If you are planning to export products to Saudi Arabia, one document stands between your shipment and the Saudi port: the SASO Certificate of Conformity (CoC). Many exporters ignore it until their goods are already in transit—only to discover that customs clearance is impossible without it.
The SASO Certificate of Conformity proves that your product complies with Saudi standards and technical regulations. It is issued through the SABER system, Saudi Arabia’s official product conformity platform, and applies to a wide range of regulated products such as electronics, machinery, construction materials, toys, and household appliances.
Without this certificate, your shipment can face:
Customs rejection
Heavy demurrage charges
Forced re-export
Financial losses
Damaged buyer relationships
To obtain the SASO Certificate of Conformity, exporters must:
Register the product on the SABER portal
Submit technical documents and test reports
Arrange product evaluation through an approved conformity body
Apply for a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) before dispatch
One common mistake exporters make is assuming that a test report alone is enough. In reality, Saudi customs requires a valid SASO/SABER CoC linked to the shipment, not just lab testing. Another costly error is using outdated standards or incomplete product information, which leads to application rejection.
The SASO Certificate of Conformity is not just paperwork—it is your legal permission to sell in Saudi Arabia. Getting it right ensures:
Smooth customs clearance
Faster delivery
Reduced risk of penalties
Stronger trust with Saudi importers
In Saudi trade, compliance is not optional. If your product does not meet SASO requirements, your business will pay the price. But when handled correctly, the SASO Certificate of Conformity becomes your gateway to one of the Middle East’s largest and fastest-growing markets.
Bottom line:
When exporting to Saudi Arabia, the SASO Certificate of Conformity doesn’t just matter—it decides whether your shipment succeeds or fails.