Low-risk goods are not subject to technical regulations. Instead, the exporter must submit a Declaration of Conformity to demonstrate that the product meets the applicable regulations.
A PCoC Certificate, or Product Certificate of Conformity, is a formal document issued by authorized certifying bodies. It confirms that a product meets all relevant standards and regulations set by the importing country. This certificate is essential for export products to ensure they comply with environmental, health, and safety laws. The PCoC Certificate is crucial for preventing the distribution of unsafe or substandard goods in the market.
To confirm that your products are registered with SABER and comply with relevant technical regulations, you must present the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCOC). The PCOC is valid for one year from the date of issue. It is the importer’s responsibility to initiate the process of obtaining a PCOC. Without a completed PCOC registration, you cannot obtain a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCOC). Conversely, every shipment must have an SCOC to clear customs.
The Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization of Saudi Arabia (SASO) has launched SALEEM, the Saudi Product Safety Program, to enforce safety and quality standards for all imports destined for the local market. This initiative ensures that all imported products meet local safety requirements. Under SALEEM, SASO categorizes products into one of three risk-based groups to manage and mitigate potential hazards.
Low-risk goods are not subject to technical regulations. Instead, the exporter must submit a Declaration of Conformity to demonstrate that the product meets the applicable regulations.
High-risk products must obtain a specialized certification from SASO and adhere to the same requirements as medium-risk goods. This certification mandates specific labeling that must be applied to both the products and their packaging. Examples of such labels include the G-Mark, EER, Water Use Efficiency, SASO IECEE Recognition Certificate, and SASO QM.
Medium-risk products are those that must adhere to technical regulations and have their conformity verified by a certification body accredited by SASO under ISO 17065-1(a), 3, or 5 certification schemes. The certification body will then issue a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) annually, along with a Shipping Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) for each shipment. Therefore, both PCoC and SCoC certifications are required.
The Product Conformity Program (PCP), previously known as SASO (Saudi Arabian Standards Organization), has been adopted by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for certain regulated products intended for commercial use. To import controlled consumer goods into the Kingdom, a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) from internationally recognized laboratories, such as Intertek or SGS, is required. The PCP integrates conformity assessment, inspection, and certification processes, facilitating the entry of regulated items into the Kingdom and potentially expediting their clearance through Saudi Customs. This program ensures that these products are safe for use and free from potential safety issues, providing reassurance to Saudi consumers.
As of January 1, 2020, SASO certificates are no longer valid for exports to Saudi Arabia. Only the SABER platform can be used to process certificates of conformity for customs clearance, with the exception of fragrances, cosmetics, insecticides, cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products. After this date, shipments will not be cleared based on the SASO CoC; SABER approval is required. For regulated products—those subject to specific technical regulations—a two-step clearance process is necessary: a Product Certificate of Conformity (CoC, valid for one year) and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (CoS, valid per shipment). Products not subject to specific technical regulations only require a Shipment Certificate.
Saudi Arabia relies on third-party services for its import process, requiring that imported goods have the appropriate export documentation, specifically an SASO Certificate of Conformance, to clear customs (Saudi Arabia Certificate of Origin). The SASO CoC is a certificate specific to Saudi Arabia that confirms the product has been tested and meets the country’s quality and safety standards. These SASO certificates serve as the "passports" for customs clearance. However, Saudi Arabian customs officers still have the authority to perform additional inspections and testing upon the product's arrival, even if an SASO certificate is present.
The "Launch of the Saudi Product Safety Program," also known as "SALEEM," was initiated to achieve two key strategic goals. Under this program, SASO will publish technical regulations (TR) for specific products, addressing their nature, application, safety, and performance, with an emphasis on consumer and environmental concerns. These TRs will include detailed sections on technical requirements, applicable standards, and conformity assessment processes (CAPs). Before obtaining shipment certificates of conformity (CoC), which are necessary for certified shipments, products intended for sale in the Saudi market may be issued a product certificate of conformity. To effectively implement the SALEEM Program, SASO developed the SABER System, an online platform for issuing both product and shipment CoCs. Suppliers use the SABER system to start the certification process for their products and shipments.
The importer has revised the product information on the SABER platform.
The importer will choose and pay for the certification body (CB) responsible for issuing the PCoC.
The certification body (CB) logs into the SABER portal to check for any incoming requests from importers.
The certification body (CB) manages the conformity assessment process and serves as the exporter’s point of contact to ensure that all required supporting documentation is provided.
The certification body (CB) must verify the results and enter all valid qualifying documents into the system.
PCoC certificates are crucial in international trade as they provide assurance that products adhere to safety and quality standards. Acting as a gatekeeper, this certification ensures that only goods meeting the stringent requirements of the importing country are permitted to enter the market. This not only protects consumers but also fosters trust among trade partners and maintains market integrity.
Obtaining a PCoC entails the following crucial steps:
Product testing: Extensive testing to confirm that the product satisfies the requirements.
Document review: Analyzing technical manuals and documents to make sure they adhere to legal requirements.
Factory inspections: On-site visits to industrial sites to evaluate quality control and production procedures.
Certificate Issue: The certifying organization issues the PCoC, enabling the goods to be exported, when conformity has been confirmed.
A Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) verifies that the products in a specific shipment meet the standards and regulations of the importing country. While the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) covers the product as a whole, the SCoC focuses on individual shipments, ensuring that each consignment adheres to the required standards.
As a critical supply chain checkpoint, the SCoC ensures that each shipment meets regulatory requirements before entering the importing country. This certification helps protect public health and safety by preventing non-compliant products from reaching consumers. Additionally, it streamlines the customs clearance process, reducing the likelihood of delays and extra inspections.
While both certificates are essential for ensuring product compliance, they serve different functions:
PCoC: Attests to the product’s general adherence to relevant laws and standards.
SCoC: Verifies that every product shipment meets all requirements and is appropriate for admission into the country of import.
These differences demonstrate how the PCoC and SCoC certificate work in tandem to maintain product safety and compliance in international trade.
Obtaining a PCoC certificate involves a multi-step process that ensures thorough verification of product conformity:
Application Submission: The manufacturer or exporter submits an application to a recognized certifying authority, including detailed product information and supporting documents.
Document Review: The certification authority reviews the submitted documentation to ensure that the product meets the required standards.
Product Testing: Samples are tested at accredited laboratories to verify that the product meets safety and quality standards.
Factory Inspection: An on-site evaluation of the manufacturing plant is conducted to assess production procedures and quality control systems.
Certification Decision: Based on the results of testing and inspection, the certification organization decides whether to grant the PCoC.
Certificate Issuance: If the product is found to be compliant, a PCoC is issued, allowing for its export.
Typically, a number of documents are needed in order to receive a PCoC, including:
Product specification sheets provide detailed information about the design, composition, and characteristics of the product.
Technical manuals: Written materials that describe the features and functionality of the product.
Test reports: Outcomes of in-lab examinations verifying adherence to relevant guidelines.
Factory Inspection Reports: Documentation of the manufacturing facility’s on-site inspections.
Compliance Declarations: Product manufacturer statements attesting to compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Testing and inspection are crucial components of the PCoC certification process:
Testing: To make sure products fulfill safety, performance, and quality standards, they go through a thorough testing process. Chemical analyses, mechanical strength evaluations, and electrical safety testing may be part of this.
Inspection: To assess the manufacturing facility’s production procedures and quality control systems, certification bodies carry out thorough inspections. This guarantees that the product continuously satisfies the necessary requirements.
The PCoC certification process can involve several challenges, including:
Complex Documentation Requirements: The extensive documentation needed for PCoC certification can be daunting for manufacturers. Working with experienced compliance consultants and certification bodies can help streamline this process.
Time and Cost Constraints: Achieving certification can be both costly and time-consuming. It is important to allocate sufficient budget and plan accordingly.
Keeping Up with Regulatory Changes: Regulations can change and vary significantly between countries. Staying compliant requires staying informed about the latest rules and guidelines.
Acquiring an SCoC certificate involves several steps:
Pre-cargo Inspection: An inspection is conducted before the cargo departs the exporting country to ensure it meets the importing country's standards.
Document Submission: The exporter provides the certification body with required documents, including the PCoC.
Verification Procedure: The certifying authority verifies that the shipment aligns with the PCoC and complies with all relevant standards.
Certificate Issuance: If the shipment is deemed compliant, the SCoC is issued, allowing for customs clearance.
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