Saudi Arabia requires applicable products and shipments to meet SABER certification requirements for customs clearance. Missing or incorrect certificates can delay cargo release.
This guide covers SABER certificate types, application requirements, fees, and key checks before shipping from China.
What Is a SABER Certificate?
A SABER certificate is commonly used to describe the conformity documents registered or issued through Saudi Arabia’s SABER electronic platform.
Operated under the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), the platform helps importers demonstrate that their products meet applicable Saudi requirements.
SABER covers product registration, conformity certification, and shipment certificates. It is also connected to the Saudi customs clearance process through the Fasah platform.
The key difference: product compliance and shipment clearance are related but distinct processes.
Which Products Need SABER Certification?
Requirements depend on the product’s Saudi HS code, applicable technical regulations, and intended use.
Commercial goods generally follow one of two routes:
- Regulated products: Products covered by relevant Saudi technical regulations generally require a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) before SABER can issue the shipment certificate.
- Non-regulated products: These still require registration through SABER, but may follow an importer self-declaration route instead of third-party product certification.
Some products also require additional approvals, testing, or labeling compliance. Products outside specific SASO technical regulations may still require registration or other approvals for import into Saudi Arabia.
Before placing a shipping order, ask your Saudi importer to verify the product classification and applicable requirements through the official SABER platform.
PCoC vs. SCoC: Which Certificate Do You Need?
Two certificate types frequently appear in Saudi import procedures.
| PCoC | SCoC | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Product Certificate of Conformity | Shipment Certificate of Conformity |
| Purpose | Confirms compliance of a regulated product | Covers a particular import shipment |
| Applies to | Products requiring conformity assessment | Relevant commercial shipments |
| Validity | Generally one year | 90 days |
| Main responsibility | Importer and accepted conformity assessment body | Saudi importer through SABER |
Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)
A PCoC confirms that a regulated product meets the applicable technical requirements.
The Saudi importer submits product information through SABER and selects a SASO-accepted conformity assessment body. The assessment may involve technical documents, test reports, or additional checks depending on the product.
A PCoC is generally valid for one year, but it must correspond to the correct product and manufacturing details.
Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)
An SCoC relates to a specific shipment entering Saudi Arabia.
For commercial goods, the importer requests the shipment certificate through SABER after completing the applicable product certification or declaration requirements.
A valid PCoC does not replace the SCoC required for a shipment.
In September 2026, SASO extended shipment certificate validity from 60 to 90 days.
How to Get a SABER Certificate
The Saudi importer normally manages the SABER application, while the overseas manufacturer or supplier provides supporting product information.
The process generally follows these steps:
- Check product requirements. Identify the Saudi HS code and applicable technical regulations.
- Register in SABER. Enter the product details and determine the required conformity route.
- Complete conformity assessment. Regulated products undergo assessment by a SASO-accepted conformity assessment body. Non-regulated products may follow a self-declaration process.
- Request the shipment certificate. Submit shipment details once the applicable product requirements are met.
- Verify shipment details. Ensure the certificate information matches the goods and shipping documents before customs clearance.
Processing time varies by product category, documentation, and testing requirements.
How Much Does a SABER Certificate Cost?
The official SABER platform lists the following charges:
| Service | Official platform fee |
|---|---|
| Product conformity certificate registration | SAR 500 |
| Shipment certificate issuance | SAR 350 |
These amounts exclude VAT. Conformity assessment, laboratory testing, and other third-party charges may apply separately.
Generally, the PCoC is valid for one year, while the SCoC is valid for 90 days.
Check the official SABER platform for current fees and requirements.
What to Check Before Shipping to Saudi Arabia
Complete these SABER checks before your cargo leaves China to reduce the risk of customs delays.
- Verify product classification. Confirm the Saudi HS code and applicable conformity requirements with your importer.
- Match certificates to the cargo. Check product descriptions, model numbers, and manufacturer details against the certificate records.
- Review shipping documents. Ensure invoices, packing lists, and shipment details accurately reflect the goods.
- Confirm certification status. Complete any required testing or approvals and coordinate SCoC issuance with your Saudi importer before customs clearance.
Resolve outstanding compliance issues before confirming your shipping schedule.
Shipping from China to Saudi Arabia
Once your product compliance requirements are clear, the next step is arranging the shipment.
Airsupply provides air and ocean freight solutions from China to Saudi Arabia, serving destinations including Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
Our services cover supplier pickup, multi-supplier consolidation, FCL and LCL shipping, and dangerous goods transportation, subject to cargo classification and carrier acceptance.
