Fellow Saudi exporters often ask: “How much does SASO certification cost?” Fearing overcharging by bodies, missing cost items for pricing, or paying for invalid certificates. In 2025, Saudi Arabia fully switched to FASAH (replacing SABER)—cost rules are more transparent, but details changed: more test items for high-risk products, potential official fee adjustments.

2025 SASO costs are NOT tied to product value (the biggest scam risk!)—core costs cover official fixed fees, testing fees, and audit service fees. Total costs vary widely based on product risk, testing complexity, and optional services (factory audits, expedited processing). All fees are verifiable via official platforms—no “hidden official fees” is the litmus test for reliable bodies.

I.2025 SASO Core Cost Breakdown

Focused on cost logic (no unsubstantiated figures), each component aligned with 2025 practices to help businesses build cost frameworks.

1.FASAH Official Fixed Fees (Mandatory, Non-Negotiable)

Official issuance fees paid via FASAH, publicly updated on the platform, subject to exchange rate/policy adjustments. Key details:

·Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC): Fixed per model, priced in Saudi Riyal—check FASAH for latest rates. Critical note: High-risk products (appliances, gas appliances, children’s goods) may have special validity terms (not universal 1 year)—confirm via HS code on FASAH upfront to avoid repeated payments from expired validity.

·Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC): Fixed per batch, Saudi Riyal-priced. Each batch requires a new application (even for same-model restocks); validity tied to arrival date—expiration means reapplication.

2.Product Testing Fees (Core Variable Cost, Widest Gap)

Largest cost component, charged by FASAH-accredited labs—no official unified price, determined by product type, risk level, and test items. 2025 Saudi energy/safety standards tightened, adding test items for high-risk products and potentially raising costs. Risk-based breakdown for reference:

·Low-risk (hardware, textiles, furniture): Basic compliance testing only (no complex safety/energy checks)—low, reasonable lab price range.

·Medium-risk (lighting, power adapters, building materials): Safety + basic energy testing required; some need Saudi standard gap tests—higher than low-risk.

·High-risk (appliances, gas appliances, auto parts, children’s goods): Full safety, energy, and traceability testing; special items (e.g., gas leak prevention) for some categories—most complex, highest cost.

Practical tip: Valid international CB test reports (≤3 years) covering current Saudi standards can be reused, with only gap tests needed to cut costs. But 2025 FASAH CB audits are stricter—gaps or outdated standards lead to rejection; confirm report usability with accredited labs upfront.

3.Conformity Audit Service Fees (Body-Charged, Negotiable)

Service fees from SASO-accredited bodies cover document review, FASAH operations, and documentation—no unified price, industry-standard ranges based on risk and services:

·Low/medium-risk: Basic fees for core document review and FASAH operations—meets certification needs.

·High-risk: Extra audits for test report completeness and product traceability—higher workload, higher fees.

Critical reminder: Only choose FASAH-listed accredited bodies. Unaccredited bodies offer low fees but issue invalid certificates—wasting prior testing costs.

  II.2025 SASO Common Optional Fees (Non-Mandatory, Avoid Overspending)

Beyond core costs, optional fees may apply based on product type and application compliance—2025 common fees to plan for:

1.Factory audit fee: Required for high-risk products (building materials, baby goods, gas appliances). On-site audits by Saudi authorities/accredited bodies verify production compliance—priced per audit, subject to body quotes/official rules.

2.Document revision fee: Charged by some bodies for non-compliant labels/manuals (e.g., missing Arabic) or incorrect model info. Avoid repeated revisions by checking compliance upfront.

3.Expedited fee: Standard PCoC/SCoC have fixed turnaround times; expedited service for tight shipping schedules incurs fees. Plan certification early to avoid unnecessary expedited costs.

  III.SASO Cost Reference by Product Risk (2025 Framework)

Businesses often want cost ranges—3 risk-based frameworks (SASO-only, excluding logistics/customs) for reference; final costs subject to official rates and body quotes:

·Case 1: Low-risk (hardware tools): Total = PCoC official fee + basic testing fee + basic service fee; additional SCoC fees per batch—ideal for small-batch exporters.

·Case 2: Medium-risk (LED lighting): Total = PCoC official fee + safety/energy testing fee + standard service fee; annual multi-batch shipments add cumulative SCoC fees (validity per FASAH).

·Case 3: High-risk (household AC): Total = PCoC official fee + full testing fee + high-risk service fee + (if applicable) factory audit fee; short PCoC validity may increase annual costs—ideal for bulk exporters.

2025 SASO cost logic: fixed official fees, variable testing fees, negotiable service fees—no “one-size-fits-all” price. Key is building a clear cost framework based on product risk and shipment frequency. Low-risk costs are relatively low; high-risk costs rise with stricter testing/service demands.For professional certification consulting, contact BLUEASIA at +86 13534225140.