Saudi Arabia SABER Certification Guide for Global IT Teams

Importing IT hardware into Saudi Arabia used to be relatively straightforward, often requiring just paperwork and port inspections. That changed in 2019, when the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) introduced the SABER platform to modernize and streamline the process. 

This guide breaks down how SABER works, what’s required at the product and shipment level, and how global IT teams can avoid compliance mistakes when shipping to Saudi Arabia.

What Is SABER?

SABER is the online platform Saudi Arabia uses to implement its national product safety program, known as SALEEM. It consolidates product safety reviews, regulatory approvals, and customs documentation into one system.

Both foreign exporters and Saudi importers must register regulated products in SABER prior to shipment. Rather than relying solely on port inspections, SABER shifts most compliance reviews upstream, before the shipment arrives in Saudi Arabia. The approach follows a pre-shipment verification of conformity (PVoC) system, a framework widely used in emerging markets. 

The platform is tightly integrated with Saudi Customs and relies on approved third-party certification bodies to review documentation, test products, and issue certificates of conformity.

For a visual walkthrough of the SABER platform, this guide from TÜV may be helpful for first-time users.

Required SABER Certificates for IT Hardware

SABER certification isn’t a single document. It refers to a system of approvals that regulated products must complete before being imported into Saudi Arabia. Here are three types of approvals that most IT hardware will require:

Quality Mark (QM)

A QM is a physical label required for certain high-power or high-risk electrical products. It indicates that the product has passed enhanced testing and certification by a SASO-authorized body. The mark includes the certifier’s logo and must appear on both the product and its packaging. It’s considered the most authoritative form of compliance.

Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)

An approved conformity assessment body (CAB) will issue a PCoC once per product, per importer. The PCoC is valid for one year. It confirms that the item has passed safety testing and complies with SASO’s technical regulations. 

The PCoC is importer-specific, which means it must be issued under the name of the Saudi-based Importer of Record (IOR). 

If your shipment contains 10 regulated items, each requiring certification under an HS code, you’ll need 10 separate PCoCs (one for each item). You can reuse these PCoCs across multiple shipments, as long as the importer and product remain the same. 

Here’s an example of what a finalized PCoC looks like:

A Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)

Once the shipment is ready, the importer requests the SCoC through the SABER platform, typically from the same CAB that issued the PCoCs. The SCoC confirms that all products in the shipment are covered by valid PCoCs. This shipment-level approval is what Saudi customs will review upon arrival.

Which Devices Need SABER Certification?

SABER certification applies to a wide range of electronics and IT hardware. If you're shipping servers, networking gear, or even accessories like cables and adapters, your products likely fall under its scope.

While compliance requirements vary by product type, the first step is always the same: identifying the correct HS code. Each HS code is linked to specific SABER requirements. You can check which certifications and QMs are required for the products falling under each HS code at the SABER website.

Some devices require only a basic certificate of conformity, while others (particularly those involving power or radio emissions) must also bear Saudi Arabia’s QM. Because the SABER database is frequently updated and HS code classification drives the entire certification process, even small missteps in product categorization can cause delays.

How to Apply for SABER Certification

Once you’ve confirmed that your product is regulated, the certification process can begin. Here’s how the process generally works:

1. Confirm product regulatory requirements. Use the SABER platform to search by HS code and verify if your product is regulated. The platform will specify whether it requires a PCoC, a QM, or both.

Step 2: Gather required documentation. You’ll need a complete set of technical documents to initiate the review. This includes:

• An ISO 9001 certificate for the manufacturing site

• A product data sheet and high-resolution photos

• A signed SABER Risk Assessment Form, completed by the manufacturer

• Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC), a manufacturer-issued document listing all applicable safety, radio, and environmental standards the product complies with

• IEC 62368 test reports (see below for an example from Cisco). Please note that SABER no longer accepts older standards such as IEC 60950-1 and IEC 60065

Step 3: Verify manufacturer compliance. Verify manufacturer compliance. Ensure all documents reference the correct product and factory. Test reports must align with current standards, and ISO certificates must match the country of origin.

Step 4: Submit to a CAB. Choose an approved CAB and submit your application through the SABER platform. As of December 2024, uploading three product photos is mandatory for each item. The certification body will review all documentation and may request clarifications or conduct a physical inspection, depending on the product's risk classification.

Step 5: Receive the PCoC. Once the CAB approves your products, you’ll receive a PCoC tied to the importer and product part number. It’s valid for one year and can be reused for multiple shipments.

Step 6: Repeat for each regulated Item. Every product in your catalog must have its own PCoC. If your shipment includes 10 different regulated items, you’ll need 10 separate certificates.

Step 7: Obtain the SCoCs before shipping. Once all products in your shipment are covered by valid PCoCs, request an SCoC from the same CAB. The SCoC confirms that the shipment matches the approved product catalog and is required for customs clearance into Saudi Arabia.

Common Pitfalls and Compliance Risks

Even when documentation seems complete, small missteps can lead to delays or shipment rejection. Here are the most common issues:

• Incorrect or outdated standards: As mentioned earlier, older certifications like IEC 60950-1 are no longer accepted under SABER, which now requires compliance with IEC 62368-1 (third edition).

• Importer mismatches: The PCoC must be issued under the name of the Saudi-based IOR. Certificates tied to a different importer cannot be reused.

• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation: All details, including part number, HS code, factory address, and product photos, must align exactly across all submitted files.

• Assuming exemptions for accessories: Passive or bundled items like cables, adapters, or even blank panels, may still be regulated under SABER depending on their classification.

• Missing the SCoC window: Each shipment requires both a valid PCoC and an SCoC issued before the goods arrive at port.

• Wrong or outdated HS code: The HS code determines which regulations apply. If the code is incorrect or too broad, your product may be classified improperly or flagged for inspection.

In a system designed to front-load compliance, precision at the documentation stage is often the difference between clearance and costly delays.

Timeline and Process Considerations

SABER certification is not a same-day process, even when all required materials are in place. Here’s what global IT teams can expect:

• PCoC Certification: Typically takes 10–14 working days, assuming all required documents are complete and compliant. Delays are common if the CAB requests revisions, clarifications, or physical inspections.

• SCoC Issuance: Once your shipment is ready and all PCoCs are in place, the CAB can issue the SCoC within 2–3 working days.

• Customs Clearance: Saudi customs clearance typically takes 3–5 working days to clear a shipment with a valid SCoC, depending on the port and volume.

Overall, the process can take 3 to 4 weeks, excluding potential delays due to documentation gaps, queue times at certification bodies, or high-risk product classifications. HHigh-risk products or incomplete documentation may extend the timeline. Physical inspections may also be required at the certification body’s discretion.

Clearing IT Hardware Through Saudi Customs: Key Takeaways

SABER certification is now central to importing IT hardware into Saudi Arabia. Whether shipping servers, switches, or high-power components, here are the key regulatory checkpoints to plan for:

• SABER registration is mandatory for nearly all IT hardware, including servers, networking gear, PDUs, and external power supplies. Most devices require a Quality Mark (QM) or Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC), and each shipment needs a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC).

• The PCoC is importer-specific and must be issued under the name of the Saudi-based Importer of Record. A separate certificate is required for each part number, including accessories or bundled components.

• High-power devices may require a Quality Mark (QM) printed on both the product and packaging. This includes PDUs, backup systems, and some external power adapters.n

• Photos, test reports, and ISO documentation are required for each regulated item. As of December 2024, SABER mandates product photos and may require physical inspections based on risk classification.

• Certification takes time. PCoC approval can take up to 14 working days, and shipments can’t clear customs without a valid SCoC. Plan for 3–4 weeks from document preparation to final clearance.

Getting SABER right means securing certification before your hardware ships. The earlier you start, the fewer surprises you’ll face at the port.

Many multinational enterprises trust FGX to deliver seamless, best-in-class global IT shipping solutions for their infrastructure. We provide coverage to 174 countries and maintain a 99.98% customs clearance and delivery success rate even in highly regulated markets such as Brazil, India, and China. Please reach out if you’re interested in learning more.