Saudi Arabia SASO Quality Mark (SQM) - Overview

The Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) is a key certification program that verifies both product compliance and manufacturing consistency for regulated goods entering the Saudi market. By combining product testing, factory audits, and ongoing surveillance, the program ensures that certified products maintain high standards of quality and safety.

For manufacturers and exporters, obtaining SQM certification can support smoother market access, reduce regulatory barriers, and demonstrate a strong commitment to compliance with Saudi standards.

1. Purpose and Scope

Saudi Arabia operates the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM), a conformity assessment program established by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) to verify that products meet national quality and safety requirements.

The SQM is a certification scheme applied to specific regulated products, confirming that they comply with applicable Saudi standards and relevant international requirements.

Unlike shipment-based certification, SQM focuses on both the product and the manufacturing process, ensuring consistent quality through ongoing compliance checks, testing, and factory audits.

The program supports market access by allowing certified products to be placed on the Saudi market with demonstrated compliance and quality assurance.

2. Government Authority

The SQM program is administered by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), which is responsible for developing and enforcing product standards in Saudi Arabia.

SASO authorizes approved certification bodies, such as international inspection and certification organizations, to conduct product evaluation, factory audits, and certification activities.

These authorized bodies assess whether manufacturers meet the necessary requirements for obtaining and maintaining the Saudi Quality Mark.

3. Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) Certificate and Marking

The Saudi Quality Mark is granted to products that demonstrate compliance with applicable standards and are manufactured under controlled production conditions.

The mark is applied directly to products or packaging and serves as official evidence that the product meets Saudi regulatory requirements.

SQM certification is typically issued as a license to use the mark and remains valid for a defined period, subject to ongoing surveillance and compliance monitoring.

Products bearing the SQM benefit from simplified market access procedures and increased acceptance by regulatory authorities.

4. Products Subject to SQM

The SQM program applies to a range of regulated product categories where consistent quality and safety are critical.

Examples of product groups include:

• gas appliances and related accessories

• construction materials such as cement and ready-mix concrete

• steel and iron products

• ceramic tiles

• aluminum composite panels

• electrical accessories such as plugs, sockets, and extension cords

In some cases, SQM certification is mandatory for specific product categories, such as gas appliances, where products must carry the mark to be allowed into the Saudi market.

For other product categories, certification may be voluntary but still beneficial for demonstrating compliance and quality.

5. Conformity Assessment Process

To obtain the Saudi Quality Mark, manufacturers must complete a structured certification process through an authorized body.

Step 1 – Application Submission

The manufacturer submits an application through the SASO system along with product and company documentation.

Step 2 – Document Review

Technical documentation, including test reports and quality management system certifications (such as ISO standards), is reviewed to confirm compliance.

Step 3 – Factory Audit

An on-site audit is conducted to evaluate the manufacturing process and quality control systems to ensure consistent production.

Step 4 – Testing and Evaluation

Products are tested against applicable Saudi standards to verify conformity with safety and performance requirements.

Step 5 – Certification Decision

Following successful evaluation, SASO grants a license allowing the manufacturer to use the Saudi Quality Mark.

Step 6 – Surveillance

Periodic audits and product checks are carried out to ensure ongoing compliance and maintain certification validity.

6. Certification Approach

The SQM program is based on a product certification and factory control model rather than shipment-by-shipment verification.

Key features include:

• certification linked to the manufacturer and production process

• ongoing surveillance audits to maintain compliance

• continuous monitoring of product quality

• reduced need for repeated shipment certification for approved products

This approach ensures long-term consistency in product quality and compliance.

7. Objectives of the Program

The Saudi Quality Mark program aims to achieve several key objectives:

• Consumer protection: ensuring products meet safety and quality standards

• Quality assurance: maintaining consistent manufacturing and product performance

• Market confidence: increasing trust in certified products

• Trade facilitation: simplifying market access for compliant goods

• Regulatory enforcement: ensuring adherence to Saudi standards and technical regulations

How SANTIQ Can Assist

SANTIQ supports manufacturers and exporters in obtaining the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) by leveraging our global network of accredited certification, inspection, and testing partners. We assist with documentation review, product testing, factory audits, and coordination with authorized bodies to ensure full compliance with SASO requirements. Our approach helps streamline the certification process, maintain ongoing compliance through surveillance, and enable efficient access to the Saudi market.