Jan 06, 2020 13:00Silvana Möhr, Switzerland Global Enterprise
The Saudi authority SASO (Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization) has introduced a new system for the Certificate of Conformity. The electronic certification and conformity assessment certificate Saber is set to replace the Certificate of Conformity CoC since 2019 and accelerate the processes.
Conformity assessments in Saudi Arabia will be handled via the Saber online system in the future
Saber is an online system that connects importers, certification bodies and Saudi customs and trade authorities. The goal of Saber is to quickly handle shipments, reduce counterfeit consumer goods, track products more easily and increase the number of SASO-approved products on the Saudi market.
Please note, that as per 1st January, 2020, SASO certificates are no longer valid for all products exported to Saudi Arabia. Therefore, all certificates of conformity for customs clearance must be processed through the SABER platform only. The only exceptions are certificates for perfumes, cosmetics, pesticides, cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products. No shipment arriving after this date will be cleared based on the SASO CoC and SABER clearance must be arranged.
Regulated products (coming under a specific Technical Regulation) require clearance through the two-part process where a Product certificate (CoC, valid for one year) is issued alongside the relevant Shipment Certificate (CoS, valid only per shipment). Non-regulated products (those not under a specific Technical regulation) require only a Shipment Certificate.