The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) implements the SALEEM product safety program, a mandatory certification system for all imported products entering the Saudi market. With the implementation of multiple new regulations in 2025, the SASO certification system has undergone significant changes in process, requirements, and scope.
SASO certification is Saudi Arabia's mandatory product certification system, regulated by SASO, ensuring products entering the Saudi market are safe, reliable, and free from defects that could harm consumers or the environment.
Key 2025 Updates:
·Full SABER Certification Implementation: Effective January 1, 2025, all shipments to Saudi Arabia require both a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) issued through the SABER platform. Undertaking Letters are no longer accepted for customs clearance.
·New Controlled Products: From July 24, 2025, products like Personal Protective Equipment, paper products, detergents, and Communication & IT equipment are added to the controlled list.
·Ministry of Industry & Mineral Resources Approval Requirement: Starting September 15, 2025, importing steel products, aluminum products, optical fiber cables, and similar items requires a declaration approved by the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MoIMR).
SASO Certification Applicable Product Scope & Classification:
SASO certification covers a wide range of product categories, primarily managed based on risk level:
·High-Risk Products: Products regulated by Saudi Technical Regulations (TRs), such as children's toys, electrical appliances, auto parts, etc.
·Low-Risk Products: Products not under Saudi TRs, requiring self-declaration based on SASO-approved forms.
2025 Newly Controlled Products:
·Building Materials: Steel products, Aluminum products
·Communications: Optical Fiber Cables
·Personal Protection: Personal Protective Equipment
·Consumer Goods: Paper products, Detergents
SABER Certification Platform Operation Mechanism:
SABER is the electronic portal for Saudi Arabia's product safety program, a platform for registering required shipment documents for controlled and non-controlled products.
Three Key Steps in the SABER System:
1.Product Registration: The importer enters product details into the SABER system.
2.Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC): For controlled products, valid for one year.
3.Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC): Required for all products, needed for each shipment.
Since July 1, 2020, the SABER platform connects with the FASAH system, enabling automatic verification of shipment certificates without the need to print the SCoC.
SASO Certification Process & Timeline:
Complete Certification Process:
1.Determine Product Classification: Confirm if the product is high-risk or low-risk.
2.Select Certification Body: Choose a SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Body (CB).
3.Product Testing: Send samples to an accredited laboratory for testing.
4.Apply for PCoC: Submit test reports and other documents via SABER to obtain the PCoC.
5.Apply for SCoC: Apply for the SCoC through SABER before each shipment.
6.Certificate Issuance: Upon approval, the system issues the respective certificates.
Timeline Analysis:
·Standard Timeline: 10-15 working days (testing + inspection + certification)
·Expedited Service: Testing can be shortened to 3-5 days, but incurs 50%-100% extra fees.
SASO Certification Cost Breakdown:
SASO certification costs vary significantly based on product type, risk level, and certification mode:
1.Product Testing Fees:
·Low-Risk Products (furniture, textiles): CNY 5,000-8,000
·Medium-Risk Products (small appliances, lighting): CNY 8,000-15,000
·High-Risk Products (children's toys, electrical equipment): CNY 15,000-30,000
2.Inspection Fees: Charged on a sliding scale based on FOB value.
·FOB ≤ $200,000: 0.45% × FOB (minimum ~CNY 1,950)
·FOB $200k - $1M: $900 + 0.35% × amount over $200k
·FOB > $1M: $3,500 + 0.1% × amount over $1M
3.Certificate Issuance Fees:
·CoC Certificate (single shipment): CNY 1,500-3,000 each
·Registration Certificate (1-year validity): Company registration $425, Product registration $40/model
·Agency Service Fee: CNY 5,000-15,000 (includes document review, process follow-up)
2025 New Regulation Impact & Response Strategies:
In-Depth Analysis of Regulation Updates:
·RoHS Regulation Update: Saudi Arabia is soliciting feedback on RoHS regulation revisions. The new rules require compliance with limits for 10 hazardous substances and specify procedural obligations for manufacturers, importers, and distributors.
·USB Type-C Mandatory Implementation: Starting January 1, 2025 (Phase 1), Saudi Arabia mandates a unified charging port for electronic devices, requiring submission of SASO IEC 62368-1:2020 test reports and a Conformity Self-Declaration.
·EMC Technical Regulation: The EMC technical regulation issued by SASO took effect on May 15, 2024, covering a range of product standards.
Corporate Response Strategies:
·Plan Certification Time in Advance: Allow at least 15 working days for standard certification, plus buffer time.
·Pay Attention to Special Product Requirements: e.g., LED lights require energy efficiency registration; cosmetics need specific tests.
·Prepare Arabic Documents: User manuals, labels, etc., must be provided in Arabic.
Saudi SASO certification is the mandatory pass for products entering the Saudi market. With the implementation of multiple new regulations in 2025, including full SABER certification, expanded product control scope, and coordinated oversight from various ministries, the certification system has become stricter and more comprehensive. Companies are especially reminded to pay attention to the multiple new rules effective in January, July, and September 2025, as these will directly impact certification strategy and scheduling for relevant products. BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140, will provide you with professional certification consulting services!
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