Saudi Saber Certification: The "Customs Clearance Pass" for Exports to Saudi Arabia
Policy Background
Saber (Saudi Electronic Conformity Platform) is an electronic customs clearance system launched by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) in 2019, replacing the previous COC certification. Almost all goods exported to Saudi Arabia (with very few low-risk categories eligible for exemption) must obtain a conformity certificate through the Saber platform, otherwise customs clearance is impossible.
Serious Consequences of Not Obtaining Saber Certification
- Cargo will be detained by Saudi Customs upon arrival, no release
- Heavy fines of 20%-50% of the cargo value (depending on severity)
- Forced return, bearing double freight and warehousing costs
- Company information blacklisted by Saudi Customs, affecting future exports
Product Scope for Saber Certification
Electrical & Electronics
Vacuum cleaners / Air curtains / Range hoods
Building Materials
Sanitary ware / Pipes / Doors & windows
Consumer Goods
Textiles / Leather / Footwear
Machinery
Power tools / Construction machinery / Generators
Chemical Products
Paints / Adhesives / Cleaning agents
Auto Parts
Lamps / Brake pads / Filters
Food Contact Materials
Tableware / Kitchenware / Food containers
Two Core Saber Certificates: PC + SC (Both Required)
| Certificate Type | Name | Validity | Core Function | Application Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PC Certificate | Product Conformity Certificate | 1 year (linked to a single product model) | Confirms product meets Saudi technical standards; prerequisite for SC certificate | For multiple shipments of the same product model, PC certificate is required once |
| SC Certificate | Shipment Conformity Certificate | One-time use (linked to a single Bill of Lading) | Key document for customs clearance, confirms the shipment matches the PC certificate | Required for each shipment before export |
Standard Saber Certification Process
Steps 1-3: Preparation (critical to avoid rework)
- Product information: product name, model, HS code, specifications, photos (including label)
- Standard matching: we will match the appropriate Saudi standard for you free of charge (e.g. IEC 60335 for household appliances)
- Technical documents: product test report (CNAS/ILAC accredited report recommended), factory quality system documents (if required)
Step 4: PC Certificate Application (core step, expedited channel available)
- Submit application via client account, provide technical documents and application number to GTC
- After official approval, you will receive the PC certificate
- Certificate can be verified on the Saber official website, valid nationwide
Steps 6-7: SC Certificate Application (required per shipment, fast issuance)
- Provide proforma invoice, packing list, draft Bill of Lading for this shipment
- No need to re-verify product technical documents, simply link to existing PC certificate
- SC certificate obtained in 1-2 working days, emergency expedited service available (24-hour issuance)
Required Documents Checklist
| Document Type | Specific Requirements | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Application form | Fully completed and stamped with company seal | Standard template provided by us |
| Product photos | Including product label, nameplate, inner/outer packaging | Clear, showing model and brand |
| Test report | Issued by CNAS/ILAC accredited laboratory | We can assist with report conversion or arrange testing |
| Product manual | Arabic version required (translation service available) | Electronic copy acceptable |
| Proforma invoice / packing list | For SC certificate application | Provide before shipment |
| Company qualification | Business license, ISO certificate (if any) | Manufacturer/importer |
| Trademark registration certificate | If applicable | Not mandatory but recommended |
Relationship Between Saber Certification and Other Saudi Certifications
Many high‑risk products (e.g., plugs & sockets, gas appliances, children’s toys) need to obtain other specialized certifications before applying for a Saber PC certificate. We offer one‑stop combined certification services to avoid multiple points of contact for clients.
- G-Mark (GCC) certification
- Saudi IECEE certification
- Saudi QM quality mark
- Saudi energy efficiency certification
Based on your product, we can provide a complete certification roadmap free of charge to ensure compliance at every step.
Our Saber Certification Services: Solving All Your Customs Clearance Challenges
Unfamiliar with Saudi standards, documents repeatedly rejected
Lack of understanding of Saudi technical requirements leads to non‑compliant submissions and multiple revisions & delays
Professional team matches Saudi standards for free
Pre‑review document compliance, 100% success rate
- Free standard matching service
- Document pre‑review & optimization
- 100% pass rate guarantee
Can’t operate the Saber platform, process is complicated
The Saber platform is complex, with language barriers and high technical requirements, making self‑operation difficult
Direct connection to Saber platform, full process handled for you
You only need to provide basic information
- Direct platform integration
- Full‑service代办
- Dedicated one‑on‑one follow‑up
Urgent shipment, need fast certification
Shipping deadline approaching, certificate urgently needed for customs clearance, but normal process takes too long
Dedicated expedited channel for fast issuance
PC certificate in 3-7 working days (expedited available), SC certificate in 24 hours
- 3-7 working days for PC
- 24‑hour expedited service
- Ensure on‑time shipment
Labels do not meet Saudi requirements, customs clearance blocked
Product labels missing Arabic information or wrong format per Saudi regulations
Provide Arabic label templates
Includes mandatory information: country of origin, model, standard number – 100% compliant
- Standard template design
- Arabic translation
- 100% compliance guarantee
Test reports not recognized by Saudi authorities
Existing test reports do not meet Saudi official requirements, requiring retesting and additional cost
Support report conversion to Saudi‑accepted documents
No need for retesting, save costs
- Report conversion service
- Save retesting costs
- Officially recognized by Saudi
Success Case
Client Situation
- Company: Zhejiang packaging machinery manufacturer
- Product: Vertical packaging machine (2 units)
- Destination: Saudi Arabia
- Value: USD 80,000
- Time pressure: Only 7 days until shipment deadline
- Challenge: No Saudi compliance certificate, and client completely unfamiliar with SABER process
Our Service
- Within 2 hoursCompleted product standard matching Confirmed applicable SASO IEC standard for packaging machines, reviewed existing CE test report for compliance
- Within 3 working daysPC certificate approved Full handling of Saber platform, expedited review
- Within 1 working daySC certificate issued Client obtained certificate and arranged shipment
- ImmediateProvided Arabic label templates and manual translation to avoid customs issues
Client Feedback
I thought 7 days would never be enough, but you handled everything so efficiently! The goods cleared customs directly upon arrival – so worry‑free!
Our Qualifications & Partners
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a Saber PC certificate be used across different product models?
No. The PC certificate is linked to a single product model; different models or specifications require separate PC certificates.
Do I need to send samples for Saber certification?
Generally no; a qualified third‑party test report is sufficient. If the product is special and official sampling testing is required, we will assist you with the sample submission and testing process.
Are Saber certificates electronic or paper?
Saber certification is a fully electronic process; all certificates are electronic and can be downloaded from the Saber platform. Saudi Customs accepts both electronic and printed copies.
What if my PC certificate expires?
An expired PC certificate cannot be used to apply for SC certificates. You will need to re‑submit product information and test reports to obtain a new PC certificate. We offer a fast renewal service.
What is the approximate cost of Saber certification?
The cost depends on product category, whether testing is required, expedited service, etc. We provide a free quote evaluation with no hidden fees, and a full refund if certification fails.
I don't have a test report. Can I still get Saber certification?
Yes. We can help arrange testing with a CNAS/ILAC accredited laboratory, or evaluate whether your existing report can be converted for use.
After Saber certification, do I need any other certifications?
High‑risk products (such as plugs & sockets, gas appliances, children's toys) also require G‑Mark, IECEE or QM certification. We will provide a complete certification roadmap to ensure full compliance.
Certificate Samples
