Certification Introduction
For export of construction machinery to Saudi Arabia, the mandatory SABER conformity certification system implemented by the Saudi Standards Organization (SASO) is a required prerequisite for import customs clearance and market access. After the new regulation took effect on January 1, 2025, all exported construction machinery must complete certification via the SABER system before goods arrive at the port. Original commitment letters and certificates applied for after port arrival are no longer recognized. Non-compliant goods will be detained during customs clearance and incur extra fees. Certification is divided into two categories: PCoC (Product Certificate of Conformity) and SCoC (Shipment Certificate of Conformity).
Laws and Regulations
The core regulation is the SABER conformity assessment system for imported products released by the Saudi Standards Organization (SASO), which covers all imported construction machinery under mandatory control. If construction machinery contains GCC-uniformly controlled components such as low-voltage electrical equipment, it must also comply with relevant requirements of the GCTS electronic certification system of the Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO). The control level of a specific product must be verified for the latest requirements on the official SASO platform in combination with the HS code.
Technical Requirements
- Product safety and performance shall comply with the corresponding Saudi SASO standards or unified GSO Gulf standards. Construction machinery with electrical functions shall additionally meet GSO requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and low voltage (LVD);
- Test reports shall be issued by ISO 17025-accredited laboratories and conform to SASO/GSO standard requirements;
- Products shall be marked with information including country of origin and compliance standard number, and documents shall provide technical specifications and parameter data in English/Arabic;
- Some high-risk products may require additional factory inspection or sampling testing.
Certification Process
- Confirm the product control category, and complete SABER system account registration by a local Saudi importer or authorized representative;
- Submit product technical documents and a qualified test report issued by an accredited laboratory to apply for a PCoC. The certificate is issued upon approval; PCoC is generally valid for 1 year, and can be reused for multiple shipments of the same product within the validity period;
- Before each shipment, submit the batch shipment information in the SABER system, link the valid PCoC certificate, and apply for an SCoC;
- After approval, the electronic SCoC certificate is obtained and shall accompany the goods for customs clearance.
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