Saber Registration Rules Every Importer Should Know in Saudi Arabia

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July 7, 2025

Table of Content

Saber Registration Rules Every Importer Should Know in Saudi Arabia

Introduction

Importing products into Saudi Arabia requires compliance with numerous regulations to maintain product safety, national security, and consumer protection. One critical compliance process is saber registration in saudi arabia, which ensures products meet the standards set by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). However, many importers remain unaware of the detailed rules involved, leading to delays, penalties, and financial losses. This article explains all essential Saber registration rules every importer must understand to conduct smooth trade operations in the Kingdom.

1. What is Saber Registration?

Saber is an integrated online platform launched by SASO to facilitate and manage the issuance of conformity certificates for both imported and locally manufactured products in Saudi Arabia. The platform digitizes the traditional certificate issuance process, making it faster and more transparent. Through Saber, importers can apply for:

Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) for each regulated product, valid for one year
Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) for every shipment imported into Saudi Arabia

These certificates validate that products comply with Saudi technical regulations and standards before entering the local market.

2. Why Saber Registration is Mandatory

Saber registration is mandatory for all regulated products to:

Ensure consumer safety and product quality
Prevent entry of substandard or counterfeit products
Comply with Saudi Vision 2030’s focus on enhancing import standards
Avoid customs clearance delays, rejections, or penalties

Without valid Saber certificates, shipments are held at ports until compliance is met, increasing demurrage costs and causing supply chain disruptions.

3. Products Requiring Saber Registration

Most products imported to Saudi Arabia require Saber registration, including but not limited to:

Electrical and electronic devices
Food contact materials
Building and construction materials
Toys and children’s products
Personal care and cosmetic items
Automotive spare parts
Textile and footwear products
Medical devices and equipment

Non-regulated products also require registration on Saber, although their process is simpler and does not mandate certification from conformity assessment bodies.

4. Understanding SASO Technical Regulations

Each product falls under specific SASO technical regulations, which define:

Safety standards
Labelling and packaging requirements
Testing methods and specifications

During Saber registration, importers must select the correct technical regulation for their product. Choosing the wrong regulation may result in immediate rejection of the application or the need for additional testing and certification, delaying clearance.

5. Types of Certificates Issued via Saber

The two main certificates under Saber are:

a. Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)

Confirms that a product meets Saudi standards
Valid for one year and must be renewed annually
Issued by SASO-approved conformity assessment bodies after reviewing product test reports, specifications, and compliance documents

b. Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)

Required for each shipment imported into Saudi Arabia
Confirms that the shipped batch matches the registered product certificate
Cannot be reused for other shipments

6. Approved Conformity Assessment Bodies

Only SASO-approved certification bodies are authorized to review documents, conduct product testing if necessary, and approve PCoCs. Using unapproved agencies or missing approval steps can render certificates invalid, leading to shipment rejection at Saudi ports.

7. Detailed Saber Registration Process

The Saber registration process involves:

Creating an account on Saber Platform
Importers or their Saudi-based representatives must create a Saber account to manage applications.
Registering products under correct technical regulations
Products are categorized according to SASO’s regulated list. Selection must be accurate.
Submitting required documents for PCoC
Including test reports, product images, technical datasheets, manufacturer declarations, and specifications.
Review by conformity assessment body (CAB)
The CAB reviews submissions, requests additional data if needed, and issues the Product Certificate upon approval.
Applying for SCoC before shipment arrival
Once the shipment is ready, importers must apply for a Shipment Certificate for each consignment, referencing the approved PCoC.
Clearing customs using valid certificates
Both PCoC and SCoC are presented to Saudi Customs for smooth clearance.

8. Duration of Registration

The time taken for Saber registration varies based on:

Product category complexity
Availability of compliant test reports
Efficiency of document preparation
Responsiveness of the importer and certification body

For simple products with ready documentation, PCoC approval can take 3-5 working days. Complex products requiring additional testing may take 2-4 weeks. SCoC issuance is typically completed within 1-2 days if all details are in order.

9. Key Documents Required

To avoid delays, ensure you prepare:

Valid test reports issued within the last 3 years by accredited laboratories
Product images showing labeling and model details
Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity
Technical datasheets and user manuals
Commercial invoice and packing list (for SCoC)
Authorized distributor or importer license (where applicable)

10. Renewal and Expiry

Remember:

PCoCs expire annually and must be renewed before expiry to maintain import continuity.
SCoCs are single-use certificates valid only for the shipment they are issued for.

Failure to renew certificates in time can result in shipment rejections or additional re-certification costs.

11. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Importers failing to comply with Saber registration rules risk:

Shipment delays and storage fees at ports
Return or confiscation of goods by Saudi Customs
Heavy fines for non-compliance with SASO regulations
Loss of supplier credibility and potential business partnerships

12. Common Mistakes During Saber Registration

Avoid these frequent mistakes:

Registering products under incorrect technical regulations
Providing outdated or non-accredited test reports
Missing mandatory documents like Declaration of Conformity
Delaying SCoC applications until shipment arrival
Working with unapproved certification bodies

13. How Radhi Custom Clearance Co Supports Importers

Navigating the intricate Saber registration rules can be challenging, especially for new businesses importing to Saudi Arabia. Radhi Custom Clearance Co offers specialized services to simplify the process, including:

Accurate product classification under SASO regulations
Preparation and review of all necessary documents
Coordination with SASO-approved conformity assessment bodies
Fast-tracking PCoC and SCoC approvals
Seamless customs clearance and logistics management for all your imports

Conclusion

Saber registration in Saudi Arabia is not merely an administrative formality; it is a regulatory requirement ensuring product quality, safety, and compliance with national standards. Importers must understand these rules thoroughly to avoid delays, penalties, and financial losses. Partnering with expert companies like Radhi Custom Clearance Co provides the guidance and operational efficiency needed for uninterrupted business growth in the Saudi market.

Meta Title: Saber Registration Rules in Saudi Arabia – Complete Importer Guide 2025
Meta Description: Learn essential Saber registration rules in Saudi Arabia to avoid delays, penalties, or rejections. Discover required documents, certificates, and compliance tips for smooth imports.