Step by Step Process to Apply for a Saber Certificate

If you are planning to import goods into Saudi Arabia you’ll hear the word Saber a lot this is not just another government platform it’s actually a big part of the product approval process and it can make or break your shipment getting a Saber certificate is now a must for many products and without it your items might get stuck at customs or even be rejected this guide will take you through the step by step process of applying for the certificate in a way that’s easy to follow and free from technical confusion

What Is a Saber Certificate and Why It's Needed

Before diving into the steps let’s talk about what a saber certificate actually is Saber is an online system launched by the Saudi Standards Metrology and Quality Organization it helps make sure that products entering the Saudi market meet safety and quality standards the certificate is like a digital approval that shows your goods have been registered approved and verified to follow all the required rules

Now not every product needs a Saber certificate but many do especially electrical items building materials toys electronics cosmetics and some food contact products so the first thing to check is whether your product falls under the regulated category if it does then you’ll need this certificate even before your goods are shipped

Step 1 Create an Account on the Saber Platform

To get started you’ll need to register on the Saber platform go to the official Saber website and sign up as a local company or an importer if you are a business already registered with the Saudi Ministry of Commerce your information will be linked automatically during the registration process you’ll need your commercial registration number email and mobile number once your account is created you’ll receive a confirmation message and then you can log in to your dashboard

Step 2 Add Products to the System

Now that you’re logged in the next step is to list the products you want to import this is done by adding the product details one by one you’ll need to mention things like the product name category model number country of origin and HS code it’s important to use the correct HS code because that decides whether the product is regulated or not if you choose the wrong one it might mess up the process later so take your time and match it properly

Step 3 Check Product Classification

After adding your product Saber will tell you whether it’s regulated or non regulated non regulated means the product does not require a certificate of conformity from an approved body and you can issue a self declaration regulated means the product must go through further checks and approvals depending on the type of item and the standard it falls under the system will guide you to the next steps

Step 4 Choose a Certification Body

For regulated products you now need to select a certification body this is a third party company that checks and confirms whether your product meets Saudi standards there are many approved bodies both inside and outside Saudi Arabia once you select one they will review your documents and decide whether the product can be approved they may ask for test reports safety certificates user manuals and other related paperwork

If your documents are in order and the product passes their check they’ll issue a Product Certificate of Conformity this is called the PCoC and it’s valid for one year this certificate must be renewed annually if you plan to continue importing the same product

Step 5 Apply for Shipment Certificate

Once you’ve got the product certificate and your goods are ready for shipping you’ll need to apply for a shipment certificate this is a separate step in Saber and it’s needed every time you bring a new batch of that product into Saudi Arabia you can’t reuse an old shipment certificate it’s always issued for a specific quantity and shipment

To apply for this certificate you log back into Saber choose the product and upload the commercial invoice and shipping details then you pay the required fee and submit it for approval the certification body you chose earlier will review it and once cleared the shipment certificate is issued this document will be used at the port or airport during customs clearance

Step 6 Pay the Fees

Every step in the Saber system has its own fee the product certificate has a set cost usually paid to the certification body and the shipment certificate has a government fee you pay through the platform itself make sure you keep track of all receipts and invoices as they may be needed during customs or for tax purposes some businesses hire agents to handle the payment and follow up especially if they deal with many shipments

Step 7 Submit Documents to Customs

Once you have the shipment certificate you’re almost done now when your goods reach Saudi Arabia the customs officers will check for the Saber shipment certificate along with your regular documents like invoice packing list and bill of lading if everything matches and the certificate is valid they’ll clear your goods if the certificate is missing or expired your goods may be rejected or delayed so always double check that everything is ready before the shipment leaves the supplier’s country

What Products Require Saber Certification

You might be wondering which items need Saber approval the list is long but some of the most common ones include electrical appliances air conditioners mobile phones lights cables water pumps children’s toys batteries building materials auto parts and cosmetics each category has its own safety and performance standards that must be followed before entering the Saudi market Saber helps match each item with the right rules and ensures everything meets the required level

How Long the Process Takes

The time it takes to get a Saber certificate depends on how fast you upload documents and how quickly the certification body responds in most cases the product certificate can be issued in three to five working days if all documents are complete the shipment certificate can usually be issued in one or two days so if you plan things right and don’t wait till the last minute the whole process can be done in less than a week

Common Mistakes People Make

Lots of folks make the same errors when applying for Saber first they choose the wrong HS code which leads to delays second they submit incomplete documents to the certification body third they try to rush the process and skip steps which always backfires and last they forget to apply for the shipment certificate after getting the product certificate Avoid these mistakes and you’ll save time money and headaches always keep a checklist and review everything twice before clicking submit and if something doesn’t make sense don’t guess ask for help

Do You Need an Agent for Saber

Technically you can handle everything yourself on the Saber platform but if you’re busy or unfamiliar with how the system works hiring a professional agent can be a smart move agents know the system inside out they can upload documents track approval handle payments and talk to certification bodies on your behalf their service does cost a fee but it’s often worth it especially if you’re dealing with multiple products or large shipments

Why Saber Matters More Than Ever

Saudi Arabia is putting strong focus on product safety and quality now more than ever so importing goods without proper approval is getting harder customs is strict and they cross check everything through digital systems like Saber so if you want to keep your goods moving and avoid fines you’ve got to play by the rules and make sure your products are properly certified Saber also helps protect local consumers and keeps dangerous or low quality products out of the market so in the long run it benefits both businesses and customers

Helpful Tips to Speed Things Up

Here are some extra tips that make the Saber process faster and smoother

. Always use clear product names and correct HS codes
. Scan and upload clean readable documents
. Pick a certification body that responds quickly
. Register products in advance before your shipment is ready
. Don’t wait till the last minute to apply for shipment certificates
. Track your application status through the platform regularly

These simple habits help avoid delays and keep your goods flowing smoothly through the system

Final Thoughts on Saber Certification

Getting a Saber certificate might feel like just another thing on your to do list but it’s actually one of the most important parts of importing goods into Saudi Arabia if you skip it or mess it up your shipment won’t clear and you’ll be left dealing with delays and costs so don’t treat it lightly take your time to understand the system register your products properly upload correct documents and keep things organized Whether you do it yourself or use an agent the goal is to follow the rules stay updated and avoid surprises when your goods arrive always check if your products are regulated and never assume things are fine just because a previous shipment was approved rules change and each batch must be certified separately through the right process