Importing products into Saudi Arabia sounds simple until you hit customs rules and product approvals One thing most people hear about right away is the SABER certificate and if you’re planning to bring goods into the country then this little paper becomes a big deal Without it customs clearance can turn into a full stop real quick

SABER is not just a word it's a full online system that checks if the products coming into the country are safe approved and follow local standards This checklist will walk you through all the stuff you need for getting that certificate the right way so you don’t end up stuck at the port

Why You Even Need A SABER Certificate

Saudi Arabia is very serious when it comes to quality and safety So every product that enters needs to match their rules That’s where SABER steps in It helps make sure the items are okay and meet all the standards before they hit the local market

Now if you’re new to this SABER certificate is issued through an online platform created by SASO which is the Saudi Standards Metrology and Quality Organization This system is now a must if you want customs to approve your shipment

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Who Needs To Use The SABER System

Pretty much anyone who’s importing stuff into Saudi Arabia needs to go through the SABER platform This includes

. Importers who are bringing in products from outside the country
. Local sellers working with foreign suppliers
. International manufacturers selling directly into Saudi markets

Even if you think your products are simple or harmless SABER might still apply especially if they fall under controlled product categories

Products That Usually Need It

Not every product needs the SABER certificate but many do Here’s a quick list of things that mostly require it

. Electronics like TVs air conditioners washing machines
. Construction stuff like tiles paint wires
. Children’s items like toys baby bottles car seats
. Cosmetics and personal care tools
. Medical devices
. Kitchen and home tools

Basically if it affects health safety or daily life it probably needs approval through SABER

Understanding SABER Certificate Types

When working through the system you’ll run into two main kinds of certificates

Product Certificate of Conformity PCoC
This is for the product itself It checks if the item follows all standards and it’s valid for one year per product

Shipment Certificate of Conformity SCoC
This is for each shipment You need this every time you import even if the product was already approved

So you can’t just get one and be done Both steps matter and both go hand in hand

Full SABER Certificate Checklist

Here comes the useful part the actual checklist of things you’ll need to complete your SABER certification and get your product cleared by Saudi customs

1. Register On SABER Platform
   You’ll need to create an importer account on the SABER system This includes basic business info company documents and a valid email

2. Product Info Details
   You must list each product with full details including

. Product name
. Model number
. Brand
. HS code
. Technical description
. Product category

Each product goes into the system separately so don’t rush this part

1. Product Image And Specs
   Clear images from different angles are needed plus any product documents like manuals test results and specifications

2. Choose A Conformity Assessment Body
   This is a certified third party who checks your product You must pick one that’s approved by SASO They will review your documents and confirm if your product is safe

3. Lab Test Reports
   If your product is regulated it needs lab testing These test results must come from SASO-approved labs If not your application might get rejected

4. Issue Product Certificate PCoC
   Once your product passes the review the body will issue a Product Certificate which is valid for 12 months

5. Apply For Shipment Certificate SCoC
   Before each shipment you must apply for a shipment certificate This confirms the approved product is the same one being shipped

6. Commercial Invoice
   You’ll need to upload your invoice for each shipment This must match the product details already entered

7. Payment Of Fees
   There are fees for product certificate and shipment certificate so be ready with online payment methods

8. Customs Approval
   Once the shipment certificate is ready you can present it at customs and the process moves forward

Keep all your records safe and ready because any mismatch might cause delays

How Long Does It All Take

The total time depends on how ready your documents are If everything is clear then the product certificate can be done in 3 to 7 days

The shipment certificate usually takes less time around 1 to 2 days assuming your invoice matches and product is already approved

However if anything’s missing or wrong then things can take longer so don’t wait till the last moment

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Let’s be real here even smart importers mess up sometimes These are the things that cause the most delays

. Using the wrong product category
. Submitting low quality or unclear documents
. Picking a non approved lab for testing
. Forgetting to renew the PCoC after 12 months
. Applying for shipment certificate before product approval is done

You can avoid most of these by reading the instructions properly and keeping all your product info clear and neat

Cost Breakdown For SABER Certificate

Prices can change based on what you’re importing and how complex the product is But usually you’ll pay for

. Product certificate verification
. Shipment certificate per order
. Lab testing if needed

Some conformity bodies charge higher than others so it helps to compare and ask around before picking one

What Helps Make Things Faster

. Clear high resolution product images
. Complete technical specs
. Approved lab reports
. Quick reply to any follow up from the body
. Regularly checking your SABER account

The more prepared you are the smoother the whole thing goes You can also work with experienced agents who handle SABER daily and save you the trouble

Can I Do It All Myself Or Need Help

Yes you can do it yourself if you know how the system works and have all documents ready But honestly for most importers it’s faster and easier to let a pro handle the paperwork

If you're dealing with multiple products or urgent shipments then professional help can save time money and stress

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Why This Checklist Matters

Customs in Saudi Arabia don’t play around If anything’s off or missing your shipment might get delayed or sent back

This checklist is not just a bunch of steps It’s your guide to keeping the import process smooth and stress free The SABER certificate might sound like one more paper but it’s actually your entry ticket to doing safe and legal business in the country

So stick to the list keep things in order and don’t cut corners It’s way better to spend one extra day getting it right than losing weeks fixing a mistake

Final Tips Before You Start

Before wrapping up here are a few final tips to keep you ahead

. Save copies of every document you upload
. Label all files properly
. Double check your HS code and category
. Keep test reports up to date
. Ask for help early if stuck

Also remember the SABER system is updated often so check the latest rules before applying Just because it worked last time doesn’t mean it’s the same now

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