What is an SASO Certificate?

A SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization) Certificate is a document that guarantees that products adhere to the standards and regulations established by the Saudi Arabian government. It is mandatory for all products imported into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to obtain this certification, which ensures that they comply with the necessary safety, health, and environmental standards. The SASO certificate is applicable to a diverse array of products, such as electrical goods, textiles, games, and building materials.

The SASO certificate is not solely necessary for compliance with Saudi regulations; it is also crucial for the efficient transit of customs and the timely introduction of your product to the Saudi market.

What is the significance of the SASO Certificate?

The SASO certification is essential for the preservation of the quality and safety of products that are accessible to consumers in Saudi Arabia. Businesses are afforded the opportunity to:

Guarantee Compliance: Products may be rejected at customs or even prohibited from being sold in Saudi Arabia in the absence of an SASO certificate.
Strengthen Consumer Trust: The assurance of safety and reliability that a certified product provides to customers results in a rise in consumer confidence.
Increase Market Access: The SASO certificate enables businesses to gain access to one of the largest markets in the Middle East, thereby contributing to market expansion and sales growth.
Penalties, revenue losses, and harm to a brand’s reputation may result from neglecting to acquire an SASO certificate.

Product Categories Requiring an SASO Certificate

SASO certification is mandatory for a diverse array of product categories, such as but not limited to:

Electrical and electronic appliances, including refrigerators, laundry machines, and televisions.
Materials for construction: Glass, steel, cement, and so forth.
Toys and childcare products, such as high chairs, cribs, and infant strollers.
Textiles: Fabrics, clothing, and other textile materials.
Car elements, batteries, tires, and lubricants comprise automotive products.
Before applying for SASO certification, manufacturers must guarantee that their products satisfy the rigorous standards and requirements of each product category.

Procedures for Acquiring an SASO Certificate

1. Product Testing and Compliance
The initial step in obtaining an SASO certificate is to verify that the product adheres to the pertinent Saudi standards. In an accredited laboratory, the product must endure rigorous testing to verify that it satisfies all of the required criteria. These evaluations evaluate a variety of factors, such as environmental impact, safety, and durability.

In order to prevent any complications during the application process, it is imperative to collaborate with a certified testing agency that is acknowledged by the Saudi government.

2. Submission of Documentation
Upon the conclusion of testing, the subsequent documents must be collected and submitted by businesses:

Test results from the accredited laboratory.
Technical specifications and product description.
Packing inventory and commercial invoice.
Certificate of origin, which confirms that the product was produced in the country of origin.
The documentation is submitted to SASO or a recognized certification body for review.

3. Factory inspection (if necessary)
A factory inspection may be necessary for specific product categories. This phase guarantees that the manufacturing process complies with the necessary quality standards. Inspections will be conducted to evaluate the production facility, assess the manufacturing process, and confirm that appropriate quality control measures are implemented.

4. Certificate Issuance
The SASO certificate will be issued upon the successful submission and evaluation of all documents, as well as the successful completion of the required inspections. To continue importing products into Saudi Arabia, this certificate must be renewed prior to its expiration, which is typically one year.

SASO Conformity Assessment Programs

SABER Platform
The Saudi government has implemented the SABER platform in recent years to expedite the SASO certification process. SABER is an online platform that enables importers and manufacturers to register their products, obtain conformity certificates, and monitor the status of their applications.

The SABER platform provides a variety of benefits:

Streamlined application process: SASO certificates can be applied for online by importers and exporters.
Accelerated processing time: The online system expedites the review process, facilitating faster certification.
Transparency: Applicants are able to monitor the status of their application in real time.
SALEEM Program
The SALEEM Program is another SASO initiative that is designed to improve the quality and safety of products in Saudi Arabia. In order to guarantee that products adhere to the Kingdom’s regulatory standards, they are subjected to rigorous inspections under this program.

The SALEEM Program concentrates on the following:

Reducing the presence of counterfeit products: By guaranteeing that only certified, high-quality products are introduced into the Saudi market.
Incentivizing businesses to implement environmentally favorable manufacturing procedures: Promoting sustainability.
The SABER and SALEEM programs are both components of Saudi Arabia’s overarching strategy to enhance the quality of products and the safety of consumers.

Common Obstacles to SASO Certification
Despite the apparent simplicity of the SASO certificate acquisition process, businesses frequently encounter numerous obstacles, such as:

Foreign manufacturers may encounter difficulties in comprehending the technical specifications of SASO standards.
Approvals that are postponed: The certification process can be significantly delayed as a result of incomplete or inaccurate documentation.
Factory inspections: Additional time and resources may be necessary to schedule and successfully complete factory inspections.
In order to circumvent these risks, it is recommended that businesses collaborate with consultants or certification bodies that specialize in the Saudi market. These partnerships can assist in navigating the intricacies and guarantee that the certification process is conducted efficiently.

The Significance of Renewing SASO Certificates SASO certificates are typically valid for a period of one year. It is imperative to monitor the expiration date and commence the renewal process in advance of the certificate’s expiration. Failure to renew the certificate may lead to delays at customs or, in the worst-case scenario, denial of entry for the product into Saudi Arabia.

Procedures for Renewing an SASO Certificate

Evaluate modifications to the product: Ensure that the product continues to adhere to the SASO standards in the event that any modifications have been made to the product since the original certification.
Please provide the most recent documentation: Please furnish any new test reports or factory inspection records that may be necessary.
Ensure you pay all fees on time for renewal. This prevents any problems. You need to pay all fees related to the renewal process promptly. This stops any disruptions.

In conclusion

It is imperative for any business seeking to access the Saudi Arabian market to obtain an SASO certificate. It guarantees that products adhere to the necessary safety and quality standards, prevents customs delays, and fosters consumer confidence.