Saudi SALEEM Program & SABER Platform

The SALEEM program establishes a structured, risk-based conformity assessment framework governing product safety, performance, labeling, and market surveillance controls.

AQMACert provides structured regulatory advisory and technical compliance support to manufacturers, exporters, and importers navigating SABER requirements.

Our services are aligned with ISO/IEC 17065 conformity assessment principles. AQMACert is preparing for participation in applicable Saudi conformity assessment schemes, subject to formal regulatory recognition and approval.

SASO - Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization

Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO)

SABER Electronic Platform

The SALEEM program operates through the SABER electronic platform, which manages:

Product Registration

Product registration by Saudi importers in the SABER platform

Technical Regulation Identification

Identification of applicable Saudi Technical Regulations

CAB Appointment

Appointment of SASO-notified Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs)

Conformity Assessment

Management of conformity assessment activities

Certificate Issuance

Electronic issuance of Product and Shipment Certificates of Conformity

Within this regulatory structure, two certificates are generally required for regulated products.

PCoC vs SCoC: Required Certificates for Saudi Market Entry

The SALEEM framework ensures regulatory control at two levels: product-level conformity approval and shipment-level verification prior to customs entry. This dual-layer system strengthens traceability and market surveillance enforcement.

Product Certificate of Conformity

PCoC (Valid for 1 Year)

A product-specific certificate confirming compliance with applicable Saudi Technical Regulations and standards. It is issued electronically through the SABER system following technical evaluation conducted by a SASO-notified Conformity Assessment Body (CAB), based on documentation review, test reports, and where required, manufacturing site assessment.

  • Valid for 12 months from date of issuance (subject to regulatory conditions)
  • Product-specific (multiple models under one family)
  • Requires valid test reports from ISO 17025 accredited labs
  • May require manufacturing site assessment depending on product risk category
  • Prerequisite for obtaining Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)
  • Renewable upon continued compliance and updated documentation review

The PCoC represents formal recognition that the product meets Saudi safety, quality, and performance requirements.

Shipment Certificate of Conformity

SCoC (Issued Per Shipment)

A shipment-specific certificate confirming that exported goods match the certified product and comply with Saudi import requirements. The SCoC ensures shipment-level traceability and confirms that imported goods match the certified product.

  • Required for every individual shipment entering Saudi Arabia
  • Must be issued prior to shipment arrival in Saudi Arabia
  • Linked to an active PCoC in SABER
  • Requires commercial invoice, packing list and Bill of lading / airway bill
  • Mandatory for Saudi customs clearance
  • Valid only for the specific consignment and not transferable

Key Regulatory Requirements

To comply with Saudi Technical Regulations, products must meet requirements related to:

Regulatory Requirements Overview

Factory Audit (Where Applicable)

High-risk products may require manufacturing facility assessment conducted by the appointed Conformity Assessment Body. This may include:

  • On-site manufacturing facility inspection
  • Verification of quality management systems
  • Production consistency review
  • Traceability and process control assessment

Factory assessment ensures sustained conformity beyond initial laboratory testing.

Labeling & Marking Requirements

Saudi Technical Regulations require mandatory Arabic labeling (English may accompany), including:

  • Product name
  • Manufacturer name and address
  • Country of origin
  • Technical specifications
  • Safety warnings
  • SASO conformity marking (where applicable)

Validity & Renewal

  • PCoC: Valid for 12 months
  • SCoC: Valid per shipment only
  • Renewal requires updated technical documentation and continued conformity evidence

Regulatory Scope and Product Classification

Product classification under SABER is determined based on applicable SASO Technical Regulation, HS Code classification, intended product use, and risk category defined within the regulation.

Regulated Product Categories

Examples of product categories governed by Saudi Technical Regulations include:

  • Building and construction materials (cement, steel, pipes, insulation)
  • Automotive spare parts (tires, brake systems, batteries)
  • Electrical appliances and electronic equipment
  • Lighting products
  • Children's toys and childcare products
  • Textiles and apparel
  • Chemical products and detergents
  • Lubricants and industrial oils
  • Gas appliances and accessories
  • Elevators and escalator components
  • Packaging and paper products
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Food contact materials

Each category is governed by a specific SASO Technical Regulation defining compliance obligations.

Exempted Product Categories

Certain products fall outside SABER or are regulated by other Saudi authorities:

  • Personal imports for non-commercial use
  • Samples for testing and evaluation (with approval)
  • Products for diplomatic missions
  • Military equipment (separate regulations)
  • Products in transit through Saudi customs territory
  • Medical devices (under separate SFDA regulation)
  • Pharmaceutical products (under SFDA)
  • Food products (under SFDA regulation)
  • Products manufactured for export only

Major Product Categories Requiring SABER Certification

Key product groups subject to SASO technical regulations and SABER certification requirements.

Building Materials

Cement, pipes, tiles, insulation, steel

Auto Spare Parts

Tires, brakes, batteries, filters

Electrical Products

Appliances, cables, lighting

Children's Toys

Toys, childcare products

Textiles

Clothing, fabrics, linens

Chemicals

Detergents, cleaning products

Lubricants

Engine oils, industrial lubricants

Gas Appliances

Heaters, cookers, accessories

Step-by-Step SABER Certification Process

We simplify the process into six stages:

SABER Certification Process Flow
1

Product Classification & SABER Registration

The Saudi importer registers the product within SABER and identifies the applicable Saudi Technical Regulation.

2

Appointment of Conformity Assessment Body

The Saudi importer appoints a SASO-recognized Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) through the SABER system to conduct the required conformity evaluation activities. AQMACert provides technical advisory services to help clients prepare for the CAB's evaluation process.

3

Technical Documentation Review

Technical documentation, test reports, and compliance evidence are submitted for review by the appointed Conformity Assessment Body to determine conformity with the applicable regulation.

4

Laboratory Testing and Factory Assessment (where required)

Depending on product risk classification and scheme requirements, additional testing or manufacturing site inspection may be required.

5

Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) Issuance

Upon successful evaluation and certification decision by the notified CAB, the PCoC is issued electronically in SABER with a validity of 1 year.

6

Shipment Certification (SCoC)

For each shipment, shipping documentation is reviewed and the SCoC is issued prior to customs clearance.

Essential Documentation Requirements

Typical documentation includes:

Test Reports

ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory test reports demonstrating compliance with applicable Saudi Technical Regulations and standards.

Product Labeling

Product labeling artwork showing compliance with Saudi labeling requirements including Arabic language, product specifications, warnings, and country of origin.

User Manuals

User manuals (Arabic required where applicable) containing installation, operation, and safety instructions.

Factory Audit Report

Factory Audit Report (if applicable) confirming manufacturing process compliance and quality management systems.

Commercial Invoice

Commercial invoice with product details, quantities, and shipment value for SCoC application.

Shipping Documents

Packing list and Bill of lading / airway bill for SCoC issuance.

AQMACert – Regulatory Advisory & Technical Compliance Support

AQMACert provides independent regulatory advisory and structured compliance support services to facilitate conformity assessment processes under the Saudi SALEEM program.

Technical Regulation Analysis

Technical regulation analysis and interpretation for applicable Saudi Technical Regulations.

Product Risk Classification

Product risk classification guidance based on HS codes and technical regulation requirements.

Documentation Review

Documentation review and gap assessment against regulatory requirements.

Testing Coordination

Testing coordination and support with ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories.

Factory Audit Readiness

Factory audit readiness preparation and support.

SABER Registration Assistance

Support in preparing submissions for SABER registration.

Renewal Support

Renewal documentation preparation and compliance monitoring.

Important Note: AQMACert provides regulatory advisory and technical support services only. Conformity assessment and certification decisions are made exclusively by SASO-notified Conformity Assessment Bodies through the official SABER platform. AQMACert is preparing for participation in applicable Saudi conformity assessment schemes, subject to formal regulatory recognition and approval.

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