How to Obtain a Saudi Certificate of Conformity

SASO Certificate of Conformity Procedures

Compliance with Saudi regulations requires importers to follow a structured certification process involving product testing, certification issuance, and shipment approval. Below is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Product Testing and Sample Collection

Determine Applicable Technical Regulations - Identify which Technical Regulation(s) apply to your construction product by consulting the SABER/FASAH platform or SASO’s published lists.
Request Testing Scope - Review the mandatory tests required for your product category under SASO’s standards.
Sample Collection - Collect product samples representative of the production batch.
Testing at Accredited Laboratories - Submit samples to an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory for testing against the applicable standards. This testing validates that the product meets safety, performance, and quality requirements.

Obtain Test Reports - Receive detailed test reports documenting compliance or non-compliance.

Step 2: Product Certification of Conformity (pCoC)

Register on SABER/FASAH - Importers or their authorized representatives must register on the SABER portal to initiate certification requests.
Submit Certification Application - Upload all required documents including:
Product technical files
Test reports from accredited laboratories
Factory quality management system details (for Type 3 products)
Documentation Review - The certification body reviews submitted documentation for completeness and compliance with applicable Technical Regulations.
Factory Production Audit (Type 3 Products) - For medium- and high-risk products under Type 3 certification schemes, an on-site audit of the manufacturer’s production process and quality control system is conducted to ensure consistent product conformity.
PCoC Issuance - Upon successful evaluation, the Product Certification of Conformity (PCoC) certificate is issued via the SABER platform. This certificate validates that the product complies with Saudi standards and can be legally imported.

Step 3: Supplier Certification of Conformity (sCoC)

Per Shipment Certification - Each shipment of certified products requires a separate Shipping Certification of Conformity (SCoC).
Submit Shipment Details - The importer submits shipment-specific documentation including:
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading/airway bill
PCoC certificate reference
Additional technical documentation as requested
Technical Evaluation - The certification body reviews shipment documentation to confirm consistency with the certified product specifications.
SCoC Issuance - The SCoC certificate is issued via SABER for each shipment, authorizing customs clearance and entry into Saudi Arabia.

Step 4: Post Certification Compliance and Surveillance

Factory Access for Surveillance - During the validity period of the PCoC, manufacturers must allow access for periodic audits to verify ongoing compliance.
Maintain Quality Records - Manufacturers should maintain production records, quality control data, batch testing results, and stock inventories.
Re-testing as Required - Any changes in product design or materials may require re-testing or re-certification.
Renewal of Certification - PCoC certificates typically have an annual validity period; renewal requires submission of updated documentation and possibly re-audits.

SASO CERTIFICATES

Saudi Conformity

By following these detailed steps and understanding the roles of SASO, SALEEM, SABER, and FASAH within the Saudi conformity framework, importers can efficiently navigate certification procedures and ensure smooth market access for construction products.

Start early by identifying whether your product requires Type 1a or Type 3 certification under SASO Technical Regulations, as this affects audit requirements.

Keep clear records of all communications and submissions via SABER/FASAH.

Coordinate closely with manufacturers to ensure factory production systems meet SASO standards.

Plan shipment schedules allowing sufficient time for SCoC issuance before arrival at Saudi ports.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) is the Saudi governmental body responsible for setting and enforcing national standards, technical regulations, and quality controls across various sectors, including construction products. SASO ensures that products entering the Saudi market meet safety, quality, and environmental standards to protect consumers and promote fair trade.

SALEEM is the Saudi Product Safety Program launched by SASO in 2019. It aims to guarantee product safety and compliance by classifying products based on risk levels (low, medium, high) and establishing the necessary conformity assessment procedures. SALEEM mandates declarations or certifications of conformity to verify that imported products meet Saudi technical regulations.

FASAH is Saudi Arabia's unified electronic platform for regulating all import and export activities. Since July 1, 2020, FASAH has been integrated with SABER to ensure that no regulated products enter or leave Saudi Arabia without the proper PCoC and SCoC certificates. This integration enhances cross-agency coordination, reduces clearance times at customs, and prevents non-compliant goods from entering the market.

SABER is an online platform managed by SASO designed to streamline the conformity assessment process for imported products. It serves as the main portal where importers submit applications for Product Certification of Conformity (PCoC) and Shipping Certification of Conformity (SCoC), upload required documentation, and track certification status. SABER also maintains a database of accredited certification bodies and approved products.

In 2020, SABER was integrated with the FASAH platform—the official portal regulating all imports and exports in Saudi Arabia. This integration ensures that no regulated product can enter the country without valid pCoC and sCoC certificates.

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