Avoid Import Delays: Master the SABER Certification Process

Is the SABER Certificate a valid document?

In order to bring goods into Saudi Arabia, firms and importers are required to have the SABER Certificate. This is an obligatory requirement. The Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) is the organization that initiated the Saudi Product Safety Program (SALEEM), which includes this as one of its components. The purpose of the SABER system is to guarantee that all items, whether they are imported or created locally, are up to the required quality and safety standards.

In order to establish that they are in accordance with Saudi legislation, firms must receive this certificate. This allows them to have access to the market without having to worry about any legal difficulties.

What are the reasons why the SABER Certificate is so important for your company?

There are many advantages that come with the SABER Certificate for companies, including the following:

Compliance with Saudi Regulations: This ensures that your items are in accordance with the rules of the Saudi Arabian Customs Organization (SASO), hence preventing penalties and fines.
The import procedure is streamlined through the implementation of smooth customs clearance, which reduces waits at Saudi ports.
This demonstrates your dedication to producing items that are both safe and of excellent quality to the market, which in turn increases consumer trust.
The expansion of the market provides legal access to one of the most significant and rapidly expanding marketplaces in the Middle East.
Various Categories of Products That Need to Have the SABER Certificate
Two distinct categories of products are required to be certified under the SABER system. These categories are as follows:

Products That Are Subject To Regulation

All of these goods are subject to the technical regulations that have been established by SASO. Among the examples are:

Air conditioners, refrigerators, and other electronic devices found in the home are examples of electrical appliances.
All toys are required to meet certain safety criteria.
Promoting the use of cosmetics and personal care products in a manner that is safe for customers
Products That Are Not Regulated
In order to join the Saudi market, all products that do not directly fall under the technical regulations of the SASO are required to make a self-declaration.

The Procedure to Follow in Order to Acquire a SABER Certificate

1. Register on the SABER Platform
Creating an account on the SABER platform is the first thing that needs to be done. Companies are required to disclose vital information, which includes details about their company and the categories of products they offer.

2. Determine the Product Category That Is Appropriate
Determine whether your product is classified as regulated or non-regulated and take appropriate action accordingly. Because of this classification, the sort of certification that is necessary is determined.

3. Be in contact with a Certification Body (CB) that has been approved.
Select a Certification Body that has been approved by the SASO in order to carry out product testing and verification. The CB will analyze your goods in comparison to the rules that are currently in effect.

4. Provide the Documentation That Is Required By Law
Prepare and submit all of the required documentation, including the following:

Specifications of the product
The results of tests conducted by reputable laboratories
datasheets for technical work
Certificates of performance in quality management (if relevant)
5. Evaluation of the Product and Its Assessment
Your goods will be examined by the Certification Body to determine whether or not they meet the requirements of Saudi Arabia. Your items will be issued a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) by the CB if they are found to be in compliance with the standards.

Application for the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) is the sixth step.
You should make a request for the SCoC as soon as you have received the PCoC. This certificate is essential for customs clearance and covers each individual shipment that is being processed.

7. Clearance of Customs and entrance into the market
In order to facilitate a smooth customs clearance and market entrance, the SCoC should be presented at Saudi ports.

The Documents That Are Necessary for Beginning the SABER Certification Process

Businesses are required to provide the following documentation in order to guarantee a certification process that is free of complications:

Information regarding the product and the transaction is included on the commercial invoice. Bill of Lading (BOL): Details of the shipment
List of Items to Pack: Particulars regarding the product's packaging
Analysis of Tests: Must be issued by laboratories that have been accredited.
Certifications of Quality: If that is applicable

Observations to Make the SABER Certification Process More Successful

1. Planning Starts Early
As soon as possible, begin the process of certification in order to avoid delays in shipment and penalties.

2. Pick a Certification Organization That You Can Trust
Testing that is accurate and certification that is timely are both guaranteed when working with a Certification Body that is trusted and approved by the SASO.

3. Ensure that the documentation is kept up to date
Always make sure that your records of all the relevant paperwork are accurate and up to date.

4. Stay Updated on the Latest Regulations
In order to maintain compliance with the SASO requirements, it is important to stay updated about any changes that may occur.

The Expenses That Are Involved With SABER Certification

There are a number of factors that determine the cost of obtaining a SABER Certificate, including the following:

Certification body fees are the costs associated with conducting product evaluations and tests.
Application expenses for certification and registration are included in the SABER Platform expenses.
The costs of testing include expenses for laboratory testing (if it is necessary).
In order for enterprises to achieve sustainable success in the Saudi market, it is essential for them to make an investment in SABER certification.

Frequently Encountered Obstacles and the Ways to Fight Them

A solution to the problem of delayed certification is to work with a reputable certification body and to begin the process as soon as possible.

2. Errors in the Documentation
Double-check all of the documents that have been supplied to ensure that they are accurate and comprehensive.

Issues Relating to Non-Compliance
It is recommended that pre-testing be carried out in order to detect and address any potential compliance issues.

Remarks to Conclude

The acquisition of a SABER Certificate is very necessary for companies who are interested in establishing a presence in the Saudi market. Companies are able to traverse the certification process without any complications and avoid having to deal with costly delays if they follow the steps that are explained in this guide.