / Standards
Spare parts are typically evaluated against the standard for their specific function. Typical verification includes:
- UN ECE R48 / R6 / R7 — vehicle lighting and signalling installation and devices
- UN ECE R46 — rear-view mirrors
- ISO/SAE mechanical fatigue and load testing for suspension and steering components
- Material and dimensional verification for body parts
- Functional and electrical testing for alternators, starters and sensors
- Manufacturer part-number and marking verification
Existing accredited test reports may be accepted where they clearly cover the exact part number and type being shipped. We review your reports before arranging any new product testing, so you only test what is genuinely missing.
Documents Required
A typical spare-parts application uses the set below; our full documents required guide explains each item.
- Commercial invoice and packing list, itemised by part
- HS code for each part type in the shipment
- Technical datasheet or parts catalogue with part numbers
- Test report appropriate to each part type (lighting, mirror, suspension, etc.)
- Photographs showing manufacturer identification and part-number marking
- Manufacturer details and Declaration of Conformity where relevant
- Saudi importer registration details
PCoC Process
The Product Certificate of Conformity certifies each spare-parts range against the applicable standard. In outline:
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Classification and scope
We confirm each part type, HS code and applicable standard, and define what the certificate(s) should cover.
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Report review
We check whether your existing test reports can be reused per part type and confirm marking matches the manufacturer and part number.
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Technical review
An approved certification body reviews the documents, marking and test evidence against the regulation for each part type.
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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(s) are submitted for the specific consignment, itemised by part.
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Verification
The shipment is verified against the valid PCoC(s), each part type is matched to its certificate, 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 how many different part types are in your range and whether valid test reports already exist for each. Our SABER timeline guide covers this in detail.
- With acceptable existing reports across your part range — a PCoC can typically be arranged within a few working days per part type
- When fresh testing is required — laboratory turnaround for the specific test (lighting, mirror, mechanical) is the main driver
- SCoC — normally issued quickly per shipment once the relevant PCoC(s) are in place
Common Problems
- Missing manufacturer identification or part-number marking, so origin cannot be traced
- Test report on file does not match the actual part number being shipped
- Lighting or mirror components without the correct ECE-type approval marking
- Mixed consignments of many part types without a clear breakdown by HS code
- Unbranded or generic parts flagged for extra scrutiny with no supporting documentation
- HS code declared on the invoice not matching the parts actually shipped
We check these points up front — especially part-by-part documentation and traceability marking — so mixed spare-parts shipments are not held at customs for avoidable reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every type of spare part need its own test report?
Generally yes. Because "spare parts" covers many different component functions, the applicable standard and test depend on what the part actually does — a headlamp is tested differently to a suspension arm. We confirm which report is required for each part type in your range at assessment, so you are not asked for tests that do not apply.
Why does part marking and traceability matter so much?
Unmarked or counterfeit spare parts are a specific road-safety and enforcement concern in Saudi Arabia. Clear manufacturer identification and part-number marking let the component be traced back to its source, and its absence is a common reason a shipment is held for extra scrutiny even when the part itself would otherwise pass its technical test.
Are tyres, batteries, brake pads and lubricants covered on this page?
No — tyres and automotive batteries each have their own dedicated Technical Regulation and certificate page (see Tyres and Batteries). Brake pads and lubricants are also assessed under their own specific requirements. This page covers the wider range of general vehicle spare parts — body, lighting, mirrors, suspension, exhaust, electrical and mechanical components.
How much does SABER certification for spare parts cost and how long does it take?
It depends mainly on how many different part types are in your range and whether valid test reports already exist for each. With acceptable evidence a PCoC can often be arranged within a few working days per part type; if fresh testing is required the laboratory turnaround is the main variable. Send your parts list 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 per part range can cover multiple shipments 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 body parts, lighting, mirrors, suspension, steering, exhaust and general mechanical and electrical spare parts — generally classified under HS heading 8708, plus 8512 for lighting and 7009 for mirrors. We confirm the correct classification and applicable requirements for each part in your range during assessment.
Get Your Car Spare Parts Certified
Send us your spare-parts list, part numbers, HS codes and any existing test reports. We will confirm the applicable Technical Regulation and testing per part type, review your testing, and coordinate the PCoC and each SCoC so your shipments clear Saudi customs without delay.