What is a SABER Certificate and Why Indian Exporters Need It for Saudi Arabia?
In the global trade landscape, compliance with international standards is essential—especially for exporters targeting highly regulated markets like Saudi Arabia. For Indian exporters, one of the most important requirements to enter the Saudi market is the SABER Certificate. Whether you're dealing in electronics, textiles, toys, or food packaging, having SABER certification is not just a formality—it's a gateway to successful trade.
In this blog, we’ll explore what a SABER Certificate is, its significance for Indian exporters, and how working with approved testing labs can streamline the process.
What is a SABER Certificate?
SABER (Saudi Product Safety Program) is an online certification and registration system launched by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). It is designed to ensure that all products entering the Saudi market meet the country’s regulatory and safety standards.
Through the SABER platform, both regulated and non-regulated products must be registered, tested, and approved before they can be exported to Saudi Arabia. The process is mandatory for both domestic and foreign manufacturers and exporters.
Types of Certificates Issued Through SABER
There are two primary certifications that exporters need to obtain:
Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)
This certificate is issued for individual products after successful conformity assessment by a SASO-approved certification body.Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)
This certificate is issued for every shipment and confirms that the products in the shipment match those approved in the PCoC.
Why is the SABER Certificate Crucial for Indian Exporters?
1. Mandatory for Market Access
If your product is listed under regulated categories, you cannot export to Saudi Arabia without a valid SABER Certificate. Customs officials in Saudi Arabia strictly enforce this requirement, and non-compliance could lead to shipment rejections or financial penalties.
2. Compliance with Technical Regulations
SASO has published hundreds of technical regulations covering various product categories. SABER ensures that your products meet these standards, especially for safety, environmental, and performance criteria.
3. Supports Faster Customs Clearance
With all necessary approvals and documentation uploaded to the SABER portal, customs clearance becomes faster and smoother, minimizing delays at the border.
4. Builds Trust with Saudi Distributors and Buyers
Having SABER certification boosts your product's credibility and reliability in the Saudi market. Distributors are more likely to work with certified exporters, knowing that products meet official compliance norms.
Which Indian Exporters Need the SABER Certificate?
The SABER certification applies to a wide range of industries. If you're an Indian manufacturer or exporter in any of the following sectors, you likely need to comply:
Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Textiles and Apparel
Automotive Parts
Toys and Children’s Products
Building Materials
Cosmetics
Chemical Products
Food Packaging and Contact Materials
Exporters of organic, halal, or eco-friendly products may also need SABER certification to prove safety and compliance with niche regulations.
Steps to Obtain a SABER Certificate from India
Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide for Indian exporters:
Step 1: Choose a SASO-Approved Certification Body
Select an accredited third-party certification body in India or abroad that is authorized by SASO to operate under the SABER system.
Step 2: Product Registration
Register your product in the SABER portal by uploading required technical documents, such as product specifications, test reports, and safety data sheets.
Step 3: Conformity Assessment
The certification body will conduct a conformity assessment based on Saudi technical regulations. Testing may be required in a SASO-recognized laboratory in India.
Step 4: Issuance of PCoC
Once your product passes the conformity assessment, you receive the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC), valid for one year.
Step 5: Apply for Shipment Certificate (SCoC)
Each shipment requires a Shipment Certificate of Conformity, which confirms that the shipment matches the PCoC-verified product.
The Role of Testing Labs in SABER Certification
To obtain a SABER Certificate, product testing is essential. Indian exporters must partner with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs or those approved by SASO. These labs conduct tests to ensure compliance with technical standards.
Benefits of Using Accredited Testing Labs in India:
Local access reduces logistics costs and lead time
Accurate, credible testing reports as per Saudi requirements
Technical support in product improvement before certification
Faster approvals due to familiarity with SABER processes
Common Challenges Faced by Indian Exporters (and How to Avoid Them)
How Much Does SABER Certification Cost?
The cost may vary based on:
Type of product
Number of product categories
Required testing (lab fees)
Certification body’s fees
Number of annual shipments (each SCoC costs extra)
Pro Tip: Compare pricing and turnaround time across different testing labs and certification bodies in India to optimize costs.
Future of SABER Certification and Indian Exports
With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 encouraging more foreign investment and tighter product regulations, SABER certification will continue to be a critical requirement. For Indian exporters, staying ahead with timely certifications and reliable lab partnerships can unlock massive trade potential.
Final Thoughts
The SABER Certificate is more than just a regulatory document—it is a key to unlocking access to the growing Saudi Arabian market. For Indian exporters, understanding the SABER system and partnering with credible testing labs and certification bodies is essential for success.
Whether you're exporting electronics, textiles, or industrial goods, make SABER certification a priority to avoid delays, enhance product credibility, and ensure seamless entry into Saudi Arabia.
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