Saudi Arabia's New SASO Certification Regulations: Saber System Registration and PC+SC Certificate Application

 Saudi Arabia's New SASO Certification Regulations: Saber System Registration and PC+SC Certificate Application

In today's ever-evolving global trade landscape, Saudi Arabia, as the largest economy in the Middle East, consistently prioritizes compliance requirements for imported goods. In 2025, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Authority (SASO) upgraded its import product certification system, comprehensively strengthening the digital regulatory functions of the Saber system and introducing stricter new regulations for the PC (Certificate of Conformity) and SC (Certificate of Conformity for Batch Goods) application processes. This article, exceeding 10,000 bytes, provides a readily applicable practical guide for foreign trade practitioners, covering policy background, system operation, certificate application, common pitfalls, and compliance strategies.

I. SASO Certification System Transformation: From Traditional Model to Full Digitalization of the Saber Ecosystem

Since Saudi Arabia mandated the implementation of the Saber electronic platform in 2019, it has completely replaced the traditional SASO CoC (Certificate of Conformity) paper process. However, the new regulations in 2025 are not a simple version iteration, but a fundamental restructuring of the underlying logic. Previously, exporters could apply for certificates directly through third-party agencies. Now, all product registration, document review, fee payment, and certificate issuance must be completed 100% within the Saber system, with real-time data exchange with Saudi Customs' "Fasah" trade portal. This means that any goods without a valid "shipping permit" in the Saber system, even if they arrive at Jeddah or Dammam ports, will face the risk of forced return or destruction, with fines increasing by 300%.

The core changes in the new regulations are reflected in three aspects: First, the mandatory refinement of the product listing. Previously, some goods could be vaguely declared based on certificates for "similar products," but from 2025 onwards, each individual product model (including minor differences in color, capacity, voltage, etc.) must be registered separately. Second, the dynamic nature of the risk level assessment mechanism. The Saber system introduces an AI-powered automatic scoring model that generates a "risk coefficient" of 0-100 for each shipment based on historical product violations, export country certification quality, and past HS code risk data. For batches with a coefficient exceeding 70, an on-site factory inspection report from a third-party laboratory must be attached. Thirdly, the validity period of the PC certificate has been uniformly adjusted from 12 months to 6 months, and two consecutive extensions require re-testing of the type certificate.

II. Saber System Registration: Four Fatal Mistakes You Must Avoid

The registration portal for the Saber system (www.saber.sa) seems simple, but 90% of first-time applicants experience interruptions due to the following details. First, the binding of the Business Registration Number (CR Number). Saudi importers must have a valid Business Registration Number in the system, and this number must completely match the legal entity information in the customs database. Exporting companies should not register importer accounts themselves; instead, the Saudi buyer should provide their CR number and complete the "account association." There have been cases where Chinese companies fabricated CR numbers, triggering anti-fraud alerts and resulting in the entire company being blacklisted.

Secondly, accurate matching of the Product Classification Code (HS Code). The Saber system has a built-in intelligent classification engine based on the 2025 Harmonized System. For example, a typical LED light fixture with wireless remote control functionality requires a change in HS code from the standard lighting category (8512) to the wireless communication equipment category (8526). This directly alters the applicable technical regulations from SASO 2892 to SASO 2874, resulting in significant differences in certification costs and timelines. Exporting companies are advised to use the built-in "HS Code Finder" tool for double verification before submission, or hire a local Saudi customs broker (Bonded Broker) for pre-screening.

Third, there are limitations on file upload format and size. The new regulations require all technical documents to be scanned PDFs, with each file not exceeding 10MB. However, a hidden pitfall is that test reports must include the laboratory's official watermark and ISO 17025 certification number, and Chinese reports must be accompanied by notarized English translations from the Saudi Embassy in China or an authorized translation agency. In cases we've encountered, some companies uploaded unnotarized CNAS reports, which were deemed "invalid" by the system, leading to the rejection of their entire registration queue and a 48-hour lockout.

Fourth, there are currency and settlement issues in the payment process. The Saber system only accepts Saudi Riyals (SAR) and does not support international credit cards. Exporting companies must complete payment through a local Saudi bank account or an authorized cross-border payment gateway (such as PayTabs Saudi). After successful payment, the system will generate a 16-digit "payment voucher code," which must be manually pasted into the corresponding application page. If not pasted, the system will assume no payment has been made and automatically close the application channel after 3 business days.

III. PC Certificate (Product Conformity Certificate) Application: Every Step from Testing Standards to Traceability Labels

The PC certificate is the "identity card" for products entering the Saudi market, and its application hinges on compliance with "type certification." Under the new regulations of 2025, the application for a PC certificate can be divided into the following five irreversible steps:

Step 1: Determine the applicable technical regulations. SASO has issued over 200 mandatory standards, with approximately 30 updated annually. For example, for electrical products, in addition to SASO 2892, attention must also be paid to energy efficiency labels (SASO 2902) and hazardous substance restrictions (SASO 2998). A common misconception is that many companies believe an international IEC standard report is sufficient. However, Saudi Arabia requires test data consistent with SASO standards. For example, Saudi voltage is 220V/60Hz, different from China's 220V/50Hz; therefore, temperature rise and frequency withstand tests for motors must be performed separately.

Step Two: Select an accredited third-party organization. The official list of SASO-accredited organizations (Notified Bodies) can be found in the "Accredited Partners" section of the Saber system. Please note: Starting in 2025, SASO eliminated the exemption for "Notified Bodies." Previously, some organizations could issue "Declarations of Conformity" directly for PC applications, but now all reports must undergo SASO's "online verification" process. In other words, even if an organization issues a report, Saudi reviewers will still retrieve the original test data through the system to verify the test frequency, sample photos, and laboratory GPS location.

Step Three: Create a PC application in the Saber system. Log in to the importer's Saber account, go to the "Product Certification" module, and upload the following core documents: 1) Technical document dossier (including product manual, circuit diagram, and BOM); 2) Third-party test report (PDF version, with watermark and official seal); 3) Manufacturer's ISO 9001 certificate (must be translated into English and notarized); 4) Product marking samples (including Arabic labels, energy efficiency labels, and warning statements). The system will automatically distribute the documents to the SASO certification officer. The current official promised audit period is 7 working days, but due to a surge in applications caused by new regulations in 2025, the actual time often takes 15-20 working days.

Step 4: Accept the factory audit (if required). For high-risk categories (such as toys, automotive parts, and pressure vessels), SASO will require the assignment of an auditor to conduct a remote or on-site factory audit. Remote audits are conducted via Zoom/Microsoft Teams, and the auditor will randomly request to film the production line, warehouse, laboratory, and sample disassembly process. The key point is: Sudden requests from auditors must be responded to within 2 hours. Failure to provide test records for a particular batch of raw materials will result in an immediate "non-compliance" rating. On-site factory audits are even more stringent, conducted by SASO or its designated agencies, with costs borne by the company (approximately $3,000-$5,000 per audit).

Step 5: Obtain the PC certificate and associate it with the label. After the audit is approved, the Saber system will generate an electronic PC certificate with a QR code and a unique number. The certificate is valid for 6 months, and an extension can be applied for 30 days before its expiry date. More crucial is the "traceability label" on the physical product: the new regulations require each product to have a QR code label containing the PC certificate number, manufacturer code, and serial number. The label material must pass a weather resistance test (SASO 1000 standard) and must be non-removable. Once the product enters the Saudi market, consumers and customs can scan the code to verify its authenticity at any time. Missing labels or improperly affixed labels will be treated as "counterfeit products," facing hefty fines.

IV. SC Certificate (Batch Conformity Certificate): The Final Hurdle to Saudi Arabia

The SC certificate is the "passport" for customs clearance of each batch of goods, its core being "batch consistency." New regulations in 2025 made three revolutionary changes to the SC certificate application process.

First, the application window for the SC certificate changed from "pre-shipment" to "pre-shipment and must be pre-registered in the Saber system." Specifically, before loading the goods, the exporter must create batch information in the Saber system using the PC certificate number, uploading the commercial invoice, packing list, draft bill of lading, and "production date certificate" (a date report stamped by the factory). The system will use AI to compare the batch specifications with the samples registered in the PC certificate. For example, if the PC certificate registers an LED light power of 10W, but the actual invoice shows 12W, the system will directly block the application and require the PC registration information to be revised.

Second, "price authenticity verification" for the SC certificate. This is one of the biggest changes in 2025: Saudi Customs introduced an "industry reference price" database (maintained by the Saudi General Authority for Taxation, ZATCA). When an exporter declares a unit price lower than 70% of the database average, the system will mark it as a "dumping warning" and require proof of cost composition (including raw material purchase invoices, processing fees, and freight). If this cannot be proven, the SC certificate application will be suspended, and the goods may face an anti-dumping investigation. Therefore, when filling in invoice prices, ensure logical consistency to avoid low-price customs clearance.

Third, SC certificate issuance and customs clearance verification. After submitting the application, the system will automatically issue an electronic SC certificate (PDF, including a QR code) within 1-2 hours. The exporter must send this certificate along with the commercial invoice and other documents to the Saudi importer. When the container arrives at a Saudi port, customs will scan the QR code on the SC certificate to directly retrieve all data from the Saber system for on-site comparison. If the actual goods do not match the documents—for example, a quantity shortage of more than 5%, different packaging (wooden crates changed to cardboard boxes), or failure to affix destruction labels—customs will automatically detain the goods in the Fasah system and generate a "penalty notice."

V. Six Common Pitfalls and Countermeasures Under the New Regulations in 2025

Pitfall 1: Incompatible Validity Periods of PC Certificates and SC Certificates. Many companies believe that obtaining a long-term PC certificate guarantees success, but an SC certificate is only valid for that specific batch. If multiple batches are shipped under the same PC certificate, the SC application for the second batch still requires resubmission of documents, and the PC certificate may have already expired (6-month validity). Solution: Establish a PC certificate ledger, set a red alert 60 days before expiration, and apply for extensions in advance. It is best to export a sufficient quantity of products in one batch to avoid splitting operations.

Pitfall 2: Saber System's "Temporary Suspension" Mechanism. If an exporter is rejected twice consecutively due to document issues, the system will automatically suspend the registration of all products under that importer for 90 days. Countermeasure: Before the initial submission, use the "Preview" function to conduct a mock submission and invite a third-party compliance consultant for pre-review. It is recommended that each trading company train a dedicated "Saber operator" to master all details.

Pitfall 3: Label Printing Errors. The new regulations require QR code labels to be printed with UV ink, with a minimum size of 15mm x 20mm. If ordinary inkjet printing is used, customs scanners may fail to recognize them, leading to the seizure of the entire shipment. It is recommended to use a professional label printer (such as Zebra) directly at the factory and test the labels using the "Label Simulator" function in the Saber system.

Trap 4: The "Validity Period" Rule for Test Reports. SASO requires that third-party test reports be valid for no more than 12 months, and all sample photos in the report must clearly show the production date. If the test report date is more than 11 months from the application date, the reviewer will request additional testing of the latest batch of the same sample. It is recommended to start testing immediately upon receiving the order to ensure the report is "fresh."

Trap 5: Issues Related to Multiple OEM/ODM Factories. If the same manufacturer has multiple processing plants (OEM/ODM), the name, address, and ISO certificate number of each factory must be listed in the "Manufacturing Sites" field of the PC certificate. Omitting any factory will result in the rejection of products manufactured by that factory. Exporters need to integrate supply chain information in advance to ensure that the factory list in the Saber system matches the orders.

Trap 6: Cost Black Hole Caused by Currency Fluctuations. Since fees are settled in Saudi Riyals, which are pegged to the US dollar, fluctuations in the USD/CNY exchange rate directly impact certification costs. For example, the strengthening of the US dollar in early 2025 led to an approximately 8% increase in certification costs. It is recommended to include a clause in trade contracts with Saudi clients stipulating that "changes in certification costs are borne by the buyer," or to use financial instruments to lock in exchange rates.

VI. Practical Guide: Seven Steps to SASO Certification from Scratch

Step 1: Confirm Product HS Code and Risk Level. Use Saber's free tool, "Product Compliance Assistant," to enter the product name and obtain the recommended HS Code and corresponding list of Saudi technical regulations.

Step 2: Choose a Compliance Path. If the product is low-risk (e.g., ordinary furniture), the "Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC)" path can be chosen to simplify testing requirements; however, 99% of Chinese export products (electronics, electrical appliances, machinery, chemicals) are high- or medium-risk and must undergo third-party testing.

Step 3: Contact the contracted agency. Provide product specifications, BOM, and samples, and request a complete report from the agency including Saudi discrepancy testing. Simultaneously confirm the Saudi importer's Commercial Registration Number (CR) and complete account linking.

Step 4: Create a "Product Registration" in the Saber system. Submit the PC application and upload all documents. Pay the fee (typically 1500-3000 Saudi Riyals/product). Await approval and possible factory inspection.

Step 5: After obtaining the PC certificate, begin production according to the order. Ensure the QR code labels on the products are printed correctly and consistent with the data in the Saber system.

Step 6: