Overview
Plugs and socket-outlets are the everyday connection points of an electrical installation. Because they are handled constantly and carry current in domestic and commercial use, they are assessed for electrical safety, mechanical durability and — importantly — for compatibility with the plug system accepted in Saudi Arabia.
Plugs and sockets fall under the SABER conformity scheme. A Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) is required for the product, and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) is required for each consignment before it can clear Saudi customs. This page covers plugs, socket-outlets and connection accessories specifically; for wall switches, dimmers and wider wiring accessories see our electrical switches page.
Product Types
The SABER route applies across plugs, socket-outlets and connection accessories, including:
- Fixed and rewireable plugs (2-pin and 3-pin)
- Wall socket-outlets, single and multi-gang
- Travel adaptors and conversion (multi-standard) adaptors
- Extension sockets, power strips and trailing socket leads
- Socket-outlets with integrated USB charging ports
- Industrial plugs and connectors (pin-and-sleeve type)
- Cord sets, connectors and inlets
The exact scope of your certificate is defined from the product type, rating and plug configuration. We structure the certificate so the items you actually export are covered.
HS Codes
Plugs and sockets are commonly classified under the headings below. These are examples only — the correct code depends on the exact product.
- 8536.69 — Plugs and sockets for a voltage not exceeding 1,000 V
- 8536.90 — Other apparatus for making connections to or in electrical circuits (some connectors, cord connectors)
- 8544.42 — Electric conductors fitted with connectors (cord sets and extension leads with a moulded plug)
Applicable Saudi Requirements
Plugs and sockets are certified through SABER registration on the Saudi platform. The main requirements are:
- A valid PCoC issued against the applicable Technical Regulation and standards
- An SCoC for each individual shipment before customs clearance
- Compatibility with the plug/socket system accepted in Saudi Arabia (the 3-pin Type G / BS 1363 configuration)
- Correct marking of rated current, voltage and reference standard
- A registered Saudi importer on the SABER platform to link the shipment
Technical Regulation
Plugs and sockets are assessed under the Saudi Technical Regulation covering low-voltage electrical equipment and appliances, which addresses electrical safety, correct rating and plug/socket configuration. The exact regulation and standard set is confirmed at assessment from the product type and HS code. Our Technical Regulations guide explains how regulations are matched to products.
Testing / Standards
Plugs and socket-outlets are typically evaluated against the IEC 60884 series and the Saudi plug-configuration requirements. Typical verification includes:
- IEC 60884-1 — plugs and socket-outlets for household and similar purposes (general requirements)
- Dimensional and configuration compliance with the Saudi Type G / BS 1363 system
- Temperature rise, current-carrying capacity and correct fuse rating where applicable
- Mechanical strength, plug-insertion endurance and durability of markings
- Resistance to heat, fire and tracking (glow-wire tests) and protection against electric shock
- Additional requirements for accessories with USB outputs or electronic functions
Existing IECEE CB or equivalent test reports may be accepted where they cover the correct model, standard and plug configuration and are within validity. We review your reports before arranging any new product testing, so you only test what is genuinely missing.
Documents Required
A typical plugs and sockets 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 voltage and current ratings and plug type
- Test reports to the applicable IEC standard and plug configuration
- Product photographs showing pin configuration, ratings and markings
- Manufacturer details and Declaration of Conformity where relevant
- Saudi importer registration details
PCoC Process
The Product Certificate of Conformity certifies the product or range against the applicable standard. In outline:
- Classification and plug compatibility
We confirm the product type, HS code, ratings and applicable standard, and verify compatibility with the Saudi plug/socket system.
- Report review and testing
We check whether your existing reports can be reused and arrange any required testing to close gaps.
- Technical review
An approved certification body reviews the documents, markings and test evidence against the regulation.
- 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:
- Shipment details submitted
The invoice, packing list and the linked PCoC are submitted for the specific consignment.
- Verification and payment
The shipment is verified against the valid PCoC and the SCoC fee is settled on the platform.
- 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 test reports already exist. Our SABER timeline guide covers this in detail.
- With acceptable existing reports — a PCoC can typically be arranged within a few working days
- When fresh testing is required — laboratory 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
- Products designed for a non-Saudi plug configuration (e.g. Type C/F/A only) that do not match the Type G system
- Test reports that cover a different plug standard than the one being shipped
- Missing fuse-rating or USB-output evidence for fused plugs and USB socket-outlets
- Rating or pin markings that do not match the datasheet
- HS code declared on the invoice not matching the product actually shipped
We check these points up front so shipments are not held at customs for avoidable reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plug type does Saudi Arabia accept?
Saudi Arabia has standardised on the 3-pin Type G plug and socket (based on BS 1363) for 230 V household use. Plugs and socket-outlets generally need to match this configuration to be accepted. Products built only for another regional standard may be rejected, so we confirm compatibility before you test or ship.
Do USB socket-outlets need extra testing?
Socket-outlets with integrated USB charging ports contain electronic circuitry, so they usually require additional evidence for the USB/charging function on top of the standard socket safety testing. We identify the full test scope for USB and electronic accessories.
Can one PCoC cover plugs, sockets and adaptors together?
A PCoC can often cover a range of related accessories from the same manufacturer, depending on how the scope is defined. We structure the certificate so the plugs, sockets and adaptors you actually export are covered.
How much does SABER certification for plugs and sockets cost and how long does it take?
It depends mainly on whether valid test reports already exist for the correct plug configuration. With acceptable reports 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 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 plugs, socket-outlets, adaptors, extension sockets and cord sets — generally classified under HS heading 8536 (electrical apparatus for making connections), with cord sets fitted with connectors under 8544. We confirm the correct classification for your exact product during assessment.
Get Your Plugs & Sockets Certified
Send us your product type, ratings, plug configuration, HS code and any existing test reports. We will confirm the applicable Technical Regulation and Saudi plug compatibility, review your testing, and coordinate the PCoC and each SCoC so your shipments clear Saudi customs without delay.