Is a SABER Certificate Required for Automotive Products?
In nearly all cases, yes. Vehicles, spare parts and automotive components are regulated products in Saudi Arabia, and most fall under a specific Technical Regulation on the SABER platform. A Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) must be issued for the product before a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) can be obtained for each consignment and the goods cleared through Saudi customs.
Automotive is not a single regulation but a family of them. Tyres, lead-acid and lithium batteries, engine oils and lubricants, oil and air filters, brake pads, safety glass, lamps and reflective devices each have their own applicable standard, so what is required for a tyre is very different from what is required for a filter or a battery.
Applicable Technical Regulations
Automotive products are certified through SABER registration, and the relevant regulation depends on the specific product. The exact regulation and standard are confirmed at assessment from the product type and HS code.
- Technical Regulation for Tyres — covering passenger, light-truck and commercial tyres, with rolling resistance, wet grip and endurance requirements
- Technical Regulation for Batteries — lead-acid and lithium automotive batteries, including safety and performance testing
- Technical Regulation for Lubricating Oils — engine oils, gear oils and greases assessed against viscosity and performance grades
- Auto spare parts regulation — filters, brake linings and pads, safety glass, lamps, mirrors and other components
- Vehicles and low-speed / special vehicles — assessed under the applicable vehicle regulations and GCC type-approval requirements
Testing Requirements
Testing depends on the specific product. Typical requirements include:
- Tyres — dimensional, endurance, high-speed, rolling-resistance and wet-grip testing to the applicable standard
- Batteries — capacity, cold-cranking, vibration and safety testing; lithium batteries additionally require transport-safety evidence
- Lubricants — viscosity grade, performance classification and physical-chemical properties
- Brake pads / linings — friction performance and, where relevant, asbestos-free confirmation
- Safety glass, lamps and reflectors — impact, optical and photometric testing to the relevant standard
Existing test reports from ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories may be accepted if they cover the correct product and standard and remain valid. We assess your reports first and arrange product testing only for what is genuinely missing.
SABER Certificate Requirements for Automotive Parts
The typical document set for an automotive SABER application is below; our full documents required guide explains each item in more detail.
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Product technical datasheet and specification
- Test reports appropriate to the part (tyre, battery, lubricant, filter, etc.)
- Product photographs showing part marking and manufacturer identity
- Manufacturer details and Declaration of Conformity where relevant
- HS code and Saudi importer registration details
How We Help
- Identify the automotive regulation
We classify each part into the correct Technical Regulation and confirm exactly which standard and marking apply.
- Review existing test reports
We check whether your tyre, battery, lubricant or component reports are acceptable and identify only the missing tests.
- Coordinate required testing
We arrange any outstanding testing with an accepted laboratory for the specific product.
- Obtain the PCoC and process each SCoC
We secure the Product Certificate and process the Shipment Certificate for every consignment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tyres need special certification for Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Tyres fall under a dedicated Technical Regulation and must be tested to the applicable standard covering endurance, high-speed and rolling-resistance / wet-grip performance, with production and week/year markings verified. This is checked closely at import.
Can I ship a mixed container of different automotive parts?
Yes, but each distinct product needs its own PCoC under the correct regulation. We consolidate the assessment so a single application covers the range of parts in your shipment, then process one SCoC for the consignment.
What is the difference between the product certificate and the shipment certificate?
The PCoC confirms the product meets the applicable regulation and is typically valid for one year. The SCoC is issued per consignment and is required for each individual shipment. Both are needed to clear customs.
How much does SABER certification for automotive parts cost and how long does it take?
It depends on the part and whether valid test reports already exist. When acceptable tyre, battery, lubricant or component reports are available, a PCoC can often be arranged quickly; if fresh testing is required, the laboratory turnaround is the main variable. Send your product details and reports and we will give you a specific quote and timeline at no cost. See our SABER certificate cost guide.
Which automotive products and HS codes does this cover?
The framework covers tyres (HS 4011), automotive batteries (HS 8507), lubricants and engine oils (HS 2710), filters, brake parts, safety glass, lamps and general spare parts (HS 8708), and vehicles themselves. The precise HS code determines the applicable Technical Regulation, so we confirm the correct classification during assessment.
Do automotive parts need special marking to clear Saudi customs?
Often, yes. Many parts must carry clear manufacturer identity and part marking, and some categories are subject to anti-counterfeit checks at import. We confirm the marking and labelling your specific product requires so a shipment is not held over identity or traceability.