The Digital Gateway to Exports to Saudi Arabia: SASO SABER Platform and Product Conformity Process

Introduction: Why You Need to Understand SABER.

Saudi Arabia is one of Türkiye's important export markets, and many product groups undergo mandatory conformity assessments upon entering the country. The online center where this assessment is conducted is the SABER platform. When a Turkish manufacturer wants to clear their product through Saudi customs, the first technical checkpoint they encounter is often SABER.

The purpose of this article is not to provide commercial guidance, but to objectively explain how the process works. Below, we will discuss what SASO and SABER are, the difference between the two main certification types, PCoC and SCoC, the step-by-step compliance process, which products are covered, and the practical implications of all this for Turkish manufacturers. The information has been verified through official sources (saso.gov.sa and saber.sa); however, we emphasize that the official platform should be used as the primary source for current and product-specific requirements.

• SABER is, in practice, a mandatory digital gateway for regulated products entering the Saudi market.
• The process is based on two certifications: PCoC for the product and SCoC for each shipment.
• This guide is for informational purposes only; final requirements will vary according to the technical regulation applicable to the product.

What are SASO and SABER?

SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization) is Saudi Arabia's national standardization and quality authority. It sets standards, publishes technical regulations, and manages the product safety framework. It can be considered similar to TSE (Turkish Standards Institution), but its authority extends beyond standardization to pre-customs conformity control.

SABER is an electronic platform (saber.sa) run by SASO, where product registration and conformity certificates are issued online. It has replaced the previously used older conformity systems and digitized the process. The platform connects importers and local producers to conformity assessment bodies (CABs) approved by SASO, enabling the issuance of certificates through these bodies. SABER integrates with the Fasah system on the Saudi customs side; thus, conformity registration is directly reflected in the customs process.

• SASO: Saudi Arabia's authority for standards, metrology, and quality; it publishes technical regulations.
• SABER: An online platform for product registration and issuance of conformity certificates (saber.sa).
• The certificates are issued by SASO-approved conformity assessment bodies (CABs), not the manufacturer.
• SABER is integrated with the Fasah system on the customs side.

The Difference Between PCoC and SCoC

At the heart of the SABER process are two certificates, and it is critical not to confuse them. The PCoC (Product Certificate of Conformity) demonstrates that a specific product model complies with the relevant technical regulations and standards. It is obtained once for a product and, according to official information, is valid for one (1) year. The PCoC is proof that the product family is suitable for entry into the Saudi market.

A SCoC (Shipment Certificate of Conformity) is issued separately for each physical shipment and is based on an existing PCoC. Simply put: a PCoC states 'this product model is suitable for entry into Saudi Arabia'; an SCoC states 'this particular container/shipment belongs to that approved product and is suitable for entry'. Even if you have a valid PCoC, a separate SCoC is required for each new shipment.

• PCoC: Indicates compliance with technical regulations on a product model basis; officially valid for one year.
• SCoC: Issued separately for each shipment and based on a valid PCoC.
• PCoC says 'product is suitable'; SCoC says 'this shipment is suitable'.
• Even if a valid PCoC exists, a new SCoC must be obtained for each shipment.

Step-by-Step Eligibility Process

From a high-level perspective, the process consists of a series of logical steps. First, registration on the platform takes place and the product is correctly identified; then, a PCoC (Product Code of Conversion) is obtained through an approved organization, and a SCoC (Subject to Technical Regulations) is issued for each shipment. The scope of required testing and documentation may vary depending on the product's risk class and the applicable technical regulations.

For electrical and electronic products, international IECEE (CB) test reports can be accepted as proof of conformity in the PCoC process; this can be a factor in speeding up the process. However, the final step is always the registration of the product on SABER and the issuance of the PCoC and SCoC.

• 1. Register on the SABER platform (saber.sa) and create your account.
• 2. Identify your product with the correct HS (customs tariff) code; this determines which regulation the product falls under.
• 3. Select a SASO-approved conformity assessment body (CAB).
• 4. Provide the necessary test and technical documentation (e.g., IECEE CB reports for electrical products).
• 5. After the organization verifies its eligibility, a PCoC will be issued (valid for one year).
• 6. For each shipment, obtain an SCoC based on the PCoC; the SCoC is used for customs clearance.

Covered Products and Saleem Program

Saudi Arabia's product safety framework is implemented under the Saleem (SALEEM) program. Saleem is a general safety program aimed at protecting consumers and ensuring the safety of products on the market; SABER is the electronic platform through which this program is operationally implemented. Which products are subject to mandatory conformity depends on the technical regulations published by SASO.

SASO technical regulations cover a wide range of products. The main sectors in the official classification are electrical and electronic equipment, textiles, construction and building materials, mechanical/metallurgical products, chemical and petroleum products, and service specifications. In addition, there are specific regulations concerning machine safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and explosive atmosphere equipment. Products are generally assessed according to their risk level (low/medium/high), and this level affects the depth of the required proof of conformity.

• Saleem is Saudi Arabia's general product safety program; SABER is its digital enforcement platform.
• Scope is determined according to SASO technical regulations; not every product is automatically covered.
• Main areas covered: electrical/electronics, textiles, construction materials, mechanical products, chemicals/petroleum.
• Products are evaluated according to their risk level (low/medium/high), which affects the testing burden.
• Whether the product is covered or not is clarified in SABER via the HS code.

What does this mean for Turkish manufacturers?

For a Turkish manufacturer exporting to Saudi Arabia, SABER is a practically indispensable compliance gateway. If your product is subject to a technical regulation, it will be impossible for the goods to clear customs without a valid PCoC and SCoC for each shipment. Therefore, incorporating the compliance process early in your production and shipping plan is crucial to avoid unexpected delays and costs at customs.

From a practical standpoint, correctly identifying which technical regulation and HS code your products are subject to is the most critical first step in the process, as this completely shapes the required testing and documentation. For electrical products, your existing IECEE/CB reports can facilitate the process. Remember that only SASO-approved bodies are authorized to issue certificates, and cost/validation conditions are defined on the official platform. This text is for informational purposes only; for precise requirements specific to your product, please refer to the current information on saber.sa and an approved conformity body.

• SABER is practically a necessary export gateway for regulated products.
• Incorporate the compliance process early in the production/shipment plan; this will prevent customs delays.
• The first crucial step: identifying the correct HS code and applicable technical regulation.
• IECEE/CB reports for electrical products can speed up the process.
• For accurate and up-to-date information, always rely on official sources (saber.sa) and approved organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the SABER platform, and is it mandatory?

SABER is the online platform (saber.sa) run by SASO for product registration and issuance of conformity certificates. For products subject to a technical regulation, passage through Saudi customs is practically dependent on the PCoC and SCoC obtained via SABER; therefore, it is effectively a mandatory gateway for regulated products.

What is the difference between PCoC and SCoC?

A PCoC (Product Conformity Certificate) indicates that a product model conforms to the relevant technical regulation and, according to official information, is valid for one year. A SCoC (Supplementary Product Conformity Certificate), on the other hand, is issued separately for each shipment and is based on an existing PCoC. Even if you have a valid PCoC, you must obtain an SCoC for each new shipment.

How long is PCoC valid for?

According to official and industry sources, PCoC is valid for one (1) year per product. Renewal is required at the end of the period. SCoC, on the other hand, is a document issued for each shipment, not a validity period.

Who issues the certificate?

Manufacturers or importers cannot issue the certificates themselves; PCoC and SCoC are issued by conformity assessment bodies (CABs/Certification Bodies) approved by SASO via the SABER platform. The manufacturer's responsibility is to provide the correct product description and the necessary testing/documentation.

Can I use my existing IECEE (CB) test reports for my electrical products?

IECEE/CB test reports for electrical and electronic products can be accepted as proof of conformity in the PCoC process and can expedite the process. However, the final step in all cases is the registration of the product in SABER and the issuance of the PCoC and SCoC.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal opinion or compliance assessment. Current official sources from the relevant country should be consulted for precise obligations.