Overview
An electrical panel is an assembly that receives, distributes and protects electrical power — for example a distribution board, a control panel or a low-voltage switchgear assembly. Because these products carry and switch current, house protective devices and are handled by installers and operators, they are treated as electrical-safety products in Saudi Arabia.
Panels and assemblies 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 the panel is imported as a finished assembly or supplied as part of a larger project.
Product Types
The SABER route applies across the range of low-voltage panels and assemblies, including:
- Main distribution boards (MDB) and sub-distribution boards (SMDB)
- Final distribution boards and consumer units
- Motor control centres (MCC) and motor starter panels
- Control and automation panels (PLC panels, instrumentation panels)
- Power factor correction (capacitor) panels
- Automatic transfer switch (ATS) and synchronising panels
- Metering, feeder pillar and busbar trunking assemblies
The exact scope of your certificate is defined from the assembly type, ratings and configuration. We structure the certificate so the panels you actually export are covered.
HS Codes
Electrical panels and switchgear assemblies are commonly classified under the headings below. These are examples only — the correct code depends on the exact construction and rating of your panel.
- 8537.10 — Boards, panels and other bases for electric control or distribution, for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V
- 8537.20 — Boards, panels and assemblies for a voltage exceeding 1,000 V
- 8538.10 — Boards, panels and bases for the goods of heading 8537, not equipped with their apparatus (empty enclosures)
Applicable Saudi Requirements
Electrical panels 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 electrical safety and correct ratings of the assembly
- Correct marking of ratings, short-circuit withstand and manufacturer identification
- A registered Saudi importer on the SABER platform to link the shipment
Technical Regulation
Panels and assemblies are assessed under the Saudi Technical Regulation covering low-voltage electrical equipment and appliances, which addresses the electrical safety of the assembly and its components. The exact regulation and standard set is confirmed at assessment from the product type and HS code. Our Technical Regulations guide explains how regulations are matched to products.
Testing / Standards
Low-voltage assemblies are typically evaluated against the IEC 61439 series (low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies), with component standards applying to the devices fitted inside. Typical verification includes:
- IEC 61439-1 / 61439-2 — general rules and power switchgear and controlgear assemblies
- Temperature-rise verification and current-carrying capacity of busbars and connections
- Short-circuit withstand strength and protection against electric shock
- Dielectric (insulation) properties and clearances/creepage distances
- Degree of protection (IP rating) of the enclosure
- Component standards such as IEC 60947 for switchgear and IEC 60898 for circuit breakers fitted in the assembly
Existing IEC / CB test reports may be accepted where they cover the correct assembly 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 electrical panel application uses the set below; our full documents required guide explains each item.
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- HS code of the panel/assembly
- Technical datasheet showing voltage, current and short-circuit ratings
- General arrangement and single-line (schematic) drawings
- Bill of materials for the main components fitted
- Test reports for the assembly and, where relevant, key components
- 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 panel model or range against the applicable regulation. In outline:
- Classification and scope
We confirm the assembly type, HS code, ratings and the 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, drawings, 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 — laboratory turnaround for assemblies 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
- Missing or incomplete short-circuit withstand and temperature-rise evidence for the assembly
- Rating labels or markings that do not match the datasheet and drawings
- Component test reports supplied instead of assembly-level verification, or vice versa
- HS code declared on the invoice not matching the panel 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 individual breakers inside the panel need separate certification?
The assembly is certified as a whole, but protective devices such as circuit breakers, MCBs and MCCBs may carry their own conformity requirements. Whether component-level evidence is needed in addition to the assembly report depends on the scope, which we define during assessment.
Can one PCoC cover a range of panels?
A PCoC can often cover a range of related assemblies from the same manufacturer, depending on how the scope and ratings are defined. We structure the certificate so the panels you actually export are covered.
Are custom-built or project-specific panels treated differently?
Custom assemblies still need to demonstrate conformity to the applicable standard. Verification is usually based on the design rules of the IEC 61439 series and the ratings of the specific build, rather than a mass-production model. We advise on the route for one-off or project panels.
How much does SABER certification for electrical panels 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 panel 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 panels 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 distribution boards, control panels, motor control centres and switchgear assemblies — generally classified under HS heading 8537 (boards and panels for electric control or distribution), with empty enclosures under 8538. We confirm the correct classification for your exact panel during assessment.