In 2026, the cost of SASO 2938:2019 certification is not just for a "piece of paper"—it covers a professional service process that guarantees customs clearance. The pricing structure is transparent, but highly variable based on product specifics. Below is a clear breakdown of where your money goes, and why a "one-size-fits-all quote" is impossible.
Total costs fall into three core categories, ordered by their share of the total budget:
Tier 1 (Largest Share: 60–70%): Product Testing Fees
This is the single biggest expense, covering:
·Accredited laboratory testing: Your product (e.g., in-vehicle radio) must be tested at a SASO-accredited laboratory in full compliance with SASO 2938—with mandatory DAB+ digital broadcast reception performance testing as the core requirement. These laboratories are scarce globally with strong technical exclusivity, driving up costs.
·2026 New Reality: Due to Saudi Arabia’s stricter DAB+ performance requirements, initial testing failure rates are high. Reputable providers now recommend a pre-test or design evaluation to identify issues before official submission. While this adds a small upfront cost (a few thousand RMB), it avoids costly official testing failures (retest fees can exceed 10,000 RMB)—making it a cost-saving measure overall.
Approximate Cost: Official testing fees start at 15,000 to 30,000 RMB based on product complexity. For advanced products (e.g., in-vehicle head units with integrated screens and multi-mode reception), costs are uncapped.
Tier 2 (Middle Share: 20–30%): Certification Consulting & Service Fees
This fee is paid to your contracted certification body or agent, covering:
·Document compilation and localization (formatting technical documents/user manuals to Saudi requirements, and professional Arabic translation).
·Saber Platform operations (submitting applications, responding to audits, and obtaining PCoC/SCoC certificates under your Saudi importer’s account).
·Liaison and follow-up (acting as the bridge between you, Saudi auditors, and testing laboratories for all professional communications).
·Pricing Variability: Large international bodies charge a premium (starting at 20,000 RMB), while mid-sized agents with deep Middle East experience typically quote 10,000 to 15,000 RMB. The price difference reflects experience, efficiency, and risk management capabilities.
Tier 3 (Smallest Share: 10%): Fixed Administrative & Miscellaneous Fees
These are small but mandatory one-time or recurring costs:
·Saudi official fees: SASO certificate issuance fees and Saber Platform usage fees (a fixed few thousand RMB).
·Logistics and travel: International shipping for samples to overseas laboratories (round-trip if needed); travel fees if witness testing is required.
·Local notarization and agency fees: Notarization for certain documents in Saudi Arabia, and a small service fee from your Saudi importer.
Key Factors Shaping 2026 SASO 2938:2019 Certification Quotes
1. Product Complexity Is the Primary Driver
·Simple devices: A basic portable DAB+ radio with limited functionality has fewer test items and lower costs.
·Complex systems: An intelligent in-vehicle head unit with AM/FM/DAB+/web radio and integrated screens has exponentially higher testing complexity—costs can easily double.
2. "Family Certification" Saves Significant Costs
If you offer a series of products with similar functionality (only minor differences in appearance or non-critical parameters, e.g., a radio in black and white), you can apply for family certification: conduct full testing on a base model, and only difference testing on derivative models. This drastically reduces per-product certification costs—if your provider has the expertise to structure the application correctly.
3. Provider Reliability Justifies a Premium
A provider offering an unrealistically low quote (e.g., "all-inclusive for 10,000 RMB") poses significant risks: using unrecognized laboratories (undermining certificate validity), poor process control (leading to customs detainment), or hidden fees after the initial quote. A higher-priced provider that clearly explains 2026 audit priorities (e.g., document traceability, real-time QR code synchronization) is truly helping you mitigate risks.
2026 Guide to Requesting a SASO 2938:2019 Certification Quote
Stop asking for a generic "certification cost"—request quotes like a professional buyer with these steps:
1.Prepare a detailed product profile: Compile technical specifications, circuit schematics, user manuals, and clear internal/external product photos. The more detailed the information, the more accurate the quote.
2.Ask the three "critical questions" to certification bodies:
·"Based on my product information, provide a detailed itemized quote and specify the accredited laboratory for testing." (Verifies laboratory quality and transparency)
·"Does the total fee include pre-test/evaluation services, Saber Platform operations, document translation, and all official fees? What potential additional costs are not included?" (Avoids hidden fees)
·"How does your service plan address the 2026 latest audit trends from Saudi customs and the Saber Platform (e.g., strict DAB+ testing, document traceability)?" (Validates their professionalism and timeliness)
3.Compare and decide: Obtain 3–4 detailed proposals, and do not evaluate based solely on total cost. Consider laboratory accreditation, projected timeline, solutions for key challenges, and the provider’s professionalism and transparency in communication. Choose the partner who demonstrates a clear understanding of your risks and challenges.
In 2026, SASO 2938 certification costs are essentially a technical compliance guarantee and risk mitigation investment. A professional service provider uses their experience and resources to shield you from the massive commercial risks of detained or rejected shipments at Saudi customs.
The real calculation is not "how much does the certificate cost", but "the total cost of obtaining a valid certificate quickly and smoothly to ensure on-time customs clearance". We hope this detailed breakdown clarifies the pricing dynamics for you. If you have specific product information, BLUEASIA at +86 13534225140 offers professional certification consulting services.
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