New rules! Starting from January 1st, before goods arrive at the port...

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According to the latest notice from the Saudi Standards Bureau SASO, starting from January 1, 2025, all goods exported to Saudi Arabia must submit an application through the SABER system and obtain: PCoC (Product Certificate of Conformity) and SCoC (Shipment Certificate).

At that time, the originally usable Undertaking letters will no longer be applicable to the customs clearance process. SC certificates applied after arrival at the port will be considered invalid, resulting in invalid customs clearance. The resulting fines, detention fees or demurrage fees may be fully borne by the importer.

Certificates issued by the SABER system must be issued before the goods arrive in Saudi Arabia. Any application for a SABER certificate after the goods arrive in Saudi Arabia will be regarded as an illegal operation, and the issuing agency will be required to take responsibility.

The following is a detailed explanation of this new regulation:

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

SABER certification is divided into two stages, and you need to apply for two certificates:

1. PC Certificate (Product Conformity Certificate, Product Conformity Certificate):

This is a product registration certificate proving that the product complies with Saudi technical regulations and standards.

Validity period: usually 1 year, after expiration, you need to reapply. Within the validity period, there is no need to apply for a PC certificate again for multiple shipments of the same product.

Application process: Relatively complicated. Necessary documents such as product manuals, technical specifications, test reports, production enterprise qualification certificates, etc. need to be submitted and reviewed by the issuing agency.

Importance: As a necessary condition for products to enter the Saudi market, the PC certificate has a decisive impact on whether the product can be sold in the Saudi market.

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 comply with Saudi requirements.

Validity period: It is only valid for this batch of imported goods, that is, a new SC certificate is required for each shipment.

The process of applying for a SABER-SC certificate usually includes the following steps:

1. The importer submits an application: The importer submits an application for the SC certificate through the SABER system before shipping the goods.

2. Confirm the validity of the PC certificate: The SABER system will verify the validity of the PC certificate corresponding to the batch of goods to ensure that the product has obtained PC certification.

3. Pay the certification fee: The importer needs to pay the certification fee for the SC certificate.

4. Issuance of SC certificate: After the certification body passes the review, the SABER system will issue the SC certificate online.

According to the latest notice from SASO, starting from January 1, 2025, all goods exported to Saudi Arabia must comply with the following new regulations:

1. Application before arrival at the port: All products exported to Saudi Arabia must apply for an SC certificate through the SABER system before the goods arrive at the port. SC certificates applied after arrival at the port will be considered invalid, resulting in the goods being unable to clear customs.

2. Provide a bill of lading to confirm the in-transit status: When applying for a SC certificate later, you need to provide a bill of lading and other documents to confirm the in-transit status of the goods. This is to ensure that the SC certificate application is consistent with the actual transportation of the goods.

The editor hereby reminds all importers, exporters, agents, and partners to apply for PC and SC as early as possible to avoid losses caused by the inability to clear customs after the goods arrive at the destination port in Saudi Arabia.