SABER is Saudi Arabia’s mandatory online conformity assessment system, managed by SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization).
It ensures all imported goods comply with local technical regulations, safety, and performance standards before entering the Saudi market.
The SABER process consists of two main stages — obtaining a Product Certificate (PC) and a Shipment Certificate (SC).
The PC certificate confirms your product complies with the relevant Saudi standards.
Who Applies:
The Saudi importer is responsible for the application through the SABER platform.
Exporter/Manufacturer Responsibilities:
You’ll need to provide the importer with the required documentation, including:
Product test report (issued by a SASO-approved lab)
Product and label photos
Manufacturer’s business license and related qualification documents
Application Steps:
1️⃣ Importer registers product information and selects a Certification Body (CB) on the SABER platform.
2️⃣ Uploads all necessary technical documents for review.
3️⃣ Upon approval, the PC certificate is issued online.
Validity: 1 year — reusable for multiple shipments of the same product.
The SC certificate is required for every shipment and must link to a valid PC.
Application Timing: Before shipment.
Required Documents:
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading
Application Steps:
1️⃣ Importer submits SC application on SABER.
2️⃣ System verifies PC validity automatically.
3️⃣ Payment and issuance of SC online.
Validity: One shipment only — must reapply for each batch.
| Certificate / Stage | Estimated Timeline | Key Factors / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PC Certificate (Basic Review) | ~5–10 business days | Depends on product type and CB review speed |
| Small Appliances / Auto Parts (incl. testing) | ~2–4 weeks | Includes product testing |
| Products Requiring Additional Certs (IECEE, GCC) | 4–6 weeks | May require prior certifications |
| High-Risk Products (factory audit) | ~15+ business days | Construction materials, batteries, PPE |
| SC Certificate | ~1–3 business days | Quick approval if documents are complete |
1️⃣ Undertaking Letters Are No Longer Accepted
→ From Jan 1, 2025, all products must go through the SABER system. Applying for SC after shipment arrival will result in rejection.
2️⃣ Factory Audit for High-Risk Products
→ Applies to construction materials, paints, PPE, batteries, etc.
3️⃣ Additional Certification Requirements
→
Electrical/Electronic Products: Need CB Report → IECEE recognition.
Gulf Market Products: May need GCC Certification before SABER PC.
✅ Start preparation 1–2 months before shipment to avoid clearance delays.
✅ Always verify the latest SASO standards before testing.
✅ Use authorized labs for test reports — only SASO-recognized reports are valid.
✅ Choose PC validity of 1 year for ongoing export business to save time and cost.
Q1: How long does SABER certification take?
Depending on product type, PC takes 1–4 weeks, while SC usually takes 1–3 days.
Q2: Can exporters apply for SABER directly?
No. Only Saudi importers registered in the SABER system can initiate the application.
Q3: Is a factory audit always required?
Only for high-risk products, such as construction materials, batteries, and PPE.
Q4: What happens if my shipment arrives before SC approval?
Customs clearance will be blocked. SC must be approved before shipment.
Q5: Who can help me handle SABER certification efficiently?
BLUEASIA provides end-to-end consulting, including document preparation, testing coordination, and SABER registration support.
Website: www.blueasialabs.com
Email: king.guo@cblueasia.com
Phone: +86 13534225140
BLUEASIA — Your Trusted Partner for Global Product Certification
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