Overview
An extension cord or power strip is certified as a complete cord set — plug, flexible cable and socket-outlet(s) together, which is what makes it different from certifying a plug or a socket on its own. The certificate has to show the plug fits the Saudi Type G (BS 1363) system and is correctly fused, the flexible cord has the right cross-section for its rated current, and any multi-way strip does not overload or overheat. Because these products are handled daily by ordinary users and are a common cause of electrical fires, they are examined closely at the Saudi border.
Extension cords and power strips fall under the SABER conformity scheme. A Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) is required for the product range, and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) is required for each consignment before it can clear Saudi customs. For cord sets, the certificate relies heavily on the plug/socket standard, the cord rating and the fuse or overload protection.
Product Types
The SABER route and cord-set requirements apply across portable extension products, including:
- Extension cords and extension leads (single outlet)
- Power strips and multi-socket trailing boards
- Surge-protected power strips
- Power strips with integrated USB charging
- Cable reels and extension drums (IEC 61242)
- Portable socket-outlets and adaptor blocks
- Travel adaptors and conversion plugs
- Individually switched multi-outlet boards
The scope of your certificate is defined from the product type, rated current, number of outlets, plug system and any protection built in. We structure the certificate so the products you actually export are covered.
HS Codes
Extension cords and power strips are commonly classified under the headings below. These are examples only — the correct code depends on the product construction.
- 8544.42 — Electric conductors fitted with connectors, for a voltage ≤ 1,000 V (extension cords / leads)
- 8536.69 — Plugs and socket-outlets (portable socket blocks)
- 8537.10 — Boards / strips equipped with protective apparatus (surge / breaker strips), ≤ 1,000 V
- 8504.40 — Static converters (the USB-charging module of a charging strip)
- 8536.30 — Apparatus for protecting electrical circuits (surge protection devices)
Applicable Saudi Requirements
Extension cords and power strips are certified through SABER registration on the Saudi platform. The main requirements are:
- A valid PCoC issued against the applicable Technical Regulation for plugs, socket-outlets and cord sets
- An SCoC for each individual shipment before customs clearance
- A plug that matches the Saudi Type G / BS 1363 13 A system and is correctly fused
- A flexible cord sized for the rated current (correct cross-section)
- Overload / short-circuit protection on multi-socket power strips where required
- Adequate insulation, cord anchorage and plug/socket construction
- A durable rating label showing manufacturer, rated current / voltage and standard
- A registered Saudi importer on the SABER platform to link the shipment
Technical Regulation
Extension cords and power strips are assessed under the Saudi Technical Regulation for low-voltage electrical equipment, covering plugs, socket-outlets and cord sets. The regulation is built around plug/socket compatibility and construction, cord rating and anchorage, protection against electric shock, and — for power strips — overload behaviour. The exact regulation and standard is confirmed at assessment from the product type and HS code. Our Technical Regulations guide explains how regulations are matched to products.
Testing / Standards
Extension cords and power strips are typically evaluated against the plug/socket and cord-set standards. Typical testing includes:
- IEC 60884-1 — plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar use
- BS 1363 — 13 A plugs, socket-outlets and adaptors (Type G, used in Saudi Arabia)
- IEC 61242 — cable reels for household and similar purposes
- IEC 60227 / IEC 60245 — rating and construction of the flexible cord
- Temperature-rise, cord-anchorage and pull / flexing tests
- Dielectric strength, insulation resistance and earth continuity
Existing test evidence may be accepted where it covers the correct product, plug system and rating. We review your reports before arranging any new product testing, so you only test what is genuinely missing.
Documents Required
A typical extension-cord application uses the set below; our full documents required guide explains each item.
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- HS code of the product
- Technical datasheet showing rated current / voltage, cord cross-section and number of outlets
- Test report to IEC 60884 / BS 1363 (and IEC 61242 for reels)
- Plug and socket construction details and fuse rating
- Rating-label photograph showing ratings and standard
- Declaration of Conformity and manufacturer details
- Saudi importer registration details
PCoC Process
The Product Certificate of Conformity certifies the product range against the applicable standards. In outline:
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Classification and scope
We confirm the product type, rated current, outlets, plug system, HS code and applicable standard, and define what the certificate should cover.
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Test review
We check whether your IEC 60884 / BS 1363 test evidence can be reused and confirm the marked rating matches the cord and the plug fuse.
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Technical review
An approved certification body reviews the documents, label 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 declared ratings 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 IEC 60884 / BS 1363 test evidence already exists and whether the plug and cord rating are supported. Our SABER timeline guide covers this in detail.
- With acceptable existing test reports — a PCoC can typically be arranged within a few working days
- When fresh testing is required — plug, cord and temperature-rise testing turnaround is the main driver, usually one to a few weeks
- SCoC — normally issued quickly per shipment once a valid PCoC is in place
Common Problems
- Plug not compliant with the Saudi Type G / BS 1363 pin and fuse system
- Cord cross-section too small for the marked rated current
- Multi-socket strip with no overload protection where required
- Weak cord anchorage that fails the pull / flexing test
- USB-charging module on a strip with no separate safety evidence
- HS code declared on the invoice not matching the product shipped
We check these points up front — especially the plug system, the cord rating and the overload protection — so shipments are not held at customs or rejected for avoidable reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plug type do extension cords need for Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia uses the Type G, 13 A fused plug and socket system (the same rectangular three-pin arrangement defined by BS 1363). Extension cords and power strips supplied to the Saudi market must have a compliant Type G plug and, where applicable, Type G outlets. A cord fitted with a different plug type — or a plug that does not meet the BS 1363 fuse and pin requirements — is one of the most common reasons these products are rejected.
Is an extension cord certified as a cord set or as separate parts?
As a complete cord set. The plug, the flexible cable and the socket-outlet(s) are assessed together, because the safety depends on how they are combined — the plug fuse must match the cord rating, and the cord must carry the current without overheating. Certifying only the plug or only the socket does not cover the finished extension product.
Do power strips need overload protection?
Multi-way power strips are frequently required to include overload or short-circuit protection — a fuse or a resettable breaker — because plugging several appliances into one strip can draw more current than the cord is rated for. Surge-protected and USB-charging strips have additional components (surge devices, a converter module) that also need their own safety evidence. We confirm what your specific strip requires during assessment.
How much does SABER certification for extension cords cost and how long does it take?
It depends mainly on whether valid IEC 60884 / BS 1363 test evidence is already in place. With acceptable reports a PCoC can often be arranged within a few working days; if fresh plug, cord and temperature-rise testing is required the laboratory turnaround is the main variable. Send your product 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 products 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 extension cords, power strips, cable reels and portable socket blocks — extension cords are generally classified under HS 8544.42 (conductors with connectors), with protected strips under 8537 and plug/socket blocks under 8536.69. We confirm the correct classification and applicable requirements for your exact product during assessment.
Get Your Extension Cords Certified
Send us your product type, rated current, number of outlets, plug system, cord cross-section, HS code and any existing IEC 60884 / BS 1363 test reports. We will confirm the applicable Technical Regulation and standard, review your testing, and coordinate the PCoC and each SCoC so your shipments clear Saudi customs without delay.