Is a SABER Certificate Required for Packaging?
Yes, for most packaging materials. Plastic bags, films, containers, and paper and cardboard packaging are treated as regulated products on the SABER platform. A Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) is required before each shipment can obtain a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) and clear Saudi customs.
The most important point for plastic packaging is that Saudi Arabia mandates degradability for many single-use and disposable plastic products. Plastic bags, films and disposable items are commonly required to contain an approved oxo-biodegradable additive and to carry a valid degradable-plastic certificate. Packaging intended for food contact carries additional migration and material-safety requirements.
Applicable Technical Regulations
Packaging conformity runs through SABER registration on the Saudi platform. The exact regulation and standards are confirmed at assessment from the packaging type, material and HS code.
- Degradable-plastics requirements for single-use and disposable plastic products — an approved oxo-biodegradable additive and a valid degradable-plastic certificate
- Food-contact material requirements where the packaging contacts food — overall and specific migration limits
- Heavy-metal and hazardous-substance limits in packaging materials and inks
- Labelling and marking requirements, including the degradability logo where applicable
- Applicable SASO standards for the specific packaging material and use
Testing Requirements
- Degradation testing for plastic products to confirm oxo-biodegradable performance
- Overall and specific migration testing for food-contact packaging
- Heavy-metal content testing on materials and printing inks
- Mechanical properties (thickness, tensile, sealing) where the standard requires it
- Composition verification for the base polymer or paper grade
Existing test reports from an accredited laboratory may be accepted if they cover the correct material and use and are within validity. We assess existing reports before arranging new product testing, so you only test what is genuinely missing.
SABER Certificate Requirements for Packaging
A typical packaging application uses the set below; our full documents required guide explains each item in more detail.
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Product photographs showing the packaging and any printed marking
- Technical datasheet stating material, polymer type and intended use
- HS code
- Degradable-plastic certificate and additive details (for plastic products)
- Migration test reports for food-contact packaging
- Manufacturer details and Declaration of Conformity where relevant
- Saudi importer registration details
How We Help
- Confirm classification and degradability requirement
We identify the packaging type, HS code and whether the degradable-plastic requirement and food-contact rules apply.
- Review material data and existing reports
We check your material specification, additive details and any existing test reports and identify the gaps.
- Coordinate testing and marking
We arrange required testing and confirm the degradability marking and any food-contact declarations.
- Obtain the PCoC and process each SCoC
We coordinate the product certificate and process the shipment certificate for each consignment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all plastic bags need to be degradable for Saudi Arabia?
Most single-use and disposable plastic products do. Saudi Arabia requires an approved oxo-biodegradable additive and a valid degradable-plastic certificate for these products. We confirm whether your specific product falls under the requirement from its type and use.
Is food-contact packaging assessed differently?
Yes. Packaging that contacts food must additionally meet migration limits and material-safety requirements, and these often involve SFDA considerations alongside SABER. We identify the full set of requirements for food-contact use.
Does paper and cardboard packaging need certification too?
Often, yes — particularly for hygiene and food-contact uses. Paper packaging avoids the plastic-degradability requirement but can still face material-safety and migration checks. We confirm what applies to your specific paper grade and use.
How much does packaging certification cost and how long does it take?
It depends on the material and whether valid reports — including the degradable-plastic certificate — already exist. When acceptable reports are available a packaging PCoC can typically be arranged within a few working days. See our SABER certificate cost guide, or send your product details for a specific quote at no cost.
Which packaging types and HS codes does this cover?
This covers plastic packaging such as bags, sacks and containers (HS heading 3923) and paper and cardboard packaging such as cartons and boxes (HS heading 4819). The precise HS code and material affect the applicable requirements, so we confirm the correct classification for your product during assessment.