Saber Certification

The term saber certification refers to the mandatory conformity assessment process established by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). This entire system is part of the broader SALEEM program, Saudi Arabia’s initiative dedicated to ensuring the safety and quality of all products sold in the KSA market, whether domestically manufactured or imported.

The central pillar of this regulatory structure is the SABER electronic platform.

The SABER Certificate Full Form

It is important to clarify that SABER is not an issuing authority but an online system or platform. The name SABER is an acronym for the Saudi Arabian Body for Electronic Registration. The full system is often referred to as the Saudi Product Safety Programme (SABER).

Therefore, when businesses seek a saber certificate, they are seeking a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) that is issued electronically through the SABER portal after a successful evaluation by a SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Body (CAB).

The Roles of SASO, SALEEM, and SABER

To fully grasp the saber certification process, you must understand the key entities:

Entity	Full Name	Role in Certification
SASO	Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization	The national regulatory body that develops the standards and technical regulations (saber certificate requirements).
SALEEM	Saudi Product Safety Program	The overarching governmental initiative of which SABER is the operational platform.
SABER	Saudi Arabian Body for Electronic Registration	The mandatory electronic portal used by Saudi importers/manufacturers to register products and request the conformity certificates.

Since its launch, the SASO SABER platform has become the exclusive mechanism for verifying product compliance, replacing older, paper-based conformity assessment schemes. This shift has digitized the process, making the saber certificate necessary for every regulated shipment.

Compliance with the SASO SABER framework is a legal requirement for all commercial products entering Saudi Arabia that fall under SASO’s Technical Regulations. Ignoring this mandate leads to immediate and costly consequences at the border.

1. Mandatory Customs Clearance

The most crucial reason to obtain a saber certificate is customs clearance. Saudi Customs will not permit any regulated or non-regulated commercial shipment to enter the country without a valid Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC), which is issued via the SABER platform.

2. Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030

The introduction of SABER is a critical component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to improve the quality of life and consumer safety within the Kingdom. By enforcing stringent saber certificate requirements, the government ensures that only high-quality, safe, and reliable products are available in the market. This protects consumers and promotes fair competition.

3. Risk Mitigation

Attempting to ship products without prior saber certification results in:

• Shipment Rejection: Goods are turned back at the port of entry.
• Hefty Fines: Importers face severe penalties.
• Product Confiscation: Non-compliant products may be seized.
• Market Suspension: Temporary or permanent ban on importing future products.

Instacertify ensures a seamless process, protecting your investment and reputation by securing your saber certification before your goods ever leave the country of origin.

The scope of Saber is vast, covering nearly all consumer and industrial sectors. If your product falls under a Technical Regulation (TR), it is considered "Regulated."

• Electricals & Electronics: Home appliances, lighting, and IT hardware.
• Construction: Steel, cement, ceramic tiles, and sanitary ware.
• Chemicals: Detergents, paints, and lubricants.
• Textiles & Automotive: Ready-made garments and critical vehicle spare parts.
• Children’s Goods: Toys and childcare equipment (subject to rigorous safety testing).

The strength of your saber certification application lies in the completeness and accuracy of your documentation. The SASO SABER system requires specific technical and legal files to ensure thorough compliance.

We manage the preparation and submission of the entire technical file, which typically includes:

I. Importer/Company Requirements (Legal & Administrative)

• Saudi Commercial Registration (CR) Copy: Required for the importer to register on the SABER platform.
• Importer Contact Details: Full information of the importing entity in KSA.
• Authorization Letter: If Instacertify acts as your authorized agent.

II. Product Technical File Requirements

This is the most critical area where most applicants face delays. Our team specializes in compiling and verifying these documents to meet specific saber certificate requirements:

• Technical Data Sheet (TDS): Detailed product specifications, model numbers, and performance data in English and Arabic.
• Test Reports: Valid reports from an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory. These must confirm compliance with the specific Saudi Standards (e.g., SASO IEC for electrical goods, specific STRs for chemical/mechanical products).
• Product Images: Clear, high-resolution photographs showing the product, packaging, and mandatory labeling (including Arabic warnings).
• Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity (DoC): A formal document where the manufacturer declares the product meets all applicable Saudi standards.
• Risk Assessment Reports: Required for certain high-risk categories.
• User Manuals/Installation Instructions: Must include Arabic translations.

III. Shipment Specific Requirements (For SCoC)

• Commercial Invoice & Packing List: Detailing the specific goods, quantities, and values of the consignment.
• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill: Proof of shipment.
• Certificate of Origin: Confirming the country where the product was manufactured.

By partnering with us, you ensure that every document submitted for your saber certification is meticulously checked, validated, and uploaded to the SASO SABER platform correctly the first time.

Navigating the SASO SABER platform can be confusing, especially regarding product classification and documentation. Instacertify simplifies this into a clear, managed process.

Phase 1: Importer/Manufacturer Registration

1. Importers Register on SABER: The Saudi Importer or your authorized representative must create an account on the SABER platform using their Saudi Commercial Registration (CR).
2. Product Classification: Using the 8-digit Harmonized System (HS) Code, each product is registered in the system. This step is crucial as it determines the applicable Saudi Technical Regulation (STR) and the required saber certificate requirements.
3. CAB Selection: The importer, with our guidance, selects Instacertify’s partner (a SASO-Approved CAB) from the list on the SABER system for conformity assessment.

Phase 2: Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) Issuance

1. Documentation Submission: We collect and review all technical documents from you, including test reports, product specifications, and declarations. We ensure these documents meet the strict saber certificate requirements of the relevant STR.
2. Product Testing (If Required): If current test reports are missing or non-compliant, we coordinate with ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories to conduct the necessary tests.
3. CAB Review and Approval: Our chosen CAB reviews the technical file and test reports. Once satisfied, they approve the application electronically on the SASO SABER platform.
4. PCoC Issuance: The PCoC is issued, valid for one year. This completes your product-level saber certification.

Phase 3: Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) Issuance

1. SCoC Request: For every shipment, the importer initiates a request for an SCoC on the SABER platform, linking it to the valid PCoC.
2. Verification: The CAB (managed by Instacertify) verifies the details of the specific consignment against the approved PCoC.
3. SCoC Issuance & Clearance: Upon successful verification and payment of the SCoC fee, the SCoC is issued electronically. This is the final document required for the shipment to be cleared by Saudi Customs upon arrival.

The duration of the saber certification process is largely dependent on the readiness of your technical file and whether product testing is required.

Phase	Instacertify Estimated Timeframe	Key Activity
Product Classification & Audit	1-3 business days	Instacertify identifies the correct STR and reviews existing test reports against saber certificate requirements.
New Product Testing (If required)	2-4 weeks	Labs conduct necessary safety, performance, and/or EMC testing.
PCoC Issuance (Regulated Product)	3-7 business days	Once all documents are compliant, the CAB reviews the file and issues the PCoC via the SASO SABER platform.
Self-Declaration (Non-Regulated Product)	1-2 business days	Preparation and upload of the DoC to SABER platform.
SCoC Issuance (Per Shipment)	1-2 business hours	Verification of shipment details against the PCoC and electronic issuance of the SCoC.

Total Estimated Timeline for Initial SABER Certification:

• With Existing, Compliant Test Reports: 1 to 2 weeks.
• Requiring New Lab Testing: 4 to 6 weeks (dominated by lab time).

The total cost for your saber certification is composed of three main factors: System Fees, CAB Fees, and Testing Fees.

In the Saudi regulatory landscape, compliance is a continuous cycle rather than a one-time event. Managing these timelines effectively is the difference between a smooth supply chain and costly port delays.

Certification Life Cycles

• Product Certificate (PCoC): Valid for one calendar year from the date of issuance. This certificate covers the product model and allows for unlimited shipments during its term.
• Shipment Certificate (SCoC): Valid only for one specific consignment. It must be utilized before the goods arrive at the port.

The Renewal Protocol

• Proactive Renewal: The renewal process should be initiated 30 days prior to expiry within the Saber portal to ensure there is no "dark period" where shipments cannot be processed.
• Re-Verification: For renewal, the Certification Body (CB) will re-evaluate your technical file. If standards have been updated (e.g., new SASO or GSO versions), you may need to provide updated test reports.
• Cost Efficiency: Renewal fees typically mirror the initial registration costs, but as your expert partner, we streamline the data migration to minimize administrative time.