Exporters exporting goods to Saudi Arabia are likely required to obtain a SASO Certificate of Conformity for their goods to clear through Saudi customs as part of the Saudi Arabia Conformity Assessment Program. Managed by SASO (Saudi Arabia Standards Organization), the Saudi Arabia Conformity Assessment Program is a program through which goods for export to the country undergo a process of conformity evaluation, inspection, and certification before being allowed entry into Saudi Arabia. Implemented by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the purpose of the program is to ensure goods exported to Saudi Arabia are safe and suitable for use there.
What’s the Certificate of Conformity?
The CoC (Certificate of Conformity), also referred to as the SASO CoC, is a certificate required for each consignment, or a specific batch, of certain imported goods to clear customs. It confirms the consignment complies with the relevant technical regulations and/or meets SASO’s standards. Once approved, the consignment is deemed safe and suitable for use in Saudi Arabia.
At the time of writing, the following goods are exempted from the requirement:
- Sanitary and phyto-sanitary products
- Sample and demonstration products
- Temporarily imported goods
- Medical goods
- Food products
- Defence products
- Personal shipments
Although the above products are exempted, it is still recommended exporters confirm what are the import regulations with the other ministries of Saudi Arabia.
What’s the Certificate of Conformity?
The CoC (Certificate of Conformity), also referred to as the SASO CoC, is a certificate required for each consignment, or a specific batch, of certain imported goods to clear customs. It confirms the consignment complies with the relevant technical regulations and/or meets SASO’s standards. Once approved, the consignment is deemed safe and suitable for use in Saudi Arabia.
At the time of writing, the following goods are exempted from the requirement:
- Sanitary and phyto-sanitary products
- Sample and demonstration products
- Temporarily imported goods
- Medical goods
- Food products
- Defence products
- Personal shipments
Although the above products are exempted, it is still recommended exporters confirm what are the import regulations with the other ministries of Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) manages the Saudi Product Safety Program called "SALEEM".
The SALEEM program is concerned with the safety of products entering the Saudi market, which is why the program is called SALEEM. In Arabic, SALEEM indicates that the product is safe, secure, and free of flaws that may directly or indirectly harm individuals, society, or the environment.
SABER is a platform that allows importers and local manufacturers to electronically obtain the required Certificate of Conformity and Certificate of Shipment Conformity for consumer goods, whether they were imported or locally manufactured to enter the Saudi market. Contact us for SABER certification in India