The SABER platform is one of the most important systems every importer to Saudi Arabia needs to understand. If you don't meet SABER's requirements, your goods can be held at the port or rejected outright, no matter how good their quality. In this guide from MESAMA, we walk you through everything you need to know about the SABER certificate and the requirements set by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) for 2026.
What Is the SABER Platform?
SABER is an online platform launched by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) to register imported products and confirm they comply with Saudi technical regulations and standards before entering the market. The platform is designed to protect consumers and ensure product safety, and it ties in directly with the Fasah customs clearance system.
Product vs. Shipment Certificate of Conformity: What's the Difference?
SABER issues two types of certificates, and it's important not to confuse them:
| Certificate | Purpose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) | Proves the product complies with the technical regulation | Annual (per product) |
| Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) | Proves each individual shipment complies | Per shipment |
In short: the Product Certificate covers the product (valid for one year), while the Shipment Certificate covers the shipment (issued for each import). You'll typically need both.
How to Obtain a SABER Certificate
- Register on the SABER platform using your business account (a commercial registration is required).
- Identify the technical regulation that applies to your product based on its classification.
- Choose an approved conformity assessment body (Notified Body).
- Upload the technical documentation (test reports, specifications, photos).
- Issue the Product Certificate of Conformity for the product.
- Issue the Shipment Certificate of Conformity for each shipment before it arrives.
Which Products Need SABER?
Most consumer and industrial products fall under SABER requirements, especially:
- Electrical and electronic appliances.
- Toys and children's products.
- Building materials and ceramics.
- Furniture and household goods.
- Products and materials that come into contact with food.
Food and pharmaceutical products, on the other hand, fall under other authorities such as the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and may require additional approvals.
How SABER Connects to Customs Clearance
When your shipment arrives at Jeddah Islamic Port, customs electronically verifies that a Shipment Certificate of Conformity issued through SABER is in place. Without it, your goods won't be released. That's why you should issue the certificates before the shipment arrives to avoid storage fees and delays.
MESAMA's Tips for Avoiding SABER Problems
- Confirm SABER requirements before you import, not after.
- Ask your Chinese supplier for test reports that match Saudi standards.
- Issue the Product Certificate early (it's annual) to speed up future shipments.
- Tie your pre-shipment quality inspection to your technical conformity requirements.
MESAMA handles the full conformity and customs clearance process for you, making sure every SABER requirement is met before your goods arrive. Get in touch for a free consultation, or read our guide to Saudi customs duties and our beginner's guide to importing from China.