Factory Inspection for SABER Certification

When Is Factory Inspection Required?

Factory inspection is not required for every product or every conformity route. Whether it applies depends on three factors: the product category, the applicable Saudi Technical Regulation and the specific conformity route selected for the PCoC application.

High-risk or complex product categories — such as pressure equipment, structural building materials, high-voltage electrical products and safety-critical products — are more likely to require factory inspection as part of the conformity assessment process.

Some certification bodies require an initial factory assessment for all regulated products before a first PCoC is issued, regardless of product category. Subsequent PCoC renewals may then require surveillance audits at defined intervals.

What Is Assessed During a Factory Inspection?

A factory inspection assesses whether the manufacturer's production processes and quality controls are capable of consistently producing a product that conforms to the certified specifications. The inspector typically reviews:

• Quality management procedures and documentation
• Production process and equipment in use
• Raw material controls and incoming inspection records
• Finished product testing and inspection capability
• Document control and record keeping systems
• Traceability of components and materials
• Consistency between production and certified product specifications

The specific checklist varies between certification bodies and product categories. We share the relevant requirements with the manufacturer before the inspection date.

Types of Factory Assessment

Factory assessments in the SABER certification process take several forms, each with different triggers, scope and frequency:

Initial factory assessment — conducted before the first PCoC is issued for a new product or a new manufacturer. Confirms that the factory has the processes and controls in place to produce the product in conformity with the Technical Regulation.

Surveillance audits — periodic audits conducted during the validity period of an existing PCoC. Frequency depends on the certification body and product category, typically annually or every two years. Confirms that production quality is maintained.

Unannounced inspections — some product categories and conformity routes include provision for unannounced factory visits by the certification body. These are less common but manufacturers should be aware of the possibility.

Each type has different documentation requirements and lead times. We confirm which type applies and prepare the manufacturer accordingly.

How We Coordinate Factory Inspection

We manage the factory inspection process end to end, from confirming the requirement through to following up on any corrective actions after the visit.

1. Confirm whether factory inspection is required for your product

   We review the applicable Technical Regulation, conformity route and certification body requirements to confirm whether a factory inspection is needed before the PCoC application can proceed.

2. Identify the relevant certification body requirements

   Each certification body has its own inspection checklist and documentation requirements. We obtain the specific requirements that apply to your product and route.

3. Share inspection checklist with manufacturer for preparation

   We send the manufacturer a preparation checklist based on the certification body's requirements, giving adequate time to organise records, equipment calibration certificates and personnel.

4. Coordinate inspection date with certification body and factory

   We manage the scheduling between the certification body's inspector and the factory, confirming a date that suits both parties and allows adequate preparation time.

5. Support during inspection if needed

   We can provide remote support during the inspection to assist with communication between the factory and inspector, particularly where language or technical terminology presents a challenge.

6. Follow up on any corrective actions required

   If the inspector identifies non-conformities, we assist the manufacturer in preparing corrective action responses within the timeframe required by the certification body.

How to Prepare for a Factory Inspection

Preparation significantly reduces the risk of non-conformity findings and ensures the inspection can be completed efficiently. Manufacturers should ensure the following are in order before the inspection date:

• Organise production records and quality management documents in a format accessible to the inspector
• Ensure all test and measurement equipment is calibrated and calibration certificates are current
• Prepare samples of the certified product for physical inspection during the audit
• Ensure key production and quality personnel are available for the full duration of the inspection
• Review the requirements of the applicable Technical Regulation against current production processes
• Verify that components and materials in current production match the certified product specifications exactly

We share a specific preparation checklist based on the certification body's requirements as soon as the inspection is confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions