SABER certification is Saudi Arabia’s mandatory product certification system, which aims to ensure that imported products comply with Saudi standards and regulations in terms of quality, safety, environmental protection, etc. All products sold in Saudi Arabia, including machinery and equipment, must pass SABER certification.

SABER certification is divided into two stages, and two certificates need to be applied for:
1. PC Certificate (Product Conformity Certificate):
This is a product registration certificate that proves that the product complies with Saudi Arabia’s technical regulations and standards.
Validity period: usually 1 year, and reapplication is required after expiration. During the validity period, the same product does not need to be shipped repeatedly without applying for a PC certificate.

2. SC Certificate (Shipment Conformity Certificate):
This is a shipping certificate that proves that the imported goods are consistent with the products described in the PC certificate and meet Saudi Arabia’s requirements.
Validity period: only valid for the imported goods in this batch, that is, each shipment requires a new SC certificate.

According to the latest notice from SASO, from January 1, 2025, all goods exported to Saudi Arabia must comply with the following new regulations:
1. Application before arrival: All products exported to Saudi Arabia must apply for SC certificate through the SABER system before the goods arrive at the port. SC certificates applied after arrival will be deemed invalid, resulting in the inability to clear customs.
2. Provide bill of lading to confirm the status of goods in transit: When applying for SC certificate later, documents such as bill of lading are required to confirm the status of goods in transit. This is to ensure that the application for SC certificate is consistent with the actual transportation of the goods.