## SASO Certification Guide: Requirements, Process, Cost and Compliance in Saudi Arabia
If you are considering exporting your items to Saudi Arabia, it is critical to know about the SASO Certificate. Many exporters feel that a basic product certificate will suffice to clear their consignment. In fact, Saudi Arabia has technical laws and conformity criteria that are specific to the product, its categorisation and the Saudi standards that apply.
Many regulated products require exporters and importers to complete the conformity assessment procedure via Saudi Arabia’s SABRE platform and receive the applicable conformity documents before the shipment may proceed.
Non-compliance with regulatory rules may result in shipment delays, increased testing costs, customs issues or rejection of products.
This tutorial describes what an SASO Certificate is, who needs it, how the certification process works, what documents are normally required, how much certification might cost and what exporters should check before sending products to Saudi Arabia.
## What is SASO Certification?
A SASO Certificate is basically a certificate that declares a product meets the relevant Saudi technical norms and standards controlled by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO).
SASO develops and maintains standards and technical requirements for a wide range of items entering the Saudi market.
For products subject to Saudi conformity regulations, the procedure may involve:
* Identification of the relevant technical regulation
* Determining the appropriate product category
* Reading product documentation.
* Product testing as necessary
* Assessment of conformity
* Registering through the SABRE platform
*Getting a product Certificate of Conformity
* Organising a Shipment Certificate of Conformity where necessary
Thus, the phrase “SASO Certificate” should not always be construed as one universal certificate provided for every product.
Specific criteria depend upon the product and the legislation relevant to it.
## Is an SASO Certificate Required for Saudi Arabia?
Exporters frequently ask about the SASO certificate requirement.
Saudi Arabia has moved a large part of its conformity assessment system to the SABRE platform, which is used to register items and manage conformity processes.
So, exporters should not be asking the question, "Do I need an SASO certificate?” They should be asking:
1. What is exported?
2. What is its HSN code?
3. Which Saudi technical regulation is applicable?
4. Is the product controlled?
5. Which conformity evaluation technique is required?
6. Why do we need to test products?
7. Is a Product Certificate of Conformity needed?
8. Do you need a Certificate of Conformity for your shipment?
This product-specific approach is significant because the standards for certification can vary considerably between product categories.
## How SASO and SABRE are related
SASO and SABRE are very closely related, yet they are not similar.
SASO is the Saudi standards and regulations agency. It is responsible for standards, technical rules and conformity-related requirements.
SABRE: Saudi electronic platform for conformity assessment to ease product registration and compliance procedures
In practice exporters may hear both words during the certification procedure.
For example, a corporation can state that it requires a "SASO certificate," but the process actually requires the registration of the product and the completion of conformity processes through SABRE.
Understanding this difference will help you avoid confusion when you are dealing with Saudi importers, certification agencies, laboratories and customs personnel.
## Why You Should Get an SASO Certification
The conformity certification has as its primary objective to prove that the items that circulate in the Saudi market comply with the relevant technical and safety regulations.
Depending on the product, compliance standards may cover topics such as:
*Safety of goods
* Electrical safety
* Machinery safety
* Efficiency in Energy
* Chemical bans
* Electromagnetic compatibility
Labelling
* Packaging
* Environmental requirements
* Protection of consumers
Saudi or recognised international standards should be followed as appropriate.
Certification also provides Saudi officials and customers with assurance that imported products have undergone the mandated conformity examination.
For firms, satisfactory compliance can help lower the risk of:
* Delays in customs clearance
* Shipment refused
* Further investigation
* Product testing difficulties
Wrong documentation
* Unanticipated compliance costs
## What Products Require SASO Certification?
There is no single list of products that will be relevant to every exporter.
Saudi technical regulations can apply to several product categories.
In Saudi conformity assessment, typical products comprise categories like:
#### Electrical and Electronic Goods
Examples can be –
* Appliances electrical
* Lighting
* Power supply.
Electronics
* Cable's
* Some household appliances
* Electrical accessories
### Industrial Equipment & Products
Depending on their classification, machinery and industrial equipment may have Certain technical standards that may apply to them. to certain technical standards.
#### Construction Materials
Some construction and building materials may be subject to conformity evaluation in accordance with applicable Saudi technical laws.
### Car Parts
Vehicle components, spare parts, tyres and associated items may be subject to particular technical and compliance criteria.
#### Chemical and Plastic Products
Certain chemical, plastic and consumer items may be subject to technical rules for safety, composition, labelling or environmental standards.
### Household Goods
Saudi technical regulations may also apply to consumer items based on their type and purpose.
The crucial thing is to **classify the product before making any assumptions about which SASO criteria are relevant.**
## SASO Certificate and Certificate of Conformity
Another source of confusion is the nomenclature.
A Certificate of Conformity is proof that a product or shipment has complied with relevant conformity criteria.
Depending on the regulatory procedure, documentation may contain a Product Certificate of Conformity and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity.
So if someone asks for an "SASO Certificate”, it makes sense to clarify exactly which paper they require.
The importer, exporter, certification organisation or customs process may request a specialised conformity document instead of a generic certificate.
### What is an SASO Certificate of Conformity?
A SASO Certificate of Conformity is a document of conformity commonly known as a document of conformity to prove that a product meets the necessary Saudi Arabia technical requirements.
How it is valued exactly depends on the product type and the applicable law.
Assessment may include:
* Technical documentation review
* Test reports
* Factory info
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