Overview
Paints and varnishes are certified as chemical products, which is what sets them apart from most hardware. The certificate has to show the coating is within the permitted limits for volatile organic compounds (VOC) and for restricted heavy metals — lead in particular — and that it is correctly classified, labelled and documented as a chemical. Because paints are applied in enclosed spaces and can carry lead, solvents and other hazards, Saudi Arabia examines the composition, labelling and Safety Data Sheet as closely as the coating performance.
Paints and varnishes 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 coatings, the certificate relies heavily on the VOC and heavy-metal test reports, the Safety Data Sheet and the GHS hazard label.
Product Types
The SABER route and coating requirements apply across decorative and protective paints, varnishes and related coatings, including:
- Water-based (emulsion / latex) decorative paints
- Solvent-based (alkyd / enamel) paints
- Primers, undercoats and sealers
- Wood varnishes, lacquers and wood stains
- Industrial and protective coatings (epoxy, polyurethane)
- Anti-corrosive and marine coatings
- Road-marking and floor paints
- Powder coatings and automotive refinish paints
The scope of your certificate is defined from the coating type, chemistry (water or solvent based), intended use and pack sizes. We structure the certificate so the paints and varnishes you actually export are covered.
HS Codes
Paints and varnishes are commonly classified under the headings below. These are examples only — the correct code depends on the chemistry and medium of the coating.
- 3208 — Paints and varnishes based on synthetic polymers, in a non-aqueous medium
- 3209 — Paints and varnishes based on synthetic polymers, in an aqueous medium (water-based)
- 3210 — Other paints and varnishes; prepared water pigments
- 3214 — Mastics, fillers, putty and surfacing preparations
- 3212 — Pigments and dyes for paint manufacture
Applicable Saudi Requirements
Paints and varnishes are certified through SABER registration on the Saudi platform. The main requirements are:
- A valid PCoC issued against the applicable Technical Regulation for paints, varnishes and coatings
- An SCoC for each individual shipment before customs clearance
- VOC (volatile organic compound) content within the permitted Saudi limit for the coating category
- Lead and restricted heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, mercury) within the permitted limits
- A Safety Data Sheet (SDS / MSDS) for the product
- GHS-compliant hazard labelling with the required Arabic information (pictograms, signal word, hazard statements)
- Correct product name, batch and manufacturer details on the label
- A registered Saudi importer on the SABER platform to link the shipment
Technical Regulation
Paints and varnishes are assessed under the Saudi Technical Regulation for paints and varnishes together with the chemical-labelling (GHS) requirements. The regulation is built around VOC content limits, restrictions on lead and other heavy metals, hazard classification, Safety Data Sheets and GHS labelling. The exact regulation and standard set is confirmed at assessment from the coating type, chemistry and HS code. Our Technical Regulations guide explains how regulations are matched to products.
Testing / Standards
Paints and varnishes are typically evaluated for composition and safety. Typical verification includes:
- VOC content determination (ISO 11890 / ASTM D2369)
- Total lead content (ISO 3856 / ASTM D3335 / SASO limit)
- Soluble heavy metals — cadmium, chromium, mercury, arsenic
- Non-volatile / solids content and density
- Hazard classification for GHS labelling and the SDS
- Performance checks as applicable (adhesion, drying time, opacity)
Existing accredited VOC and heavy-metal test reports may be accepted where they cover the correct product and composition. We review your reports before arranging any new product testing, so you only test what is genuinely missing.
Documents Required
A typical paint or varnish application uses the set below; our full documents required guide explains each item.
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- HS code of the coating
- Technical datasheet (TDS) showing type, chemistry and use
- VOC and lead / heavy-metal test reports
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS / MSDS)
- Product label artwork showing GHS pictograms and Arabic hazard information
- Declaration of Conformity and manufacturer details
- Saudi importer registration details
PCoC Process
The Product Certificate of Conformity certifies the paint or varnish range against the applicable standards and content limits. In outline:
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Classification and scope
We confirm the coating type, chemistry, intended use, HS code, applicable VOC and heavy-metal limits and the applicable standards, and define what the certificate should cover.
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Report and label review
We check whether your VOC and heavy-metal reports can be reused and confirm the label and Safety Data Sheet carry the required GHS hazard information in Arabic.
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Technical review
An approved certification body reviews the documents, label, SDS 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 composition and labelling 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 VOC and heavy-metal reports already exist and whether the label and SDS meet the GHS requirements. Our SABER timeline guide covers this in detail.
- With acceptable existing test reports and compliant composition — a PCoC can typically be arranged within a few working days
- When fresh testing is required — VOC and heavy-metal testing 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
- Lead content exceeding the permitted limit for decorative paints
- VOC content above the limit for the coating category
- Label missing the required GHS pictograms or Arabic hazard information
- No Safety Data Sheet, or an SDS that does not match the product
- Test report not covering the exact product or composition shipped
- HS code declared on the invoice not matching the coating type actually shipped
We check these points up front — especially the lead and VOC figures, the GHS label and the Safety Data Sheet — so shipments are not held at customs or rejected for avoidable reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a lead limit for paints exported to Saudi Arabia?
Yes — decorative paints must keep their total lead content within the permitted Saudi limit, and the certificate relies on a test report proving it. Lead content is one of the most closely examined figures for coatings, because paint is applied in homes and public spaces. We confirm the applicable lead limit for your coating category at assessment and check the test report supports it before submission.
Do paints have to meet VOC (solvent) limits?
Yes — paints and varnishes must stay within the permitted VOC content limit for their category, and the VOC figure has to be supported by a test report to ISO 11890 or an equivalent method. Solvent-based coatings typically have higher VOC than water-based ones, so the limit that applies depends on the coating type. We confirm the applicable VOC limit for your product during assessment.
Do I need a Safety Data Sheet and Arabic label for paint?
Yes — paints are chemical products, so a Safety Data Sheet (SDS / MSDS) is required and the label must carry GHS hazard information — pictograms, signal word and hazard statements — with the required Arabic content. A missing SDS or a label without the required Arabic hazard information is a common reason a coating shipment is queried. We review the label artwork and SDS as part of the assessment.
How much does SABER certification for paints cost and how long does it take?
It depends mainly on whether valid VOC and heavy-metal reports with compliant figures 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 product details, SDS 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 paints 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 water-based and solvent-based paints, varnishes, lacquers, primers and protective coatings — generally classified under HS headings 3208, 3209 and 3210. We confirm the correct classification and applicable requirements for your exact coating during assessment.
Get Your Paints & Varnishes Certified
Send us your coating type, chemistry (water or solvent based), intended use, HS code, Safety Data Sheet and any existing VOC and heavy-metal test reports. We will confirm the applicable Technical Regulation, testing and content-limit requirements, review your testing and labelling, and coordinate the PCoC and each SCoC so your shipments clear Saudi customs without delay.