In 2026, Saudi Arabia's trade pattern will be centered around the core logic of "oil as the foundation, non-oil sectors accelerating, and diversified openness". Under the continuous deepening of the "2030 Vision" and the reshaping of the global trade landscape, its trade development is expected to maintain a steady growth trend. China will continue to solidify its position as Saudi Arabia's top global trading partner. It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia's supervision of imported goods is becoming increasingly strict, and all imported goods must hold a valid Saber SC certificate for customs clearance.

What is Saber Certification?
In simple terms, Saber Certification is the "electronic pass" for entering the Saudi market. It is an upgraded version of the previously well-known SASO Certification. Now all the processes have been moved to an official online system called "Saber". 
As long as the products are those regulated by Saudi Arabia, exporters must complete two steps in this system: first, they need to obtain a "product identification certificate" (PC certificate) for the products; then, before shipping, they must apply for a "batch pass certificate" (SC certificate) for this batch of goods. Only when both of these certificates are obtained can the goods be smoothly cleared at the customs in Saudi Arabia. 

How to apply for the Saber certification in Saudi Arabia?
To ensure the smooth entry of products into the Saudi Arabian market, exporters must strictly follow the following standardized operation procedures. The Saber certification is currently the core of Saudi import control, and the accuracy of its process directly affects the success or failure of customs clearance. 
Step 1: Compliance assessment - Confirm whether the product is subject to regulation 
Not all products exported to Saudi Arabia need to undergo a complete Saber certification. Before proceeding, the first step is to verify whether the product is included in the mandatory certification list published by the Saudi authorities: 
If the product is listed in the inventory: relevant product testing must be conducted and the entire certification process must be completed through the Saber system. 
If the product is not on the list: then there is no need to apply for the product conformity certificate. Just prepare the regular customs clearance documents and directly apply for the shipping certificate for each batch of goods. 
Key reminder: Misjudgment at this stage is a common mistake in practice, which may lead to unnecessary expenses and project delays. 
Step 2: System registration and product certification - Apply for PC certificate 
After confirming that the product needs to undergo certification, proceed to execute the following operations in the Saber online system: 
①. Enter the information of the factory and the manufacturer. 
②. Fill in detailed product specifications and models. 
③. Upload the test report issued by the recognized institution. 
④. Submit the application and obtain the product conformity certificate. 
The PC certificate is regarded as the "identity card" of the product and serves as the foundation for all subsequent processes. Without obtaining this certificate, no further operations can be carried out. The Saber system is uniformly managed by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Authority. 

Step 3: Pre-shipment Application - Obtain the SC Certificate 
After the goods have been fully loaded, a separate shipping conformity certificate needs to be applied for for each batch of goods. This certificate must be linked to the specific invoice information and is the core document used for customs clearance upon the goods' arrival. 
Core principle: Strictly adhere to the "one item, one certificate" principle. The model, quantity and name listed on the certificate must be completely consistent with the actual situation. Any discrepancy will directly lead to the obstruction of customs clearance. 

Step 4: Customs clearance and release - Automatic data integration with the system 
After the SC certificate is approved, its information will be synchronized in real time to the Saudi customs system. When the goods arrive at the destination port, the customs will automatically verify the electronic data. As long as the declared information is true, valid and consistent, the customs clearance process is usually guaranteed to be completed smoothly. 
▐ Key Risk Warning 
In the past export practices, the main causes for trade disruptions or violations could be summarized as follows: 
The Saber certification process was not completed. 
Illegally using the certification certificates of other enterprises. 
The information in the documents (such as product name, model, quantity) does not match the actual goods. 
The above circumstances will directly result in the goods being detained, the need to provide additional cumbersome documentation, and the possibility of incurring fines. 
Summary: The success of Saudi customs clearance does not merely depend on whether there are certificates or not, but also on the standardization of the process, the accuracy of the information, and the complete matching between the certificates and the specific goods. Correctly executing one process can ensure smooth subsequent trade; conversely, any mistakes will significantly increase the trade cost.