Overview
A generator set is certified as a complete system, not a single component, which is what makes Saudi conformity for gensets more involved than for a bare motor or alternator. The certificate has to show the engine, alternator and controls work together to deliver the declared power rating and performance class under ISO 8528, that the whole set is electrically safe, and that the alternator and any electronic controls meet their own standards. Because standby and prime power is critical across sites, plants and buildings in the Kingdom, this system-level evidence is examined closely.
Generators fall under the SABER conformity scheme. A Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) is required for the genset range, and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) is required for each consignment before it can clear Saudi customs. For generating sets, the certificate relies heavily on the ISO 8528 rating and class, the alternator (IEC 60034) evidence and the rating-plate data.
Product Types
The SABER route and genset requirements apply across generating sets and their sources, including:
- Diesel generator sets (gensets), open and enclosed / canopy
- Gas and dual-fuel generating sets
- Portable and inverter petrol generators
- Prime-power, standby and continuous-rated sets
- Containerised and trailer-mounted power units
- Alternators (AC generators) supplied on their own
- Automatic mains-failure (AMF) and synchronising sets
- Solar hybrid and battery-backed generating sets
The scope of your certificate is defined from the set type, rated power (kVA / kW), voltage, frequency, rating class and fuel. We structure the certificate so the generating sets you actually export are covered.
HS Codes
Generators and generating sets are commonly classified under the headings below. These are examples only — the correct code depends on the type and rated output.
- 8502.11 / 8502.12 / 8502.13 — Diesel generating sets by power range
- 8502.20 — Generating sets with spark-ignition (petrol / gas) engines
- 8502.31 — Generating sets, wind-powered
- 8502.39 — Other generating sets
- 8501.61 – 8501.64 — AC generators (alternators) by output
Applicable Saudi Requirements
Generators are certified through SABER registration on the Saudi platform. The main requirements are:
- A valid PCoC issued against the applicable Technical Regulation for the generating set
- An SCoC for each individual shipment before customs clearance
- Rating and performance evidence to ISO 8528 (generating set) at the declared class (G1–G3)
- Alternator evidence to IEC 60034 (rating, performance and insulation)
- Electrical safety of the set — earthing, protection, guarding and control panel
- A rating plate showing kVA / kW, voltage, frequency, power factor, rating class and IP
- EMC evidence for the control / electronic governor where required
- A registered Saudi importer on the SABER platform to link the shipment
Technical Regulation
Generating sets are assessed under the applicable Saudi Technical Regulation for the set together with the low-voltage electrical safety requirements. The regulation is built around the ISO 8528 rating and class, alternator performance, electrical safety and rating-plate marking. The exact regulation and standard set is confirmed at assessment from the set type, rated power and HS code. Our Technical Regulations guide explains how regulations are matched to products.
Testing / Standards
Generating sets are typically evaluated against the applicable ISO / IEC standards for the set and its parts. Typical verification includes:
- ISO 8528 — reciprocating internal-combustion engine-driven AC generating sets (rating, performance, class G1–G3)
- IEC 60034-1 — rating and performance of the alternator
- Electrical safety — earthing, dielectric and protection checks
- Control-panel and switchgear verification (where fitted)
- EMC (IEC 61000 series) for the electronic governor / controller
- Noise / enclosure verification where a canopy rating is declared
Existing accredited ISO 8528 and IEC 60034 reports may be accepted where they cover the correct set, rating and class. We review your reports before arranging any new product testing, so you only test what is genuinely missing.
Documents Required
A typical generating-set application uses the set below; our full documents required guide explains each item.
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- HS code of the generating set
- Technical datasheet showing kVA / kW, voltage, frequency, rating class and fuel
- ISO 8528 rating / performance evidence for the set
- Alternator (IEC 60034) test report
- Rating-plate photograph showing power, voltage, class and IP
- EMC test report for the control system where required
- Declaration of Conformity and manufacturer details
- Saudi importer registration details
PCoC Process
The Product Certificate of Conformity certifies the genset range against the applicable standards and rating class. In outline:
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Classification and scope
We confirm the set type, rated power, voltage, frequency, rating class, fuel, HS code and applicable standards, and define what the certificate should cover.
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Report and rating review
We check whether your ISO 8528 and alternator (IEC 60034) reports can be reused and confirm the rating plate matches the declared power and class.
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Technical review
An approved certification body reviews the documents, rating plate 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 power and rating class 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 8528 and alternator reports already exist and whether the declared power and class are supported. Our SABER timeline guide covers this in detail.
- With acceptable existing set and alternator reports — a PCoC can typically be arranged within a few working days
- When fresh testing is required — generating-set performance and EMC 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
- Rating-plate power / class not matching the ISO 8528 evidence
- Engine and alternator documented separately, with no set-level rating
- Prime-power figure claimed but only standby data supplied (or vice versa)
- Missing EMC evidence for the electronic governor / controller
- Rating plate missing IP rating, power factor or frequency
- HS code declared on the invoice not matching the set output actually shipped
We check these points up front — especially the ISO 8528 rating class, the rating plate and the alternator evidence — so shipments are not held at customs or rejected for avoidable reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a generator certified as a whole set or component by component?
A generating set is certified as a complete set. The engine, alternator and control system are assessed together so the certificate reflects the power rating and performance class the set actually delivers under ISO 8528 — not just the parts in isolation. Component reports (such as the alternator's IEC 60034 report) support the set-level evidence, but the certificate is for the generating set as supplied.
What is ISO 8528 and what rating class do I declare?
ISO 8528 is the standard for reciprocating engine-driven AC generating sets. It defines how a set's rating and performance are stated and sets performance classes (G1 to G3) according to how demanding the connected load is — G1 for basic loads up to G3 for sensitive equipment. The rating and class you declare must match the rating plate and the test evidence, so we confirm them at assessment.
What is the difference between prime, standby and continuous ratings?
Standby is for emergency backup with a variable load, prime is for running as the main supply with a variable load, and continuous (base) is for a constant load around the clock — each gives a different rated output for the same set. The rating plate must state the correct rating type, and the ISO 8528 evidence must support it; declaring a prime rating but supplying only standby figures is a common query.
How much does SABER certification for generators cost and how long does it take?
It depends mainly on whether valid ISO 8528 set-level and alternator (IEC 60034) reports are already in place. With acceptable evidence 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 genset 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 generating sets 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 diesel, gas, petrol and inverter generating sets and standalone alternators — generally classified under HS headings 8502 and 8501. We confirm the correct classification and applicable requirements for your exact generating set during assessment.
Get Your Generators Certified
Send us your generating-set type, rated power (kVA / kW), voltage, frequency, rating class, fuel, HS code and any existing ISO 8528 and alternator (IEC 60034) reports. We will confirm the applicable Technical Regulation, testing and EMC requirements, review your testing, and coordinate the PCoC and each SCoC so your shipments clear Saudi customs without delay.