What Is SABER Product Registration?
SABER (Saudi Product Safety Program) is the Saudi government's digital platform for product conformity and safety. Every product imported into Saudi Arabia that falls within the scope of the SABER framework must be registered on the platform before shipments can be cleared at customs.
Product registration is the process by which a product's details — including its HS code, category, manufacturer and specifications — are entered into the SABER system. Once registered, the platform identifies whether the product is subject to a Saudi Technical Regulation (a regulated product) or not (a non-regulated product). This determination drives every subsequent step in the certification process.
After registration, the applicable conformity route is confirmed, and the PCoC (Product Certificate of Conformity) application process can begin for regulated products. For non-regulated products, registration may be all that is required before SCoC issuance.
Who Registers the Product on SABER?
Product registration on SABER is initiated by the Saudi importer using their registered SABER account. The Saudi importer must hold a valid Commercial Registration (CR) number and a SABER platform account before registration can take place.
The exporter — whether a manufacturer or trading company — provides the product information, HS code and supporting technical documents that the importer uses to complete the registration. Accuracy at this stage is critical: errors in the product description, HS code or manufacturer details create problems that can delay or invalidate the certification.
We coordinate between the exporter and the Saudi importer to ensure the product information submitted is accurate, complete and consistent before the registration is submitted to the SABER platform.
The Importance of the HS Code
The Harmonized System (HS) code is the single most important piece of information entered during product registration. The SABER platform uses the HS code to determine whether the product falls under a Saudi Technical Regulation and, if so, which one applies.
The consequences of an incorrect HS code include:
- Wrong Technical Regulation identified — leading to incorrect conformity requirements and wasted certification effort
- A regulated product being treated as non-regulated — creating a risk of rejection at Saudi customs
- A non-regulated product being misidentified as regulated — adding unnecessary certification cost and delay
- Registration rejection or the need to re-register under the correct code
What Information Is Needed for Registration?
The following information must be available before product registration can be submitted on the SABER platform. Incomplete or inconsistent information will delay the process:
- Exact product name and description — as it will appear on the commercial invoice
- HS code — 6 to 12 digits depending on the Saudi tariff schedule requirement
- Country of origin — where the product is manufactured
- Manufacturer name and full address
- Brand name — if the product is sold under a brand distinct from the manufacturer name
- Product model number — exact model as it appears on the product and packaging
- Product category — as used in the SABER platform classification
- Saudi importer CR number and SABER platform account details
For regulated products, additional technical documents — such as product specifications, test reports and manufacturer declarations — will be required at the PCoC application stage. We advise on what to prepare before registration so that the subsequent steps proceed without unnecessary delays.
After Registration — What Happens Next?
Product registration triggers the SABER platform to classify the product and set the certification requirements. The subsequent steps depend on whether the product is regulated or non-regulated.
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SABER identifies regulated or non-regulated status
The platform uses the HS code and product category to determine whether a Saudi Technical Regulation applies. This is confirmed immediately on registration.
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Applicable Technical Regulation (if any) is confirmed
For regulated products, the specific Technical Regulation that applies is identified. This determines the test standards, conformity route options and required documentation.
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Conformity route is selected
The available conformity routes for the product and its Technical Regulation are reviewed. We advise on the most appropriate and cost-effective route based on the exporter's existing documentation and certifications.
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PCoC application begins (if regulated)
For regulated products, the PCoC application is submitted to the designated certification body, supported by the required test reports, technical documentation and factory assessment (where applicable).
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SCoC is processed per shipment
Once the PCoC is issued (or for non-regulated products, once the product is registered), each shipment requires an SCoC (Shipment Certificate of Conformity) on the SABER platform before customs clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the exporter register on SABER directly?
No. The SABER platform requires the Saudi importer to register products using their Saudi Commercial Registration (CR) number and their SABER account. The exporter cannot register a product independently. The exporter's role is to provide accurate product information and technical documents to the Saudi importer. We coordinate this process between both parties to ensure the registration is submitted correctly and without delays.
What if SABER cannot find a Technical Regulation for my product?
If the SABER platform does not return a Technical Regulation for a registered product, the product is classified as non-regulated. Non-regulated products still require an SCoC per shipment on the SABER platform, but the conformity requirements are less onerous — typically a supplier's declaration rather than a PCoC from a certification body. We verify this status before proceeding so that the exporter is not unnecessarily pursuing a PCoC for a non-regulated product.
Can multiple products be registered together?
Each product model must be registered separately on the SABER platform. A single registration covers one product with one HS code and one model number. Where a manufacturer exports multiple product variants (different models of the same product type), each model requires its own registration. However, a single PCoC may cover a product family where the certification body accepts this approach — we advise on this during the PCoC application stage.
Does registration need to be renewed?
Product registration itself does not expire. However, the PCoC associated with a registered product has a validity period, typically one to three years depending on the product category and certification body. Once the PCoC expires, it must be renewed before new SCoCs can be issued for that product. We track PCoC validity periods for our clients and initiate renewal before expiry to avoid shipment delays.