If you are looking to export your product to the lucrative Saudi Arabia market, then chances are that you will need to conform to a set of technical regulations and standards that apply to your product. The country’s product safety program requires that nearly all products exported to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to be accompanied by a SASO Certificate of Conformity.
This guide will give you a comprehensive overview of the SASO Certificate for Exports to Saudi Arabia, including how it works, what it covers, and the general requirements.
An Introduction to SASO
The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) is a government body founded in 1972 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). SASO is entrusted with governing tasks related to quality, metrology and standards in the KSA and manages the country’s product safety program, called SALEEM.
What Is a SASO Certificate of Conformity?
A SASO Certificate of Conformity affirms that a product complies with all the specifications outlined in the Saudi market’s applicable technical regulations and standards under their product conformity program, SALEEM.
The Product Conformity Program (SALEEM) mandates that regulated products that are imported to the country must be accompanied by a Product Certification of Conformity (PCoC) and a Shipment Certification of Conformity (SCoC) for every shipment. These certifications are only granted once you comply with the applicable standards and technical regulations for that product category in the product safety program.
Take a look at the video below where our trade services manager from the government provides an overview of the SASO certification and important regulations applicable in Saudi Arabia.
What Is the Meaning of the SASO Certificate?
The SASO certificate meaning and purpose of the Saudi Product Safety Programme SALEEM is to ensure all goods placed on the market in Saudi Arabia are of good quality and safe to use, including:
- To prevent unsafe and non-compliant products from entering the Saudi market.
- To reduce the number of counterfeit consumer goods placed on the Saudi market.
- To ensure a hassle-free clearance at Saudi customs.
What Products Need a SASO Certificate in Saudi Arabia?
The products required to have a CoC Certificate in Saudi Arabia are referred to as “Regulated Products” in the Technical Regulations. They include:
- Textile
- Mechanical
- Electrical and Electronics Products
- Construction and Building Materials
- Chemicals
These products are categorized as high-risk/medium-risk based on the Product Certification Scheme and may be subject to additional requirements and control, depending on the risk level. Find the technical regulation for each product category here.
Are you exporting food products to Saudi Arabia? Check out our SFDA Certification Guide.
How to Get a SASO Certificate For Exports To Saudi Arabia
It is important to note that the procedures for obtaining the CoC for Saudi Arabia may vary depending on the product’s risk level. Below are general steps you will likely need to take in your application process:
- Apply for a certification in the SABER system, enter all required product details and materials, and select the product classification and correct Saudi HS Code.
- Request a SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Body to perform a product conformity assessment.
- The conformity assessment body will contact you to schedule activities related to the conformity assessment.
- A Product Certification of Conformity will be issued if the products conform with the applicable regulations and standards.
- Add details of the shipment and the invoice in the system.
- The conformity assessment body will issue a Shipment Certificate of Conformity if every product meets the applicable technical standards and requirements.
The whole process will take you a month or more, depending on the product category and which SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Body you use. Please follow SABER’s guide for regulated products to get more information about the steps to take in the SABER system.
What Is SALEEM?
Saleem is an electronic certification and conformity assessment program created by SASO. You can think of it as a system connecting SASO-approved certification bodies and importers with Saudi customers and relevant trade authorities. The system is used to obtain both the mandatory Saudi CoC – Product of Certificate Conformity and Shipment Certificate of Conformity.
Who Can Issue the SASO Certificate of Conformity?
The SASO approved Conformity Assessment Body will issue both of the Saudi CoC, Product Certification of Conformity and Shipment Certificate of Conformity once you have followed the application process and comply with the related technical regulations or standards for that product.
Conclusion: The Complete Guide to SASO Certificate for Exports to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest and fast-growing markets in the Middle East. But for companies that want to export their products to Saudi Arabia, it is crucial to be aware of the country’s product safety program. In this guide, we’ve covered the steps you need to take if you’re planning to import regulated products to Saudi Arabia. But going through the application process alone can be challenging.
At AQM BD, we can guide you on the Saudi technical regulations and standards and carry out conformity assessments with our accredited subsidiary, AQM BD-Tabseer, to issue Product and Shipment Certificates. Contact us today to learn more about our services!
