Saudi Arabia SASO SABER Approval
SASO SABER approval in Saudi Arabia typically takes 1-2 weeks and requires international RF test reports from an ILAC-accredited laboratory. The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) manages compliance through the SABER platform, with certificates valid for 1 year (Product CoC) and Shipment CoCs required for every batch.
Authority
SASO
Validity
1-3 Years
Lead Time
1-2 Weeks
Sample Required
Not Required
Local Rep
Importer Account Req.
Testing
Not in most cases
SABER regulation at a glance
In Saudi Arabia, the responsibility for approving radio and telecommunications equipment has shifted from the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) to the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) through the SABER platform.
Under this framework, all RF and IT products must comply with Saudi technical regulations before they can be imported or sold. In most cases, local in-country testing is not required, making the process highly efficient for international manufacturers.
Our Saudi Arabia SABER services
Regulatory Consulting
Guidance on applicable standards, approval scope, and certification requirements.
Documentation Management
Preparation and review of Technical Construction Files (TCF) and DoCs.
Certification Handling
End-to-end management of the SABER approval process.
Report Verification
Review of international test reports to ensure compliance with SASO standards.
Re-Certification
Assistance with renewals, product updates, and re-approvals for modified equipment.
Step-by-step SASO SABER workflow
HS Code Verification
Audit of the product's HS code to determine the exact technical regulation and whether it requires IECEE or CST coordination.
Importer Linkage
We coordinate with your local Saudi distributor to link the product to their SABER portal account for formal submission.
P-CoC Issuance
The Product Certificate of Conformity is issued after technical evaluation of the dossier and test reports by a SASO-accredited body.
S-CoC Generation
Final generation of the Shipment Certificate (S-CoC) for each individual batch entering the Kingdom, ensuring smooth customs clearance.
Important Importer Requirement
All SABER-related approvals must be processed using an active importer account on the SABER platform, along with complete importer details. We can assist your local distributor in navigating this portal.
Common products requiring SABER approval
Common reasons for SASO delays
- HS Code Misalignment: Using incorrect codes leading to wrong technical regulations.
- Missing IECEE: Failing to provide mandatory IECEE certificates for high-power IT gear.
- Importer Registration: Delays in activating the importer's SABER portal account.
- Photo Discrepancies: Product labels in photos not matching the technical specifications.
- G-Mark Conflicts: Overlap with GSO requirements for specific electronic categories.
For manufacturers, the shift to the SABER platform has streamlined the process, but it requires a very close relationship with the local importer, as the certificate is technically owned by the Saudi entity.
Does Saudi Arabia accept FCC or CE reports?
Yes, Saudi Arabia's SASO and CST authorities accept RF, EMC, and Safety test reports issued by ILAC-accredited international laboratories (e.g., EU RED or FCC reports). These international reports are used to issue the SABER Product Certificate of Conformity (P-CoC), typically eliminating the need for local technical re-testing in the Kingdom.
What is the SABER portal in Saudi Arabia?
SABER is the mandatory online platform used by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) to register products and issue conformity certificates (CoC). Every wireless or electronic product must be registered on SABER by a locally licensed Saudi importer to obtain the necessary clearance for customs entry.
Frequently asked questions
SABER is the official Saudi portal for registering and issuing conformity certificates for all products entering the Kingdom.
The Product Certificate (P-CoC) is typically valid for 1 year, while the Shipment Certificate (S-CoC) is batch-specific.
Yes, an active Saudi importer with a valid SABER account is mandatory to hold the certificate.
Standard SABER approval in Saudi Arabia typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. This timeline is achievable if all international test reports are pre-verified and the local importer's SABER account is active and linked to the manufacturer's products.
In most cases, SASO SABER approval does not require physical samples, relying instead on accredited test reports.
Yes, SASO accepts both FCC and EU RED reports from ILAC-accredited laboratories.
Starting 2025/2026, most portable electronics like laptops and phones must use USB-C as the unified charging port.
It is a mandatory certificate for specific electronics (like laptops and chargers) based on international CB reports.
Yes, providing user manuals in Arabic (or bilingual) is a mandatory requirement for consumer products in KSA.
The certificate is issued by SASO-accredited Certification Bodies (CBs) after a successful audit of the technical dossier.
Related Saudi Compliance Resources
KSA SASO Approval Guide
Detailed guide on SABER platform requirements and SASO technical regulations for KSA.
Read GuideSABER Portal Masterclass
How to manage P-CoC and S-CoC certificates effectively for seamless Saudi customs clearance.
Read GuideSASO IECEE Recognition
Mandatory safety certification requirements for mobile phones, laptops, and IT equipment.
Read GuideSaudi USB-C Mandate
Everything you need to know about the unified charging port regulation for the Saudi market.
Read GuideRegulatory Updates
Latest CST/SASO announcement regarding the unified charging port mandate for laptops.
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Our experts handle everything from documentation to SABER portal management for a fast, hassle-free entry into the Kingdom.