What is SALEEM Program?

“SALEEM” is the name of the Saudi Arabian Product Safety Program, administered by the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO). The SALEEM Saudi Arabia program focuses on ensuring the quality of products sold in Saudi Arabia, hence the name. The Arabic word SALEEM means “without risk” or “without danger” to the user, the community, or the environment. SABER Saudi Arabia is an online system used by SALEEM to ensure that all products and shipments comply with the program's standards. As a platform, SABER facilitates the electronic acquisition of the Certificate of Conformity and Certificate of Shipment Conformity necessary for the entry of imported and domestically manufactured consumer goods into the Saudi market, called the Saber Certification Saudi Arabia.

Introduction to SABER System

SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization) launched the online Platform named SABER. It facilitates product's SASO registration and SASO certification. Mandatory for exports to Saudi Arabia. SASO uses the SABER platform as its digital gateway to implement the SALEEM product safety program which regulates the imports of goods in Saudi Arabia. SASO defines the standards and regulations while SABER acts as the system that facilitates the registration and certification of the products.

Key purpose SASO Certificate

• Digitalization of SASO Certification process

• Transparency in imports

• Faster customs clearance

Key Features of SABER Certification

• Online system for product certification

• Centralized platform for all stakeholders

• Product registration with HS code and details

• Issues certificates (PCoC & SCoC)

• Real Time tracking of applications

• Ensures compliance with SASO Standards

• Mandatory for imports into Saudi Arabia

Objectives of SASO Certification or SABER Certificate

• Issuing Saudi standards, quality regulations and guides, and conformity assessment that are consistent with international standards and guides as well as meeting the requirements of the World Trade Organization agreement in this scope in line with Islamic Sharia and in the interests of the Kingdom.

• Providing environmental and health protection and general safety by ensuring that products comply with the standards approved by SASO.

• Ensuring the national products quality by approving suitable Saudi standard that enables national products to compete in the domestic and international markets in addition to protecting the Kingdom's markets from counterfeit goods.

SABER Certification Process

The SABER certification process is a two-stage online system managed by SASO for importing goods into Saudi Arabia. It involves registering products to obtain a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) based on risk, followed by a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) for each consignment to ensure customs clearance.

The SABER certification process is structured and involves multiple steps. Although the Saudi importer registers the product, exporters play a crucial role in providing accurate information and documentation.

Step 1: Account Creation

• The importer creates an account on the SABER platform and logs in to initiate the process.

Step 2: Product Registration

Identify if your product is regulated (needs certification) or non-regulated (self-declaration only). Classification is based on SASO technical regulations. The product is registered with details such as product name, HS code, category, and technical specifications.

Step 3: Selection of Certification Body

An approved certification body is selected to evaluate the product (e.g., SGS, Intertek, Bureau Veritas).

Step 4: Document Submission

The exporter provides necessary documents, including test reports, product specifications, and declaration of conformity.

Step 5: Product Evaluation

The SASO certification body reviews the documents and may request additional testing if required.

Step 6: Issuance of Product Certificate (PCoC)

Once SASO approved, the Product Certificate of Conformity is issued.

Step 7: Shipment Certificate (SCoC)

For each shipment, a Shipment Certificate is generated, which is required for customs clearance.

Step 8: Certification Body Approval

• Certification body verifies shipment details

• Issues SCoC

Step 9: Customs Clearance

• Saudi customs checks SABER certificates

• If valid → shipment cleared

Types of SASO Certificates

Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)

The PCoC is issued for a specific product and is valid for one year. It confirms that the product complies with Saudi standards.

Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)

The SCoC is issued for each shipment and ensures that the shipped goods match the approved product.

SASO Registration and Documentation

SASO registration is done through the SABER platform, which is managed by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization. Proper documentation is essential for obtaining SASO certification. Companies must ensure that all documents are accurate and complete.

Who Registers?

• Saudi Importer (mandatory)

• Must have a valid Commercial Registration (CR)

• Exporters cannot register directly (they support documentation)

Documents Required for Saber Certification

• Commercial Invoice

• Packing List

• Bill of Lading

• Product Test Reports

• Product Images

• Declaration of Conformity

Incomplete or incorrect documentation can lead to delays or rejection.

SASO Certification Cost

SASO SABER certification costs typically range from ₹20,000 to ₹45,000+ per certificate in India, depending on product complexity and the agency. The process involves a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) valid for one year and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) for each consignment, with total costs including assessment fees and mandatory platform charges.

The SASO certification cost varies depending on several factors, including product type, testing requirements, and certification body charges.

Cost Components

• Testing fees

• Certification fees

• SABER platform charges

• Documentation costs

Approximate Cost Range

• Product Certificate (PCoC): ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000

• Shipment Certificate (SCoC): ₹10,000 – ₹50,000

Role of Companies in SABER Certification Process

Companies play a central role in the SASO certification process by ensuring product safety, technical compliance, and initiating the two-stage certification (PCoC and SCoC) via the SABER online platform. They must register products, provide lab test reports from accredited bodies, and ensure compliance with Saudi technical regulations.

Companies must actively participate in the SASO certification process by:

• Preparing accurate documentation

• Coordinating with importers

• Ensuring product quality

• Maintaining certification validity

Challenges Faced by Companies during SASO Certificate Process

Companies looking to export regulated products to Saudi Arabia face significant hurdles in complying with the SABER Certificate regulations, primarily due to complex, evolving, and mandatory conformity assessment procedures. Failure to navigate these requirements often leads to shipment delays, product rejection, or severe penalties.

Companies often face several challenges during the SASO certification process:

Common Issues

• High certification cost

• Complex documentation

• Time delays

• Technical compliance issues

Solutions and Best Practices

Navigating SASO Certificate (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization) requirements is essential for importing goods into Saudi Arabia. The process centers on the SABER platform, an online system designed to ensure products comply with safety and quality regulations, reducing delays at customs.

To overcome challenges, companies should:

• Conduct pre-testing of products

• Use experienced consultants

• Maintain proper documentation

• Stay updated with regulations

Benefits of SASO SABER Certification

SASO SABER certification is a mandatory online platform in Saudi Arabia that ensures imported products meet safety and quality standards, enabling legal market access and streamlined customs clearance. Benefits include reduced shipping delays, enhanced brand trust, increased consumer confidence, and compliance with regulations to prevent product rejection.

For Companies

• Easy market access

• Improved credibility

• Compliance assurance

• Business growth opportunities

For Consumers

• Safe and reliable products

• Quality assurance

Conclusion

SASO SABER certification are essential for companies exporting to Saudi Arabia. They ensure that products meet quality and safety standards while simplifying the SASO certification process through digitalization.

By understanding the SASO certification process, SABER certification process, SASO approval, and SASO certification costs, companies can effectively manage their export operations and achieve long-term success in the Saudi market.