Overview
A circuit breaker is a protective switching device that automatically interrupts current in a fault condition — overload, short circuit or, for residual-current devices, earth leakage. Because these products safeguard people and installations against electric shock and fire, they are treated as safety-critical electrical products in Saudi Arabia.
Circuit breakers 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. Conformity applies whether breakers are imported loose for distribution or fitted inside electrical panels and assemblies.
Product Types
The SABER route applies across the range of protective circuit-breaking devices, including:
- Miniature circuit breakers (MCB) — single- and multi-pole
- Moulded-case circuit breakers (MCCB)
- Air circuit breakers (ACB) and power circuit breakers
- Residual-current circuit breakers without integral overcurrent protection (RCCB)
- Residual-current circuit breakers with integral overcurrent protection (RCBO)
- Miniature circuit breakers with earth-leakage add-on (MCB + RCCB combinations)
- Motor-protection circuit breakers (MPCB) and thermal-magnetic releases
The exact scope of your certificate is defined from the device type, breaking capacity and rated current. We structure the certificate so the breakers you actually export are covered.
HS Codes
Circuit breakers are commonly classified under the headings below. These are examples only — the correct code depends on the exact device and voltage rating.
- 8536.20 — Automatic circuit breakers for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V (MCBs, MCCBs)
- 8536.30 — Other apparatus for protecting electrical circuits, not exceeding 1,000 V (includes many RCCBs/RCBOs)
- 8535.21 / 8535.29 — Automatic circuit breakers for a voltage exceeding 1,000 V
Applicable Saudi Requirements
Circuit breakers 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 demonstrating the rated breaking capacity and correct tripping behaviour
- Correct marking of rated current, breaking capacity, poles and reference standard
- A registered Saudi importer on the SABER platform to link the shipment
Technical Regulation
Circuit breakers are assessed under the Saudi Technical Regulation covering low-voltage electrical equipment and appliances, which addresses electrical safety and correct protective operation. The exact regulation and standard set is confirmed at assessment from the device type and HS code. Our Technical Regulations guide explains how regulations are matched to products.
Testing / Standards
Circuit breakers are typically evaluated against the relevant IEC product standard for the device type. Typical verification includes:
- IEC 60898-1 — circuit breakers for overcurrent protection for household and similar installations (MCBs)
- IEC 60947-2 — circuit breakers for industrial use (MCCBs, ACBs)
- IEC 61008 — residual-current circuit breakers without integral overcurrent protection (RCCBs)
- IEC 61009 — residual-current circuit breakers with integral overcurrent protection (RCBOs)
- Rated short-circuit breaking capacity and making capacity verification
- Overload tripping characteristics, temperature rise, dielectric and mechanical endurance
Existing IECEE CB or equivalent test reports may be accepted where they cover the correct model and standard 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 circuit breaker application uses the set below; our full documents required guide explains each item.
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- HS code of the device
- Technical datasheet showing rated current, voltage, poles and breaking capacity
- Test reports to the applicable IEC standard
- Product photographs showing the rating label and markings
- Manufacturer details and Declaration of Conformity where relevant
- Saudi importer registration details
PCoC Process
The Product Certificate of Conformity certifies the breaker model or range against the applicable standard. In outline:
- Classification and scope
We confirm the device type, HS code, ratings and applicable standard, and define what the certificate should cover.
- Report review and testing
We check whether your existing reports can be reused and arrange any required testing to close gaps.
- 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 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 — short-circuit and endurance 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
- Test reports that do not cover the declared breaking capacity (e.g. label states a higher kA than tested)
- MCB report supplied for an RCBO, or a report to the wrong IEC standard for the device type
- Rating markings that do not match the datasheet or the reference standard on the label
- HS code declared on the invoice not matching the device actually shipped
- Attempting to ship before a valid PCoC and shipment SCoC are in place
We check these points up front so shipments are not held at customs for avoidable reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do MCBs and MCCBs use the same standard?
No. MCBs for household and similar installations are generally evaluated to IEC 60898-1, while MCCBs and other breakers for industrial use are evaluated to IEC 60947-2. Residual-current devices use IEC 61008 (RCCB) or IEC 61009 (RCBO). We confirm the correct standard for your exact device so the report is in scope.
Can one PCoC cover a range of breakers?
A PCoC can often cover a range of related models from the same manufacturer — for example a family of MCBs across pole and current ratings — depending on how the scope is defined. We structure the certificate so the breakers you actually export are covered.
Are breakers fitted inside a panel certified separately?
A panel is certified as an assembly, but the protective devices inside may need their own conformity evidence depending on scope. If you export breakers loose as well as inside panels, we advise on whether one or both routes apply. See our electrical panels page for the assembly route.
How much does SABER certification for circuit breakers cost and how long does it take?
It depends mainly on whether valid test reports 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 device 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 breakers 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 MCBs, MCCBs, ACBs, RCCBs and RCBOs — generally classified under HS heading 8536 (electrical apparatus for switching or protecting circuits, not exceeding 1,000 V), with high-voltage breakers under 8535. We confirm the correct classification for your exact device during assessment.