For exporters targeting the Saudi Arabian market, SABER certification costs are a critical part of financial and logistics planning.
There is no fixed total cost, as fees depend heavily on product type, risk level, testing needs, and certification path. Understanding each cost component helps companies avoid surprises and plan accurately.
| Cost Component | Description | Reference Range (General Products) |
|---|---|---|
| Official Certificate Fees | Fixed SASO government charges via SABER system. | PC: 575 SAR / product / HS code SC: 402.5 SAR / shipment |
| Product Testing Fees | Laboratory testing to obtain compliant reports — the most variable cost. | ~ $550 – $7,000+ USD Higher for complex or high-risk items. |
| Agent Service Fees | Charged by authorized agencies handling application submission. | ~ $140 – $280 USD |
| Factory Audit Fees | Applicable to high-risk categories requiring on-site inspection. | ~ $550 – $1,000 USD |
Note: Costs may vary slightly based on selected Certification Body (CB), product complexity, and lab testing requirements.
(e.g., basic toys, household items, textiles)
→ Total cost range: $300 – $2,000 USD
→ Typically requires basic testing and document review only.
(e.g., most electrical appliances, consumer electronics, children’s toys)
→ Total cost range: $500 – $5,000 USD
→ Requires detailed testing and possibly CB verification.
(e.g., automotive parts, construction materials, food contact items, playground equipment)
→ Total cost range: $2,000 – $28,000+ USD
→ Includes factory audits and multiple standard tests.
Example: A basic automotive part might cost ~$2,200 USD, but complex components like seat belts or bumpers may exceed $25,000 USD due to specialized testing.
Use your product’s Saudi HS Code in the SABER system to confirm:
Risk level
Required certification model (Type 1a, Type 3, or Type 5)
Whether factory inspection or extra testing applies
If your product already has international test reports, such as:
CB Test Report / Certificate (IECEE Scheme)
GCC or ISO reports
These can often be converted or partially accepted, reducing testing costs by 30–70%.
PC Certificate: Valid for 1 year, reusable for the same product and importer.
SC Certificate: Required for each shipment, but much lower cost.
Remember: Each PC is linked to one importer. Switching importers requires a new PC application.
1️⃣ Undertaking Letters Removed — Only valid SABER certificates (PC + SC) are accepted for customs clearance.
2️⃣ Digitalization Increased — All payments and applications are online through SABER.
3️⃣ Testing Integration — More products now require test data uploaded directly by SASO-accredited labs.
These updates mean exporters must plan testing and document submission well before shipment to avoid port delays and demurrage costs.
Q1: Can I apply for SABER certification myself as an exporter?
No. Only Saudi importers can submit official applications on the SABER system. Exporters provide the required documents.
Q2: What’s the cheapest way to pass SABER?
Use existing CB/IECEE reports where applicable and choose a 1-year PC to minimize repeat costs.
Q3: Are all factory audits conducted in person?
Not always. Some Certification Bodies offer remote audits for certain product types.
Q4: Why do some products cost over $20,000 USD?
Because of complex testing, multiple model variants, and mandatory factory audits required for high-risk or regulated categories (like automotive or construction).
Q5: How can BLUEASIA assist?
BLUEASIA provides cost optimization consulting, helps verify product category & HS code, and connects clients with recognized SASO labs to minimize redundant testing.
Website: www.blueasialabs.com
Email: king.guo@cblueasia.com
Phone: +86 13534225140
BLUEASIA — Your trusted partner for Saudi Arabia SABER, IECEE, and GCC certification consulting.
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