Businesses and manufacturers entering the Saudi Arabian market must comply with the SABER certification system, an essential requirement mandated by the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO). One of the most common questions companies ask is: What is the cost of a SABER certificate in Saudi Arabia?
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the detailed cost structure, including product registration, certification fees, inspection charges, and other factors that affect the total expenses.
What is a SABER Certificate?
The SABER system is an online platform introduced by SASO to simplify the conformity assessment process for imported and locally manufactured products. Every product entering Saudi Arabia must be registered in the SABER system and obtain the required certification of conformity.
There are two main types of certifications under SABER:
Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) – Confirms that the product meets SASO technical regulations and standards.
Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) – Required for every shipment of registered products to clear customs in Saudi Arabia.
Both certifications come with associated fees and processes that businesses must account for when calculating costs.
Breakdown of SABER Certificate Costs in Saudi Arabia
The cost of obtaining a SABER certificate varies depending on several factors such as product type, risk level, inspection body fees, and the number of shipments. Below is a detailed breakdown:
1. Product Registration Fee
Each product model must be registered in the SABER platform.
The official SABER registration fee is 500 SAR per product per year.
This fee is fixed and mandatory for every product, regardless of the category.
2. Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) Fee
The PCoC fee depends on the conformity assessment body (approved by SASO).
Fees usually range between 1,500 SAR to 3,000 SAR per product.
High-risk products may require additional testing, increasing costs further.
3. Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) Fee
A SCoC must be issued for every shipment entering Saudi Arabia.
The official fee is 500 SAR per shipment.
This is separate from the product certificate and must be budgeted for each consignment.
4. Testing and Laboratory Fees
Some products require third-party laboratory testing to verify compliance with Saudi technical regulations.
Costs vary widely depending on the product category, ranging from 1,000 SAR to over 10,000 SAR.
Electrical products, cosmetics, chemicals, and food items often require extensive testing.
5. Inspection and Audit Fees
Certain regulated products require factory audits or pre-shipment inspections.
Fees are determined by the inspection body and may cost between 2,000 SAR to 7,000 SAR or more.
6. Renewal Costs
SABER certificates are valid for one year.
Renewal requires payment of the same annual registration fee (500 SAR) plus the assessment body fee for certificate revalidation.
Factors Influencing SABER Certification Costs
The total cost of obtaining a SABER certificate in Saudi Arabia is not the same for every business. Several factors influence the final expenses:
Type of Product – High-risk products such as electrical appliances or medical devices typically require more testing and higher fees.
Number of Models Registered – Each model variation is treated as a separate product and incurs additional costs.
Inspection Body Fees – Different certification bodies may charge different service fees.
Testing Requirements – Products requiring laboratory testing will naturally involve additional costs.
Frequency of Shipments – Each shipment requires a new SCoC, meaning regular exporters will pay more annually.
Estimated Total Cost for SABER Certification
Here is a cost estimate example for a medium-risk product:
SABER Registration: 500 SAR
PCoC Fee (average): 2,000 SAR
SCoC Fee: 500 SAR per shipment
Testing (if required): 3,000 SAR
Total: 6,000 SAR – 10,000 SAR (depending on testing and shipment frequency)
For companies with multiple product categories and frequent shipments, the cost can significantly increase.
Why is SABER Certification Mandatory?
The Saudi government enforces SABER certification to ensure:
Consumer safety – Preventing unsafe products from entering the market.
Standard compliance – Aligning with Saudi technical regulations.
Customs clearance – Products without SABER certification cannot enter the country.
Market reputation – Certified products enjoy better credibility in Saudi Arabia.
How to Reduce SABER Certification Costs?
Businesses can optimize certification expenses by following these strategies:
Plan Product Registrations Efficiently – Group similar models under one certificate where possible.
Choose Accredited Certification Bodies Wisely – Compare fees from different SASO-approved bodies.
Prepare Documentation in Advance – Avoid delays and extra costs due to missing documents.
Work with Local Experts – Consultants with experience in SABER can help reduce mistakes and extra fees.
Schedule Shipments Strategically – Minimize the number of shipments to reduce SCoC costs.
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain SABER Certificate
Create an account in the SABER platform.
Register products and pay the 500 SAR fee.
Select a conformity assessment body for PCoC.
Submit documents (test reports, technical files, product details).
Conduct testing/inspection if required.
Receive Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC).
Apply for Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) for each consignment.
Clear customs and market products in Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion
The
SABER certificate cost in Saudi Arabia
varies depending on the product category, shipment frequency, and testing requirements. While the basic registration fee is 500 SAR, businesses must also factor in conformity assessment body charges, shipment certificate fees, and potential testing costs. By planning strategically and working with experienced certification experts, companies can reduce unnecessary expenses while ensuring smooth access to the Saudi market.
