Product Certification for Saudi Arabia

SASO logos

Before placing goods on the market of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia any manufacturer must ensure that they have undergone a conformity assessment procedure within the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO).

Product certification and conformity assessment in Saudi Arabia

The objective of SASO is to maintain the health and safety of the Saudi consumers. In addition to supporting the national economy SASO strives to protect Saudi markets from counterfeit, low-quality and fraudulent products. The requests for receiving certificates of conformity for regulated products are generated via SABER platform. Prior to generating the request, the manufacturer (importer) must find a conformity assessment body (CAB) to ensure a smooth process and make sure that goods conform to standard specifications and technical regulations in force in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia Conformity Assessment Process

The procedure for product certification in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia consists of the below steps:

  • Identify whether the products are regulated according to the SASO product regulations and therefore require a product certificate of conformity (PCOC).

    NB If products are non-regulated an auto-declaration is enough.

  • Assign a representative (importer) based in the KSA holding a valid commercial license and a SABER account;

  • Elaborate a technical certification file consisting of the product detailed description, artworks/identification plates, QMS procedures, etc. These elements will need to be uploaded on the SABER portal while generating the certification request to the conformity assessment body (CAB).

  • Carry out product sampling and their testing in an accredited lab or determine compliance based on existing test reports;

    NB Test reports obtained from an ISO 17025 certified lab worldwide can be submitted for verification by the CAB without resorting to additional local testing. The validity of the test report at the time of submission should be less than three years.

  • The conformity assessment body (CAB) fills the technical file details including the test report reference;

  • Issuing of the Certificate of Conformity (1 year validity);

  • Obtaining a Shipment certificate.

    NB Before shipment the importer should apply for a shipment certificate (SC) via Sadad portal by presenting the invoice and share the request number with the CAB. The CAB who tested and verified the products should verify this info and issue a shipment certificate valid for the whole shipment.

Labeling & Marking Requirements

Finished goods that are imported for distribution and sale in Saudi Arabia must be labeled in Arabic or in Arabic and English. The labelling according to the local Saudi requirements must be applied to products before import.
The labeling should not contain verses from the Quran neither the words “Allah” or “God”. The images and phrases used on the product packaging should not violate public order, morals, or the applicable Islamic values practiced in KSA.

How can CCIS assist you?

Being a specialist in performing product conformity assessment procedures to determine whether a product meets all the requirements of KSA we offer solutions for:

  • Identification and classification of products to determine the applicable local legislation.

  • Testing and analyzing your products at the authorized (accredited) laboratories.

  • Elaboration and verification of technical documentation including instruction and quality manuals, labels, etc.

  • Optimization of further certifications once the initial procedure is completed.