Saudi SABER PCoC and SCoC Export Checklist

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10 critical items still open - these are the highest-risk gaps.

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1. Scope and product

Confirm the HS code for each product and whether it is covered by a Saudi technical regulationCRITICALIdentify the applicable technical regulation or standard for the productCRITICALCheck whether the product needs a Gulf conformity mark or other GCC markingRecord the exact model, rating and variant list that will be coveredConfirm the product labelling and language requirementsCheck whether the product is restricted or needs a separate permit

2. Registration

Ensure the Saudi importer has an active commercial registrationCRITICALRegister the importer and your company as required on the SABER platformCRITICALAssign a named person who will manage SABER requestsRecord the company and user credentials in a controlled placeAgree who is responsible for each document between exporter, importer and broker

3. Product certificate of conformity

Select the conformity assessment body or route used for the product typeCRITICALPrepare test reports from a competent laboratory for the applicable regulationCRITICALCollect technical files, user manuals and labels for reviewSubmit the product certificate request through SABERCheck that the certificate lists the correct models and HS codeCRITICALNote the certificate validity date and set a renewal reminderKeep a copy of the certificate with the item record

4. Shipment certificate

Create the shipment request in SABER for each consignmentCRITICALMatch invoice quantities, models and values to the shipment requestCRITICALAttach the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading as requestedConfirm the shipment certificate is issued before the goods are loaded or arriveCheck that the certificate number appears on the customs entryKeep the shipment certificate with the shipping file

5. Customs and follow-up

Confirm the incoterm and who pays duty, VAT and inspection chargesCheck that the invoice shows the data required for Saudi customsPrepare the certificate of origin if requiredBrief the clearing agent on the SABER numbers before arrivalCRITICALRecord any rejection reason and fix the root cause in the product fileReview the whole process after the first three shipments

Rules differ by product and change over time. Use this list to organise the work and confirm each point with your Saudi importer, the conformity assessment body and the current SASO and ZATCA customs guidance.

Add certificate controls to your ERP

Optional: a short review of how to hold certificate numbers and expiry dates against items and shipments.

Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.

How to use the checklist

Work through the five groups in order and tick off each item for a single product family. Items marked critical block the shipment if they are missed. Use the checklist as the shared plan with your Saudi importer, because the registration, the certificate request and the shipment request involve both parties. Export the completed list as a PDF to keep with the export file. Repeat the exercise for each new product family, since certificates are tied to the models and HS codes they cover.

The two certificates

In the SABER process, a product certificate of conformity shows that the product family complies with the applicable Saudi technical regulation, and a shipment certificate of conformity is obtained for each consignment and ties the actual goods on the invoice to that product certificate. Customs relies on the shipment certificate at clearance. The product certificate is usually reusable until it expires, while the shipment certificate is created per shipment. Both must match the invoice descriptions, models and quantities, so data quality in your item master and invoice template matters.

Product certificate: per product or model family, with a validity period.
Shipment certificate: per consignment, requested through the platform.
Mismatched model names are a common cause of rejection.

Common mistakes and ERP notes

Frequent problems are a wrong or too generic HS code, invoices that use internal part numbers instead of the certified model names, certificates that expire between order and shipment, and nobody owning the SABER account. In your ERP, add a customer-specific description or cross-reference so the Saudi invoice shows the certified model. Store the certificate number and expiry on the item or the customer-item record and block shipping when it has lapsed. Treat the first shipment of each product as a pilot to learn how the process behaves for your goods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SABER?

SABER is the Saudi online platform used to apply for conformity documents for regulated products entering the Kingdom. Importers and exporters use it to request product certificates and shipment certificates before customs clearance.

Do all products need a shipment certificate?

No. The requirement applies to products covered by Saudi technical regulations and to the categories the authority has placed under the scheme. Check your HS codes against the current scope and confirm with your importer.

Who applies for the certificates, exporter or importer?

It depends on the document and the platform roles. Typically the manufacturer or exporter handles the product certificate with a conformity assessment body, while the Saudi importer manages shipment requests. Agree this in writing before the first order.

What happens if the certificate details do not match the invoice?

Customs may hold or reject the shipment, and you may need to amend the invoice or request a new shipment certificate. This is why model names, quantities and HS codes must match across every document.

If you ship to Saudi Arabia from an ERP that does not hold certificate numbers and expiry dates, we can help add those controls to the item and shipment flow.

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Saudi Arabia SABER Product Certificate and Shipment Certificate Checklist