Businesses may find it difficult to navigate Saudi Arabia’s regulatory environment, especially when it comes to comprehending the nuances of SASO and SABER accreditation. In order to ensure that goods fulfill the strict requirements set by the Saudi Arabian government, these certifications are essential for facilitating a smooth product introduction into the Saudi market. This essay delves further into the certification processes of SABER and SASO Certification (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization), describing their procedures, significance, and advantages for companies looking to grow in Saudi Arabia.
Comprehending SASO Certification
What is SASO?
Setting and enforcing standards for goods and services is the responsibility of Saudi Arabia’s regulatory body, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). The SASO was founded to safeguard public health and safety, and it is an essential component of the Kingdom’s Quality Infrastructure.
Principal Goals of SASO
Providing Quality and Safety: Ensuring that all products entering the Saudi market adhere to national safety and quality requirements is the main goal of SASO.
Encouraging Trade: International firms can have easier trade connections and market access thanks to the harmonization of standards by SASO.
Protection of customers: SASO works to safeguard customers by making sure that goods adhere to strict safety and quality standards.
Procedure for SASO Certification
There are several essential steps in the SASO certification process:
Product Testing: To make sure products fulfill Saudi requirements, they must go through extensive testing.
Documentation Review: Test reports, technical specifications, and compliance declarations are just a few of the extensive documentation that manufacturers are required to submit.
Factory examination: To confirm production procedures and quality control measures, an examination of the manufacturing plant could be necessary.
Certificate Issue: The product is granted permission to enter Saudi Arabia through the issuance of a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) by SASO, following the successful completion of the evaluation.
Overview of the SABER System
SABER: What is it?
In order to expedite the process of acquiring product conformity certificates for items imported into Saudi Arabia, SASO launched the SABER online platform. This portal is a component of the Kingdom’s initiatives to streamline and modernize business regulatory compliance.
Important SABER System Features for Online Registration: Companies no longer need to use physical paperwork because they may register their items and submit the necessary paperwork online.
Faster Processing: Businesses can more easily comply with regulatory requirements by taking advantage of the SABER system, which speeds up the processing of conformity certifications.
Real-Time Updates: To improve efficiency and transparency, the platform offers real-time updates on the status of applications.
How the SABER Platform Is Used
Businesses need to take following actions in order to use the SABER system:
Establish an Account: Create a SABER platform account to begin the certification procedure.
Product Registration: Register the items that require certification by logging into the platform.
Choose an Accreditation Organization: Select a recognized certifying authority to carry out the conformance evaluation.
Send in the supporting documentation: Upload the necessary files, including technical requirements and test reports.
Review and Approval: If all conditions are satisfied, the certifying body reviews the documents that have been submitted and approves the conformance certificate.
SASO and SABER Certification Comparison
Although product compliance with Saudi standards is ensured by both SASO and SABER certifications, there are key distinctions between the two:
Getting Around the SASO and SABER Certification Application Process
The process of obtaining SASO and SABER certification is complex and demands careful planning as well as a firm grasp of the necessary procedures. We go over further information and tips for navigating the certification procedures successfully below.
Comprehensive Guide to SASO Certification
Recognize Standards Particular to Your Product
SASO has established distinct standards for each product category. Determine which standards are relevant to your product first. You can accomplish this by looking up the SASO Technical Regulation associated with your product category.
Work with Accredited Labs
You must use SASO-approved laboratories to test your product against SASO standards. To make sure your testing complies with the certification standards, build a relationship with these labs as soon as possible.
Get the technical file ready.
A thorough technical file contains all required documents, including:
Product details and description
Safety data sheets and risk assessments
Comprehensive explanations of the manufacturing process
Prior test results, if available
Request a Factory Inspection, if necessary.
If required by SASO, arrange for a factory inspection. To make sure your production facility satisfies Saudi quality standards, an audit is required. Perform pre-inspection checks and internal audits to get ready.
Send in the Application
Once all testing and documentation have been finished, send your application to the selected certifying authority. This comprises test reports, the technical file, and any further paperwork that is needed.
Take Care of Non-Conformities
During the certification process, if any problems are found, fix them right away. Updates to the documentation or more testing may be necessary for this. For certification to be approved, non-conformities must be resolved promptly.
Acquire a Certificate of Conformance
The SASO will issue the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) following a satisfactory evaluation. The ability to import and sell your goods in Saudi Arabia depends on this certificate.
Simplifying the Use of the SABER System
SABER digitizes the certification process, making it simpler. Here’s a closer look at effectively utilizing the SABER platform:
Create a SABER Account.
The first step is to create an account on the SABER platform. To prevent delays, make sure all product and company information is recorded accurately and completely.
Sort Your Products Correctly in Categories
On the SABER platform, every product must be accurately classified under its own Harmonized System (HS) code. Determining the proper standards requires accurate classification.
