What Is SABER?
SABER — which stands for Saudi Arabia's platform for product Registration and Conformity Assessment — is an electronic portal operated by SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization). It went live in 2019 as the central system through which all regulated and non-regulated products destined for the Saudi market must be registered and certified before shipment.
The system is used by the Saudi importer, who holds the SABER account and initiates the product registration process. Through SABER, the importer applies for the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) for regulated product models and the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) for each individual consignment. Saudi customs authorities cross-check SABER records at the point of entry, and shipments without valid certificates are not cleared.
For exporters and manufacturers outside Saudi Arabia, the SABER requirement means that documentation, test reports and technical compliance must be in order before goods leave the country of origin. Both the PCoC and the SCoC are processed entirely through the SABER platform, making it the single gateway for Saudi product compliance.
SASO vs SABER — What Is the Difference?
The terms SASO and SABER are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different things and understanding the distinction matters when navigating Saudi compliance.
SASO is the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization — the government body responsible for drafting and publishing Saudi standards and Technical Regulations. SASO determines which product categories are regulated, what safety and quality requirements they must meet, and which conformity assessment procedures apply. SASO also accredits the Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) authorized to issue product certificates.
SABER is the digital platform — the online system where product registration, certificate applications and shipment records are managed. It is the operational layer through which SASO's regulations are enforced at the point of trade.
In short: SASO sets the rules; SABER is the platform where compliance with those rules is demonstrated and recorded. Both are relevant to anyone exporting products to Saudi Arabia, but they serve distinct roles in the certification process.
Regulated vs Non-Regulated Products
Not all products entering Saudi Arabia face the same compliance requirements. Under the SABER system, products fall into two broad categories based on whether a Saudi Technical Regulation applies to them.
Regulated products are those covered by a SASO Technical Regulation. For these products, both a PCoC (Product Certificate of Conformity) and an SCoC (Shipment Certificate of Conformity) are mandatory. The PCoC must be obtained before any shipment is made, and a new SCoC is required for every individual consignment.
Non-regulated products are those for which no Technical Regulation currently exists. These products still require an SCoC for each shipment through SABER, but they do not require a PCoC. The SCoC for non-regulated products is typically based on the importer's declaration rather than a full conformity assessment.
Classification is determined by the product's HS code and the Technical Regulations published by SASO. The list of regulated products is updated periodically, and products that were previously non-regulated can become regulated when new Technical Regulations are gazetted.
Important: Never assume your product's classification. A product that was non-regulated previously may now fall under a Technical Regulation. Always verify the current status using the HS code before planning a shipment. Contact us for a specific assessment.
The Role of the Saudi Importer
Under the SABER system, the Saudi importer plays a central and mandatory role. The importer must hold a registered SABER account linked to their Commercial Registration (CR) number. It is the importer — not the exporter — who formally initiates the product registration and certificate application on the SABER platform.
In practice, this means that for exporters and manufacturers, the compliance process is always a coordinated effort with the Saudi buyer. The importer submits the application; the exporter provides the technical documentation, test reports and product information needed to support it.
This dynamic can create bottlenecks. If the importer is unfamiliar with SABER processes or the exporter's documentation is incomplete, delays are likely. Our role is to coordinate between both parties — advising the exporter on what documents are needed, reviewing them for completeness and accuracy, and liaising with the certification body to ensure the application moves efficiently from submission to certificate issuance.
Exporters working with multiple Saudi buyers should be aware that each importer maintains their own SABER account. A PCoC issued under one importer's account cannot automatically be transferred to another. Planning ahead is essential for exporters who supply to several Saudi customers.
What Is a Technical Regulation?
A Technical Regulation is a mandatory Saudi standard that sets out the safety, health, environmental and quality requirements that products in a specific category must meet before they can be sold in Saudi Arabia. Technical Regulations are issued by SASO and have the force of law — compliance is not optional for products that fall within their scope.
Each Technical Regulation specifies the product categories it covers (typically defined by HS codes), the applicable standards (which may reference international standards such as IEC, ISO, EN or equivalent Saudi standards), the type of conformity assessment required (self-declaration, third-party testing, factory inspection or a combination), and the documentation and labelling requirements.
When SASO introduces a new Technical Regulation, it publishes a transition period during which both regulated and non-regulated pathways may be available. After the mandatory enforcement date, only the regulated pathway applies.
Identifying the correct Technical Regulation for your product is the foundational step of Saudi compliance. An incorrect identification can result in following the wrong testing standard, obtaining the wrong certificate, or missing requirements entirely — all of which can lead to shipment rejection or customs holds.
PCoC and SCoC Explained
Two certificates sit at the heart of SABER compliance: the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC). Both are issued through the SABER platform, but they serve different purposes and apply at different stages of the export process.
PCoC — Product Certificate of Conformity certifies that a specific product model conforms to the applicable Saudi Technical Regulation. It is issued once per product model and is typically valid for up to 12 months. Key features:
- Required for all regulated products
- Covers a specific product model, not individual shipments
- Based on product testing and technical documentation review
- Issued by a SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Body
- Must be renewed before expiry to continue exporting
SCoC — Shipment Certificate of Conformity certifies that a specific consignment matches the certified product and meets the applicable requirements. It is required for every individual shipment. Key features:
- Required for every shipment of both regulated and non-regulated products
- Linked to the active PCoC for regulated products
- Based on shipment documents and may include pre-shipment inspection
- Issued per consignment through SABER
- Required for Saudi customs clearance
For detailed information on each certificate, see our dedicated pages: PCoC Certificate and SCoC Certificate.
Step-by-Step: How SABER Certification Works
-
Step 1 — Product Assessment and HS Code Verification
The process begins by identifying the product's correct HS code and confirming whether a Saudi Technical Regulation applies. This step determines the certification route — regulated (PCoC + SCoC) or non-regulated (SCoC only) — and sets the scope for all subsequent steps. An incorrect HS code at this stage causes downstream errors, so verification is essential.
-
Step 2 — Technical Regulation Identification
Once the product category is confirmed, the applicable SASO Technical Regulation is identified. This specifies which standards the product must conform to, what type of testing is required, what documents must be submitted, and whether factory inspection is mandatory. All subsequent document preparation and testing is aligned to the requirements of this Technical Regulation.
-
Step 3 — Document Preparation and Product Testing
The manufacturer prepares the required technical documentation — specifications, datasheets, photographs, manufacturer information and declaration of conformity. If existing test reports are available, they are reviewed against the Technical Regulation requirements. If testing is required or existing reports are insufficient, testing is coordinated at an accredited laboratory. We review all documents before submission to identify gaps.
-
Step 4 — PCoC Application and Issuance
The Saudi importer submits the PCoC application through their SABER account, supported by the documentation package. The application is reviewed by the appointed Conformity Assessment Body. Upon successful review, the PCoC is issued and recorded in SABER. The PCoC covers the specific product model and is valid for up to 12 months, during which multiple shipments can be made under it.
-
Step 5 — SCoC Per Shipment
For each individual shipment, an SCoC application is submitted through SABER, referencing the active PCoC. Shipment documents — commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, and product photographs — are submitted. A pre-shipment inspection may be required depending on the product category. Once approved, the SCoC is issued and shared with the Saudi importer for presentation at Saudi customs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What products are regulated under SABER?
Regulated products are those covered by a SASO Technical Regulation. Common regulated categories include electrical and electronic equipment, machinery, building materials, textiles, toys, personal protective equipment, automotive parts and accessories, chemical products, and food-contact materials. The complete list is determined by HS code and the active Technical Regulations published by SASO. Since the list is updated periodically, the only reliable way to confirm your product's status is to verify using the current HS code against the SABER system.
Who pays for SABER certification — the exporter or the Saudi importer?
SABER certification costs are commercially negotiated between the exporter and the importer. In practice, the cost structure varies by arrangement: some importers cover the certification costs as part of their purchase terms; others expect the exporter to bear the cost. Testing fees, Conformity Assessment Body fees and inspection charges are separate costs that also need to be allocated. We can provide a detailed cost estimate for your product so that both parties can plan accordingly.
How long does SABER certification take?
The timeline depends on whether testing is required and how quickly documents are provided. If complete and compliant documentation is available — including valid test reports — the PCoC process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks from submission. If new product testing is needed, allow an additional 4 to 8 weeks depending on the laboratory and the complexity of the product. SCoC issuance per shipment is generally faster — typically 2 to 5 working days when documents are complete — but this can extend if a pre-shipment inspection is required.
What if my product has no applicable Technical Regulation?
If no Technical Regulation currently applies to your product, it is classified as non-regulated under SABER. Non-regulated products do not require a PCoC, but they still require an SCoC for every shipment. The SCoC for non-regulated products is generally based on a declaration of conformity from the importer or manufacturer and is processed through SABER. However, classification should always be verified — a product can transition from non-regulated to regulated when SASO introduces or updates a Technical Regulation.
Can an existing CE mark, UL certificate or other international certificate be used for SABER?
International certificates such as CE marks, UL listings or CB scheme certificates are not directly accepted as substitutes for SABER certification. However, the underlying test reports generated during those certification processes — if they were conducted to standards recognized by the applicable Saudi Technical Regulation — may be accepted as supporting evidence for a PCoC application. The acceptability of existing test reports is assessed case by case, depending on the standard used, the laboratory accreditation, and the scope of the Technical Regulation. We review existing certification documentation to determine what can be reused and what gaps need to be addressed.