When dealing with a client from the Middle East for the first time, the other party immediately asked: "Can you provide the SASO/SABER certificates?" 
When you checked, you found that all those abbreviations like PC, SC, CoC... made you completely confused and lost your mind.
Don't worry! This article will clearly explain the relationship and process between SASO and SABER, so that you won't be so confused anymore.

A single sentence to understand the relationship between SASO and SABER
SASO: Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (equivalent to "standard formulation + supervision institution"). 
SABER: This is the online system launched by SASO. All imported products from Saudi Arabia must be registered on SABER. In other words, SASO sets the standards, and SABER implements them. 

The core differences among PC, SC, and CoC
1. PC (Product Certificate) 
Nature: Product Admission Qualification 
Validity period: Usually 1 year 
Function: Without a PC, it is impossible to apply for SC and the goods cannot be dispatched. 
2. SC (Shipping Certificate) 
Nature: Single batch of goods customs clearance documents (one-time) 
Validity period: For a single shipment of goods 
Effect: Without SC (Shipping Control), goods cannot be cleared at the port of arrival. 
3. COC (Conformity Certificate) 
Definition: This is the general term under the old certification system. 
Current situation: In the SABER system, the mandatory combination mode of PC + SC has been dismantled and upgraded. 

Summary in one sentence: First obtain the "identity card" for the PC, and then for each batch of goods, obtain the "pass" (the "access permit"). 

Operational process: Two steps, very simple
The entire SABER certification process can be clearly divided into two stages, and they can be processed in sequence: 

Step 1: Obtain the Product Qualification Certificate (PC) 
What to do: Complete the product registration on the SABER system to obtain the PC certificate. 
What is needed: Provide detailed information such as the HS code of the product, test reports, pictures, etc. 
Who conducts the review: It is carried out by an authorized certification body. 
Duration: Approximately 1-2 weeks. 
Key point: This is a one-time offer. The PC certificate is valid for this product for one year. 
Step 2: Obtain the pass (SC) for each batch of goods 
What to do: Before each shipment of goods leaves the warehouse, an SC certificate needs to be applied for for that batch of goods. 
What is needed: Provide the commercial invoice, packing list and other documents for this shipment of goods. 
Duration: Very quick, usually within 1-2 working days. 
Key point: This is a requirement for every shipment. 
【Important Notice】 
First shipment: This requires completing "Step 1 + Step 2", so it will take a relatively long time (approximately 2-3 weeks). Please make sure to plan ahead. 
Subsequent delivery: Since the PC has been processed, all that's needed is to complete the "second step" by applying for SC, and the process will be very fast. 
Overall, it is necessary to strictly follow the HS codes of Saudi Arabia. If there is any uncertainty, please contact us for assistance in confirming the product category! If this is the first shipment, please apply at least two weeks in advance!