Fellow Saudi market exporters—if SASO steps feel complicated and timelines unpredictable, your info is likely outdated. Since full migration to FASAH, process logic and timelines have new dynamics.

Saudi SASO Mandatory Certification Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Preliminary Preparation & Body Selection (3-7 Days, Efficiency Decider)

Simple in appearance but critical for avoiding delays and pitfalls—get this right, and the rest flows smoothly.Key Action 1: Confirm product pathway & standardsDon’t rush to find a body first. Use your product HS code to check classification and applicable standards via FASAH or professionals. Critical: Confirm the latest Saudi standard version—2025 updates to energy/safety standards mean old test reports are useless.

Key Action 2: Choose a reliable accredited bodyYour most important partner—professional bodies anticipate issues and map the fastest path. Vet 2 key points:

·FASAH official accreditation: Hard requirement for certificate validity.

·Proven track record in your product category: Bodies with relevant experience know standards and audit priorities, avoiding costly back-and-forth.

Start preparing core documents early: product tech specs, circuit diagrams, BOM, existing international certificates (e.g., CB)—completeness speeds up later stages.

Step 2: Product Testing & PCoC Application (2-6 Weeks, Most Variable)

The longest, most unpredictable phase—timeline depends on product complexity and preparation.Phase A: Product Testing (1-4 Weeks)Turnaround 1-4 weeks: A basic lamp vs. smart appliance differ drastically in testing complexity. Time-saver: Valid, unchanged CB reports only need 1-2 weeks of gap testing (cuts time by half); full testing takes 2-4 weeks.

Phase B: Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) Application (1-3 Business Days)Post-test approval, your body submits PCoC via FASAH. Fast turnaround (1-3 days) with complete, compliant docs—speed relies on prior solid preparation.

Critical reminder: Verify PCoC details (product info, model, validity) post-issuance—it impacts all future shipments.

Step 3: Pre-Shipment SCoC Application (1-3 Business Days)

Mandatory per shipment: Apply for Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) via FASAH once goods are produced (with final invoices/packing lists).

·Required docs: Commercial invoice, packing list, valid PCoC details.

·Turnaround: 1 business day (or faster) with correct docs; validity tied to arrival date—don’t apply too early (align with shipping schedules).

·Critical rule: New SCoC required for every batch, even same-model repeat shipments.

Step 4: Customs Clearance & Follow-Up (Real-Time)

Upon arrival, Saudi customs verifies SCoC authenticity/status via FASAH—match = smooth clearance. Notes:

1.Attach SCoC copy to goods; customs may request physical/electronic copies.

2.Maintain FASAH account validity (e.g., renew expiring PCoC promptly to avoid shipment delays).

In 2025, “speed” doesn’t mean rushing—it means thorough preparation and correct pathways. Master FASAH’s dual-cert logic (PCoC for products, SCoC for batches), partner with professionals, and prepare docs upfront to control timelines. Let certification fuel your Saudi market growth, not hinder it.For professional certification consulting, contact BLUEASIA at +86 13534225140.