If you’re planning to export products to Saudi Arabia, you can’t avoid SASO certification. But note: if the guides you find still focus on the “SABER” platform, the information is outdated. Today, we’ll clarify the latest certification rules to ensure your “market access pass” is valid.

What is SASO Certification?

SASO Certification refers to the mandatory product conformity assessment program managed by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization. Its core goal is to ensure imported products meet Saudi safety, health, and energy efficiency standards. Without valid certificates, your goods can’t clear customs.

Critical note: “SASO Certification” is a general term. Since 2017, Saudi Arabia has implemented the national product safety program “SALEEM”—a risk-based assessment system. The official exclusive online platform for this system underwent a major upgrade in late 2023.

  Key Evolution: From SABER to FASAH—You Must Keep Up with the Digital Upgrade

This is the most error-prone area in outdated information. To unify and streamline processes, Saudi Arabia officially launched the new national unified electronic platform “FASAH” on December 1, 2023.

This means:

·SABER is obsolete: All new certification applications, issuances, and inquiries must go through FASAH. Following old SABER processes wastes time and effort.

·One-stop service: FASAH integrates product registration, conformity certificate applications, payments, and customs integration—truly a one-stop portal.

  SASO Certification Core: Dual Certificate System

The essence of Saudi certification lies in the mandatory dual-certificate system (Product + Shipment Certificates), both processed via FASAH—neither is dispensable.

1.Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)

·What it is: A “long-term ID” for your product model, proving compliance with Saudi standards.

·How to obtain: Submit test reports (e.g., CB, ISO), technical documents, and photos to a Saudi-accredited certification body for audit.

·Validity: Typically 1 year, usable for multiple shipments during validity.

2.Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)

·What it is: A “one-time visa” for each export batch, proving the goods match the certified PCoC in model, quantity, and specs.

·How to obtain: Before each shipment, the exporter/importer applies via FASAH using the valid PCoC, submitting commercial invoices and packing lists.

·Validity: Batch-specific, mandatory for customs clearance upon arrival in Saudi ports.

Simple process summary: Partner with a certification body, prepare test reports, apply for PCoC via FASAH. Then, apply for SCoC via FASAH for each batch using the PCoC. The SCoC copy must accompany the goods.

  Which Products Require SASO Certification?

Regulated scope is broad, covering key categories:

Electrical & electronic products: Home appliances, mobile phones, lighting, power adapters (note mandatory energy labels for lighting).

Children’s products: Toys, strollers, car seats.

Auto parts: Tires, batteries, safety glass.

Building materials: Cables, switches, sanitary ware, tiles.

Chemicals: Paints, detergents.

Others: Selected textiles, furniture, gas appliances.

Important note: Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food fall under independent regulatory systems (e.g., SFDA), not SASO.

2025 Practical Tips & Common Misconceptions Clarified

Smooth certification requires attention to these key points:

1.Cost clarification: The myth of “percentage-of-value pricing” is inaccurate. Actual costs include 3 parts: product testing fees (lab-dependent), certification body audit fees, and FASAH official issuance fees. Request itemized quotes from service providers upfront.

2.Certification mutual recognition: No official mutual recognition exists between China CCC and Saudi SASO. While bilateral standard cooperation deepens, exports still require full SASO conformity assessment. However, valid international CB test reports (for electricals) reduce testing time and costs— a reliable shortcut.

3.Product labeling & documentation:

·Labels and manuals must include Arabic.

·Saudi civil voltage is 127V/220V, 60Hz—correctly labeled on products.

·Submitted documents (test reports, drawings) should use English or bilingual English-Arabic where possible.

Master these core SASO certification points to avoid outdated information traps and efficiently complete mandatory Saudi market access certification. Wish you smooth exports!For professional certification consulting, contact BLUEASIA at +86 13534225140.