Overview
Ceramic tiles are certified for Saudi Arabia primarily on their technical performance — how much water they absorb, how strong they are, and how they behave underfoot and in contact with cleaning chemicals. The starting point is ISO 13006, which classifies tiles into groups by water absorption (from low-absorption porcelain to higher-absorption wall tiles). That class then determines which ISO 10545 tests and which pass/fail limits apply.
Tiles fall under the SABER conformity scheme. A Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) is required for the tile range, and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) is required for each consignment before it can clear Saudi customs. Many tile groups also require the SASO Quality Mark, which we register alongside the certificate where it applies.
Product Types
The SABER route and tile requirements apply across ceramic and related tiles, including:
- Porcelain tiles (low water absorption — group BIa)
- Glazed and unglazed ceramic floor tiles
- Ceramic wall tiles (higher absorption — group BIII)
- Vitrified and full-body porcelain tiles
- Mosaic and décor tiles
- Anti-slip / outdoor floor tiles
- Large-format porcelain slabs and panels
The scope of your certificate is defined from the tile type, size, water-absorption group and intended use (floor or wall, internal or external). We structure the certificate so the tiles you actually export are covered.
HS Codes
Ceramic tiles are commonly classified under the headings below. These are examples only — the correct code depends on the tile type and finish.
- 6907.21 / 6907.22 / 6907.23 — Ceramic flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles, by water-absorption band
- 6907.30 — Mosaic cubes and the like
- 6907.40 — Finishing ceramics
- 6907.90 — Other ceramic tiles and paving
Applicable Saudi Requirements
Ceramic tiles are certified through SABER registration on the Saudi platform. The main requirements are:
- A valid PCoC issued against the applicable Technical Regulation and the ISO 13006 / ISO 10545 standards
- An SCoC for each individual shipment before customs clearance
- Correct ISO 13006 classification by water-absorption group
- ISO 10545 test evidence — water absorption, breaking strength / modulus of rupture, and the other characteristics for the tile group
- Slip-resistance data for floor tiles intended for walking surfaces
- Stain and chemical resistance for glazed tiles
- SASO Quality Mark registration where the tile group requires it
- A registered Saudi importer on the SABER platform to link the shipment
Technical Regulation
Ceramic tiles are assessed under the applicable Saudi/Gulf Technical Regulation for tiles, which is built around the ISO 13006 classification and the ISO 10545 test series. The required tests and pass/fail limits change with the water-absorption group, so a porcelain floor tile and a ceramic wall tile are held to different values. The exact regulation and standard set is confirmed at assessment from the tile type and HS code. Our Technical Regulations guide explains how regulations are matched to products.
Testing / Standards
Ceramic tiles are typically evaluated against the ISO 13006 classification and the ISO 10545 test series. Typical verification includes:
- ISO 13006 — classification and marking of ceramic tiles by water absorption
- ISO 10545-3 — water absorption, apparent porosity and density
- ISO 10545-4 — modulus of rupture and breaking strength
- ISO 10545-6 — resistance to deep abrasion (unglazed) / ISO 10545-7 surface abrasion (glazed)
- ISO 10545-13 / -14 — chemical and stain resistance
- Slip-resistance testing for floor tiles (e.g. DIN 51130 R-rating or equivalent)
- Dimensional and surface-quality checks (ISO 10545-2)
Existing accredited ISO 10545 test reports may be accepted where they cover the correct tile group and size. We review your reports before arranging any new product testing, so you only test what is genuinely missing.
Documents Required
A typical tile application uses the set below; our full documents required guide explains each item.
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- HS code of the tile
- Technical datasheet showing tile type, size, finish and water-absorption group
- ISO 10545 test reports for the applicable characteristics
- Slip-resistance report for floor tiles
- ISO 13006 classification / marking details
- Manufacturer details and Declaration of Conformity where relevant
- Saudi importer registration details
PCoC Process
The Product Certificate of Conformity certifies the tile range against the applicable standards. In outline:
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Classification and scope
We confirm the tile type, size, water-absorption group, HS code and applicable standards, and define what the certificate should cover.
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Report and Quality Mark review
We check whether your ISO 10545 reports can be reused, confirm the class matches the data, and register the SASO Quality Mark where it applies.
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Technical review
An approved certification body reviews the documents, classification 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 tile class and marking 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 ISO 10545 test reports already exist and whether the Quality Mark is in place. Our SABER timeline guide covers this in detail.
- With acceptable existing reports and correct classification — a PCoC can typically be arranged within a few working days
- When fresh testing is required — the ISO 10545 test 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
- Tile declared as porcelain but water-absorption test shows a higher group
- ISO 10545 report missing a required characteristic (e.g. no breaking strength or no slip resistance for a floor tile)
- Test report covering a different size or finish than the tiles actually shipped
- Missing SASO Quality Mark registration where the tile group requires it
- No slip-resistance data for tiles sold for floors and wet areas
- HS code declared on the invoice not matching the tile type actually shipped
We check these points up front — especially the water-absorption class, the ISO 10545 test set and the Quality Mark — so shipments are not held at customs or rejected for avoidable reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does water absorption matter so much for ceramic tiles?
Water absorption is the property that classifies a tile under ISO 13006 — it separates dense porcelain from more porous ceramic wall tiles, and it drives which ISO 10545 tests and pass/fail limits apply. It also affects durability, frost and stain behaviour. Because the whole certificate is built on the correct class, the declared absorption group must match the test data, which is one of the first things we confirm.
Which ISO 10545 tests do my tiles need?
It depends on the tile group and intended use. Water absorption (ISO 10545-3) and breaking strength / modulus of rupture (ISO 10545-4) are almost always required. Floor tiles usually also need slip-resistance and abrasion data, and glazed tiles need chemical and stain resistance (ISO 10545-13/-14). We map the exact ISO 10545 parts your tile needs before any testing is arranged.
Do ceramic tiles need the SASO Quality Mark as well as SABER?
Many tile groups do. The SASO Quality Mark applies to a range of building and finishing products, and where a tile falls under it, the Quality Mark is required in addition to the SABER PCoC and SCoC. We confirm whether your specific tile needs the Quality Mark and register it alongside the certificate where it applies.
How much does SABER certification for ceramic tiles cost and how long does it take?
It depends mainly on whether valid ISO 10545 reports and (where needed) the Quality Mark are already in place. 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 tile 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 tiles 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 porcelain, glazed and unglazed ceramic floor and wall tiles, mosaics and large-format slabs — generally classified under HS heading 6907. We confirm the correct classification and applicable requirements for your exact tile during assessment.
Get Your Ceramic Tiles Certified
Send us your tile type, size, finish, water-absorption group, HS code and any existing ISO 10545 test reports. We will confirm the applicable Technical Regulation, ISO 13006 classification and Quality Mark requirements, review your testing, and coordinate the PCoC and each SCoC so your shipments clear Saudi customs without delay.