The SALEEM program launched by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) and its core operational platform – SABER – are essential hurdles your products must clear to enter the Saudi market. All products sold in Saudi Arabia must pass this certification to ensure compliance with local quality, safety, environmental, and other standards and regulations.
The SABER certification system primarily revolves around two core certificates:
·Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC): This is the product's "market access permit," proving the product's design and specifications comply with Saudi technical regulations. This certificate is typically valid for one year.
·Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC): This is the "customs clearance pass" for each shipment, proving the goods match the registered PCoC description. This certificate requires a separate application for every shipment.
2025 Key Mandatory New Regulations:
Effective January 1, 2025, all shipments to Saudi Arabia must have both a valid PCoC and SCoC issued through the SABER platform. It is especially critical to note that the SCoC certificate must be applied for and obtained before the goods arrive at the port. Certificates applied for post-arrival will be deemed invalid, directly causing customs clearance failure and potentially incurring fines, port detention fees, and other extra costs, typically borne by the importer.
2025 Key SASO Certified Product Standard Updates:
Beyond general rules, SASO continuously updates technical standards for specific product areas. Here are important 2025 developments to note:
1.Lighting Energy Efficiency Standard Upgrade (SASO 2902:2018/AMD2:2023)
This new standard for luminaires became mandatory on March 31, 2025. Key updates include:
·Expanded Product Scope: Explicitly covers linear extendable LED modules (e.g., LED strips), requiring rated power and luminous flux declarations per 1 meter.
·New Exempt Products: Clearly exempts RGB luminaires not primarily for lighting, floor lamps, table lamps, wall lamps, and most pendant lights.
·Energy Label Upgrade: SASO has canceled all energy efficiency certificates and labels non-compliant with the new standard. Relevant companies must complete registration and updates promptly.
2.Electronic Equipment Environmental & Compatibility Requirements
·Phase 1 (Starting Jan 1, 2025): Covers mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones, portable speakers, etc.
·Phase 2 (Starting Apr 1, 2026): Extends to laptops.
Relevant products need to submit SASO IEC 62368-1:2020 safety standard test reports and a Conformity Self-Declaration for charging port performance.
·RoHS Regulation Update: Saudi Arabia is revising its RoHS regulations, planning to restrict 10 hazardous substances, aligning with EU RoHS. The new rules emphasize providing Arabic safety instructions and complete technical documentation, mandating manufacturers, importers, and distributors to keep technical files and Declarations of Conformity for at least ten years.
·Unified Charging Port (USB Type-C): Saudi Arabia has begun phasing in the mandatory use of USB Type-C as the unified charging port for electronic devices.
3.Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Technical Regulation: The EMC technical regulation issued by SASO took effect on May 15, 2024, covering a range of product standards, including SASO CISPR 32.
SASO Certification Newly Controlled Product List & Special Requirements:
SASO continuously adds more product categories to its control. Here are products newly added in 2025 – pay close attention:
·Starting July 24, 2025, newly controlled products include Personal Protective Equipment, paper products, detergents, and Communication & IT equipment. Relevant products have a 30-day transition period, after which they must comply with technical regulations and obtain certificates via SABER.
·Starting September 15, 2025, new regulatory requirements apply to steel products, aluminum products, and optical fiber cables. Importers must attach an Arabic declaration approved by the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MoIMR) when applying for the SCoC on the SABER platform. Failure to submit this declaration will prevent obtaining the SCoC certificate.
Practical Strategies for Efficient SASO Certification:
1.Plan Ahead & Manage Time:
·PCoC First: Initiate PCoC certification well before production or shipment, allowing ample time for potential testing and document preparation (often takes weeks).
·Strict SCoC Timeline Adherence: Reiterating, the SCoC must be applied for after shipment but before port arrival. Maintain close communication with freight forwarders to promptly obtain and submit documents like the Bill of Lading.
2.Ensure Document Compliance:
·Arabic is Mandatory: All submitted technical documents, especially user manuals, safety warnings, and product labels, must have professional Arabic translations.
·Choose a Conformity Assessment Body (CB): SABER platform operation is primarily handled by Saudi importers. For exporters, partnering with a SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Body (CB) is crucial. They provide expert guidance, assist in preparing compliant test reports and technical files, and help navigate potential risks.
3.Stay Updated on Standards & Product Specifics:
·Saudi technical regulations update frequently. Beyond those mentioned, new draft standards for appliance energy efficiency (e.g., SASO 2892:2025, SASO 2885:2025) have been released and warrant attention.
·Certification schemes may differ by product. For instance, textiles and auto parts may accept grouped conformity assessment, allowing similar products under one PCoC, reducing the number of certificates needed and simplifying the process.
We hope this summary, incorporating the latest 2025 policies, provides a solid and valuable foundation for your content creation. If you have more detailed questions about certifying specific product categories (e.g., chemical products, building materials), BLUEASIA is happy to provide further information. BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140, will provide you with professional certification consulting services!
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