Saudi Arabia SABER Certification (SALEEM Program) - Overview

Saudi Arabia SABER Certification (SALEEM Program) - Overview

Saudi Arabia’s SABER system is a comprehensive, digital conformity assessment framework that ensures products meet national safety and quality standards before entering the market.

By combining product certification (PCoC), shipment certification (SCoC), and centralized electronic registration, the system provides full regulatory control over imported and locally manufactured goods.

For exporters and manufacturers, understanding SABER requirements and completing all certification steps prior to shipment is essential to avoid delays, ensure compliance, and successfully access the Saudi market.

1. Purpose and Scope

Saudi Arabia operates the SABER certification system under the Saudi Product Safety Program (SALEEM), developed by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). The program is designed to regulate and monitor products entering the Saudi market to ensure they meet safety, quality, and environmental requirements.

SABER is not a single certificate but an electronic platform used to register products and issue conformity certificates required for import and sale in Saudi Arabia.

The system applies to both imported and locally manufactured products, ensuring that all goods placed on the Saudi market comply with applicable technical regulations before reaching consumers.

By digitizing certification and linking regulatory processes, SABER supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by improving product safety, transparency, and trade efficiency.

2. Government Authority

The SABER system is administered by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), which is responsible for developing technical regulations and enforcing compliance for products entering the Saudi market.

To implement the system, SASO authorizes approved Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) to carry out product testing, inspection, and certification activities.

The SABER platform connects importers, manufacturers, and certification bodies in a centralized digital system, enabling product registration, conformity assessment, and certification issuance.

3. SABER Certificates: PCoC and SCoC

SABER certification is based on a two-stage conformity assessment process:

Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)

The PCoC confirms that a product complies with applicable Saudi technical regulations and standards. It is issued after testing, inspection, and document review by an approved certification body.

• Required for regulated (medium and high-risk) products

• Typically valid for one year

• Must be obtained before shipment

Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)

The SCoC is issued for each shipment and confirms that all products in the consignment are compliant.

• Mandatory for every shipment entering Saudi Arabia

• Valid for a single consignment only

• Required for customs clearance

Without a valid SCoC, shipments may be refused entry, delayed, or returned.

4. Product Classification: Regulated vs Non-Regulated

SASO classifies products into different risk categories, which determine certification requirements:

Regulated Products (Medium & High Risk)

• Subject to technical regulations

• Require both PCoC and SCoC

• Must undergo conformity assessment by approved bodies

Non-Regulated Products (Low Risk)

• Require only SCoC

• Can be self-declared through the SABER platform

This classification ensures that higher-risk products undergo stricter compliance procedures before entering the market.

5. Products Covered Under SABER

SABER applies to a wide range of consumer and industrial products regulated under Saudi technical regulations.

Examples include:

• electrical and electronic products

• gas appliances and accessories

• batteries and chargers

• household appliances

• construction-related products

• consumer electronics and smart devices

• textiles, leather, clothing and footwear

• detergents

• lubricating oils

• PPE

• food-contact materials

• machinery

SASO continuously expands the scope of regulated products, meaning exporters must verify requirements before shipment.

6. Conformity Assessment Process

The SABER certification process is fully digital and follows a structured workflow:

Step 1 – Product Registration - The importer registers the product on the SABER platform using HS code and technical details.

Step 2 – Selection of Certification Body - A SASO-approved certification body is selected to perform conformity assessment.

Step 3 – Document Review - Technical documentation, including test reports and product specifications, is submitted and evaluated.

Step 4 – Testing and Verification - Products may undergo laboratory testing and inspection to confirm compliance with relevant standards.

Step 5 – PCoC Issuance - Once compliance is confirmed, the Product Certificate of Conformity is issued through SABER.

Step 6 – Shipment Certification (SCoC) - For each shipment, the system verifies the PCoC and issues an SCoC for customs clearance.

7. SABER Platform and System Integration

The SABER platform acts as a centralized digital hub for product compliance and certification.

Key features include:

• electronic product registration and certification

• storage of technical documents and test reports

• integration with the FASAH customs system for automatic certificate verification

• real-time tracking of certification status

Since integration with FASAH, shipment certificates are verified electronically, eliminating the need for manual submission at customs.

8. Legal Requirements and Compliance

SABER certification is mandatory for importing products into Saudi Arabia.

Key compliance rules include:

• all shipments must have a valid SCoC

• regulated products must have a valid PCoC before shipment

• certification must be completed before goods arrive in Saudi Arabia

• non-compliance can result in delays, penalties, or shipment rejection

Failure to meet SABER requirements can prevent customs clearance and restrict market access.

9. Objectives of the SABER Program

The SABER system is designed to achieve several regulatory and economic objectives:

• Consumer protection: ensuring products are safe and compliant

• Quality assurance: enforcing Saudi technical standards

• Market control: preventing substandard and counterfeit goods

• Trade facilitation: enabling faster customs clearance

• Digital transformation: improving efficiency through electronic processes

By combining regulation with digital infrastructure, SABER strengthens oversight while supporting international trade.

How SANTIQ Can Help

As a SASO Notified Body for SABER Certification across most technical regulations and regions, we provide direct support with Product Certificates of Conformity (PCoC), Shipment Certificates (SCoC), product registration on the SABER platform, and coordination of testing and documentation. Our expertise helps streamline the certification process, ensure full compliance with SASO requirements, and enable fast, reliable access to the Saudi market.