SASO Certificate of Conformity – An Overview

Aspect Details
What is SASO Certificate of Conformity? Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization is known as SASO. SASO Certificate of Conformity validates the quality of imported goods in line with Saudi standards and regulations for safety, quality, and environmental compliance.
Benefits

Benefits of product certification in Saudi Arabia include the following:

  • Guaranteed Market Access
  • Boost Consumer Confidence
  • Competitive Advantage
  • Support Sustainability Goals
  • Strengthened Brand Reputation
Types

Types of SASO Certificate of Conformity include the following:

  • Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)
  • Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)
  • Self-Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)
  • Energy Efficiency Certificate (EEC)
  • Gulf Conformity Mark (G Mark)
  • Specialty Certificates
Who is eligible?

The following are eligible for SASO Certificate of Conformity:

  • Importers with valid Commercial Registration (CR)
  • Local representatives of global manufacturers
Documents required

Various documents are required for SASO Certification for Saudi Arabia, some of which include the following:

  • Valid Commercial Registration (CR) Certificate
  • Test Reports from ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Lab
  • Bill of Materials (BoM) - Product components
  • Quality Management System Certificate
  • Certificate of Origin
How can Enterslice help you with SASO Certificate of Conformity?

As your consultant, Enterslice can help you with the following:

  • Initial Review
  • Product Assessment to Select Relevant Certifications
  • End-to-end Document Support
  • Liaising with SASO-accredited labs
  • Filing and Submitting Application

Expand Your Global Reach with SASO Certificate of Conformity

Secure SASO Certificate of Conformity with expert consultants of Enterslice present in Saudi Arabia. Apply for the certificate from anywhere.

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What is SASO Certification for Saudi Arabia? 

Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, known as SASO, is the national authority of Saudi Arabia. It is responsible for setting and enforcing product standards, as well as metrology and quality control. A SASO Certification is required for businesses seeking to import regulated goods into the Kingdom. Some of the regulated goods that demand a SASO Certificate of Conformity include electronics, auto parts, textiles, building materials, food and cosmetics.

Since February 2020, businesses have been mandated to obtain this certificate through the SABER electronic system. Two key certificates facilitated through this online platform include a Product CoC (before market entry) and a Shipment CoC (for each shipment). This process ensures that imported goods entering the Saudi Arabian market fulfil regulatory requirements and are safe for use.

Mandatory Compliance for Imports

Facilitates PCoC & SCoC

Online Process via SABER System

Conformity Assessment Must

Boosts Safety & Quality

Customs & Market Access

Types of Product Certification in Saudi Arabia

Imported goods must obtain the relevant types of product certification in Saudi Arabia to ensure compliance with the Kingdom's safety, quality and environmental standards. Types of certifications include the following:

PCoC

Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)

PCoC is a type of SASO Certificate of Conformity that is mandatory for all the regulated products imported into the Kingdom. This certificate is issued through the SABER platform, ensuring the product's compliance with SASO technical regulations. It is valid for one year from the date of issuance of the certificate.

SCoC

Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)

SCoC is the mandatory SASO Certification for Saudi Arabia. It is required for every shipment of regulated products entering Saudi Arabia, helping confirm the presence of a valid PCoC. SCoC is mandated to facilitate customs clearance and maintain consistency across multiple consignments.

SDoC

Self Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)

Self-Declaration of Conformity is another type of product certification in Saudi Arabia that applies to low-risk, non-regulated items. SDoC is a simple process, and the certification must be obtained through the SABER platform. However, importers must ensure product safety and adhere to the compliance requirements with all the relevant standards.

EEC

Energy Efficiency Certificate (EEC)

The Energy Efficiency Certificate is another type of SASO Certificate of Conformity that must be obtained for products, including refrigerators and ACs. EEC facilitates product compliance with the energy-efficiency regulations of SASO. This certification is responsible for supporting sustainability goals and reducing electricity consumption.

G Mark

Gulf Conformity Mark (G Mark)

Gulf Conformity Mark is another type of product certification in Saudi Arabia. While G-Mark is not a SASO certificate, it is a certification scheme related to the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). Products such as low-voltage devices that fall under GCC technical regulations must obtain a G-Mark certificate to facilitate compliance with Gulf safety standards. This certificate is essential for businesses to access the GCC markets.

Specialty Certificates

Specialty Certificates

Different Specialty Certificates are required to import specific goods into Saudi Arabia. Products such as EV chargers, trailers, biodegradable plastics, lifting equipment, and IECEE-regulated goods must obtain the relevant Speciality Certificates to ensure compliance with the regulatory, environmental, and technical safety norms mandated for imports to the Kingdom.

How to Get SASO Certificate of Conformity?

Businesses seeking to import goods must follow the procedure for obtaining a SASO Certificate of Conformity. While the procedure is structured, a detailed step-by-step process of the SASO CoC is given below:

Register Product on SABER

The first step in the process of the SASO Certificate of Conformity is to create a SABER account. Once the account is created, the importers must enter the product details, HS code, and classification - regulated or non regulated to complete the registration process.

Select a SASO-approved CAB

The next step in the process of SASO Certification for Saudi Arabia requires importers to select a Conformity Assessment Body to manage comprehensive sampling, testing, and documentation review in accordance with technical regulations.

Conduct Testing & Conformity Assessment

The next step in the process of product certification in Saudi Arabia mandates accredited labs to inspect the factory, sample products and conduct tests. This is a must to ensure compliance with SASO technical requirements.

Obtain Product CoC

The next step in the process to obtain SASO Certification for Saudi Arabia, after a successful assessment, requires CAB to issue a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC). The PCoC, which is issued through SABER is valid for a period of one year.

Issue Shipment CoC and Ship

The last step in the process for the SASO Certificate of Conformity requires the importers to add shipment details for each consignment, followed by CAB reviews to finally issue a Shipment CoC needed for customs clearance.

Timeline to Obtain SASO Certification for Saudi Arabia

Obtaining SASO Certification for Saudi Arabia is a stepwise process. However, depending on the product category, documentation, testing, and approval time by Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), it may take up to 30 working days to obtain. Details of the time taken by each step to obtain SASO CoC are given below:

SABER Portal Registration: 2 to 3 Working Days

Creating an importer account and registering products on the SABER digital portal usually takes between 2 and 3 working days to complete.

Product Classification & Technical Document Review: 4 to 5 Working Days

Uploading product details, HS codes, photos, user manuals, and labelling information, along with product classification and document evaluation, takes about 4 to 5 working days to complete.

Lab Testing & Evaluation by CAB: 10 to 15 Working Days

Testing of product samples at ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs, conducting SASO-approved CAB reviews and other compliance requirements takes 10 to 15 working days to complete.

Issuance of Product CoC (PCoC): 3 to 4 Working Days

Once the verification is completed successfully, issuance of a Product Certificate of Conformity by CAB takes 3 to 4 working days to complete.

Shipment CoC (SCoC) Issuance: 3 to 5 Working Days

Managing invoice and packing list-based approval for each shipment, as well as issuing the Shipment CoC and customs clearance, takes 3 to 5 working days to complete.

Documents Required for Product Certification in Saudi Arabia

Documents required for product certification in Saudi Arabia, including those for PCoC & SCoC, include the following:

Valid Commercial Registration (CR) Certificate

Product Technical File - Description, specifications, user manuals & images

Test Reports from ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Lab

Bill of Materials (BoM) - Product components

Quality Management System Certificate

Packing List and Commercial Invoice

Certificate of Origin

Labeling and Marking Details - Arabic labeling, SASO mark & EEL

Declaration of Conformity - Non-regulated products

Shipment Details (for SCoC) - Airway bill or bill of lading, shipment quantity & value.

Who is Eligible for the SASO Certificate of Conformity?

Registered Saudi importers who have a valid Commercial Registration (CR) and global manufacturers through their local representatives are eligible to apply for the SASO Certificate of Conformity through the SABER portal. The SASO CoC is mandatory for regulated high-risk products, including electronics, chemicals, auto parts, toys, building materials, and food items.

Non-regulated goods can provide a self-declaration instead. Local distributors and e-commerce vendors involved in bulk imports are also mandated to obtain a SASO Certificate of Conformity. However, personal shipments under SAR 1,000, military and defence items, pharmaceuticals, and used goods are exempt from SASO CoC but may still require other approvals.

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Benefits of SASO Certificate of Conformity

The SASO Certificate of Conformity is a crucial benchmark, ensuring that imported products meet the technical, safety, quality, and environmental standards of Saudi Arabia. Products with SASO certification find it easy to manage customs clearance. Some of the key benefits of SASO certification include the following:

SASO certificate

Guaranteed Market Access

Products with a SASO Certificate of Conformity find it easier to enter the Saudi Arabian market. The SASO CoC facilitates seamless customs clearance, avoiding delays, rejections, and legal complications. This certificate enables the products to have uninterrupted access to the Saudi market, whereas products that fail to obtain an SASO CoC are not permitted to clear Saudi customs.

Boost Consumer Confidence

SASO Certificate of Conformity helps boost consumer confidence in imported products. Products with SASO CoC are considered safe and reliable for use in Saudi Arabia. This certificate boosts goodwill, brand reputation, and sales by meeting the quality and safety compliance set by the Kingdom.

Regulatory Compliance & Fewer Penalties

One of the key benefits of product certification in Saudi Arabia is that it minimizes the risks associated with product sales in the Saudi market through compliance requirements. SASO CoC also reduces the risks of fines, recalls, shipment rejections, and legal penalties. It facilitates alignment with Saudi technical regulations, lowering working expenses and interruptions.

Competitive Advantage

Exporters who have obtained a SASO Certificate of Conformity for their products demonstrate their commitment to quality and safety, thereby gaining a competitive market edge in Saudi Arabia. SASO CoC helps such products strengthen their brand positioning and attract more customers against non certified competitors.

Facilitate International Trade

SASO Certification for Saudi Arabia serves as a compliance passport for products seeking global market opportunities. SASO CoC-compliant products are of high quality and can easily be expanded into the GCC and other markets. This certification reduces the burden of repetitive testing and certification, saving time, effort, and money.

Support Sustainability Goals

Product certification in Saudi Arabia subjects products to rigorous testing, which applies to those seeking energy efficiency and environmental impact. Such products encourage sustainable manufacturing processes that align with Saudi Arabia’s green initiatives.

Strengthened Brand Reputation

SASO Certificate of Conformity plays a pivotal role in boosting the brand image of the compliant products. SASO CoC requires products to meet all the compliance requirements and adhere to high international standards. The SASO Quality Mark serves as a qualification for businesses to earn quality awards, increasing their reputation both locally and globally.

Operational Efficiency & Cost Savings

Another significant benefit of the SASO Certificate of Conformity is that the verified SABER process reduces delays in importing the products and avoids documentation errors. This process saves cost, time, effort and money for importers and exporters by utilizing the resources, reducing waste, and avoiding penalties.

Prerequisites for SASO Certification for Saudi Arabia

  • Saudi Commercial Registration (CR) :- Importers or local representatives of foreign manufacturers seeking a SASO Certificate of Conformity must hold a valid Saudi CR and register an account on SABER.
  • Product Classification (HS Code) :- SASO Certification for Saudi Arabia requires classifying the product as regulated, non-regulated, or exempt based on its Harmonised System code through the SABER portal.
  • Technical Documentation & Lab Tests :- Product certification in Saudi Arabia requires ISO/IEC 17025 accredited lab test reports, specifications, photos, manuals, and quality certificates for submission.
  • Enrolment with SASO-approved CAB :- It is essential to involve a SASO-authorized conformity assessment body to conduct product inspection, testing, and documentation review.
  • Shipment Documents Prepared :- The SASO Certificate of Conformity requires a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, or airway bill to be ready for submission to obtain a Shipment CoC.

Why is SASO Certification for Saudi Arabia Important?

Saudi Arabia is stringent about product quality and has enforced strict compliance measures to ensure that products in the local market meet quality, environmental, and safety standards. SASO Certification for Saudi Arabia facilitates adherence to standards for both imported and locally manufactured products. SASO CoC for regulated goods is mandatory and must be obtained through the SABER platform.

SASO Certification for Saudi Arabia is crucial for importers to ensure that imported products are cleared by Saudi customs, which helps reduce delays, rejections, and fines. SASO CoC is an assurance for Saudi consumers validating the safety and quality of the products for consumption. This certificate also aligns with the national goal of energy efficiency and helps boost the brand credibility of the products in the local and GCC markets. Another significant reason for SASO CoC is that it aligns businesses with Saudi Vision 2030 by encouraging compliant, sustainable, and high-quality trade practices.

Services for SASO Certificate of Conformity by Enterslice

Enterslice has the expertise to handle comprehensive SASO Certification for Saudi Arabia. Our SASO CoC experts provide a range of services to help clients manage the complex compliance requirements outlined in the Saudi Technical Regulations and Saudi Standards. Our services depend on the nature of the product.

  • Initial Review
  • Product Assessment to Select Relevant Certifications
  • End-to-end Document Support
  • Assistance to Collect the Required Documents
  • Product Testing & Inspection Support
  • Liaising with SASO-accredited labs
  • Helping Conduct Tests & Inspections
  • Filing and Submitting Application
  • Filing Certification Application Forms
  • Compliance Review
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Why Enterslice for SASO Certificate of Conformity?

Enterslice is a trusted partner for SASO Certificate of Conformity. We have the expertise in handling the complex SASO certification requirements. Our professional consultants help global entrepreneurs enter the Saudi Arabian and GCC markets by successfully meeting the complex SASO compliance requirements. Our comprehensive solutions and advisory services have helped local importers and foreign exporters enter the markets without any legal and regulatory hassles.

  • Facilitate product registration on SABER platform
  • Help classify products as regulated or non-regulated
  • Offer assistance with technical file documentation preparation
  • Coordinate product testing with ISO/IEC 17025 labs
  • Liaise with SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Bodies
  • Offer labelling and packaging guidelines & compliance rules advisory
  • Manage the issuance of the Product Certificate of Conformity
  • Handle Shipment Certificate documentation & approvals
  • Offer recommendations on the export to Saudi Arabia rules
  • Ensure compliance with SASO certification standards

Frequently Asked Questions on SASO Certificate of Conformity

Have a look at the following answers to the most asked questions:

A SASO Certificate of Conformity is a certification issued to products imported into Saudi Arabia. This certificate provides assurance to customers that the products entering the local market have undergone a thorough inspection and have been tested to ensure compliance with the technical norms of the Kingdom.

A SASO Certificate of Conformity can only be issued by an authorized and SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Body (CAB). However, the SASO certificate is issued only after the product has been thoroughly evaluated to ensure its compliance with Saudi technical regulations through the SABER platform.

SASO Certification for Saudi Arabia is important to ensure the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance of imported goods with the local technical regulations. The SASO CoC plays a crucial role in obtaining customs clearance for products, which in turn facilitates their legal entry into the local Saudi market.

Global businesses and exporters seeking to export to Saudi Arabia regulations must follow the exhaustive process diligently. The process for obtaining the SASO CoC certificate mandates product registration on SABER, selecting an SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Body (CAB), undergoing product testing, and, after successful evaluation, obtaining the certificate for each shipment and product category. If you want to learn more about how to get a SASO certificate, contact our SASO consultants at Enterslice now.

Various businesses, including importers, manufacturers, and exporters selling regulated goods in Saudi Arabia, are mandated to obtain a SASO certificate. SASO Certification for Saudi Arabia is important for product certification, ensuring compliance with technical regulations and customs requirements. SASO CoC allows products to enter the Saudi market without any legal hassles. This certificate assures the customers of product safety and quality.

Anyone seeking a SASO CoC must do so through SABER, an online platform for applying for a SASO Certificate of Conformity. As a digital platform, SABER has streamlined the registration process, facilitating product approval and helping issue shipment certification for exporters and importers without legal hassles and undue delays.

Various regulated products must fulfil the compliance requirements of SASO Certification for Saudi Arabia to enter the Saudi market. Some of the regulated products that must obtain SASO CoC before export or sale include electronics, machinery, cosmetics, toys, building materials, and household appliances.

SASO Certificate of Conformity is an exhaustive and stepwise process. Depending on the product category, documentation, and assessment by CAB, it takes up to 30 working days to obtain the certificate.

No, a SASO Certificate of Conformity is not required for all products. However, regulated products listed under Saudi technical regulations must obtain a SASO CoC to enter the Saudi market. On the other hand, non-regulated products need a self-declaration through the SABER platform for export to Saudi Arabia.

Yes, foreign manufacturers are eligible to apply for SASO Certification for Saudi Arabia. However, they must do so through an authorized Saudi importer or local representative by registering on SABER and working with a SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Body (CAB). Want to know more about how to get the SASO Certificate? Contact Enterslice today.

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