SABER Certification in the UAE: Providers, Inspection Bodies, Renewal & Cost

 

Shipping regulated goods from the UAE to Saudi Arabia without a valid SABER certificate is one of the most common reasons cargo gets held at the border. Whether you export consumer goods, electronics, or cosmetics, SABER certification is now a standard step before your goods can clear Saudi customs.

This guide covers who provides SABER certification in the UAE, how approved inspection bodies fit in, how renewal works, and what it costs.

What Is SABER Certification?

SABER is the online platform of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). It is where SASO certification is applied for and issued. It covers two certificates:

• PCoC (Product Certificate of Conformity): proves a product model meets SASO technical regulations, covers one product line or model, and is valid for 1 year. hqts
• SCoC (Shipment Certificate of Conformity): proves a specific consignment matches an approved PCoC, and is single use. hqts

In short, the PCoC is the one-time product approval, and the SCoC is the per-shipment clearance for each consignment you send.

Who Provides SABER Certification Services in the UAE?

Exporters usually work with one of three types of provider:

1. SASO-approved conformity assessment bodies (CABs): PCoC and SCoC certificates are issued by CABs approved by SASO. They review your documents and test reports. gettransport
2. SABER certification consultants and agents: they handle registration, document preparation, and applications on your behalf.
3. Freight forwarders with certification support: they combine certification with transport, so documents, cargo, and clearance are coordinated by one team.

At Bright Way Logistic Services, our SABER certification services sit alongside our door-to-door LTL service from the UAE to Saudi Arabia, so you do not have to coordinate separate vendors.

Approved Third-Party Inspection Bodies for Gulf Exports

Only CABs approved by SASO can issue valid certificates through SABER. Before you hire any inspection body or test lab, check it against the official list on the SABER platform (saber.sa). Approval status and product scope can change, so a CAB approved for one product category may not cover yours.

How to Get SABER Certification: Step by Step

1. Register your company and your Saudi importer on SABER.
2. Choose an approved CAB that covers your product category.
3. Submit documents. These typically include test reports, the manufacturer’s ISO 9001 certificate, a certificate of origin, and Arabic product labels that meet SASO requirements. Arabic labelling and ISO 9001 certification of the manufacturing facility are listed as standard requirements. rizmona
4. Receive your PCoC once the technical documentation is approved.
5. Apply for an SCoC before each shipment, selecting the product from your registered PCoC list.
6. Ship and clear. The SCoC flows automatically from SABER to FASAH, so customs checks conformity when the declaration is filed. 

SABER Certificate Renewal

A PCoC is valid for one year and can be renewed every year, while an SCoC is valid for a single consignment and expires upon clearance. Some sources mention longer validity for certain products, so confirm the exact validity with your CAB. 

Practical renewal tips:

• Start renewal at least a few weeks before expiry so shipments are not interrupted.
• Re-check your test reports, labels, and factory certificates, since expired supporting documents are a common cause of rejection.
• Keep your PCoC active even in quiet months if you plan regular shipments.

SABER Certification Cost

Costs depend on the product, the CAB, and the testing required.

• PCoC: the fee varies by CAB, product category, and testing needs, so get a written quote from your chosen body.
• SCoC: sources put it at roughly 350 SAR per shipment, and one lists 402.50 SAR with VAT included. 
• Other cost drivers: product testing, document translation, Arabic labelling, and consultant fees.

Always confirm current fees with your CAB or on SABER before budgeting.

What Changed for 2026

• Product declarations: from June 18, 2026, certain Appendix (1) product categories need a Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources declaration before SASO issues an SCoC. 
• VAT link: import VAT is now tied to certificate issuance, so ZATCA compliance is a prerequisite for clearance. 

If your products fall under these categories, check the requirements before your next shipment.

Common Reasons SABER Certificates Get Delayed or Rejected

• Product HS code or description does not match the PCoC
• Missing or expired test reports or factory certificates
• Labels not in Arabic or not SASO-compliant
• Shipment details that differ from the approved certificate
• Importer-side registration or ZATCA issues

FAQs

What is SABER certification?
It is SASO’s online system for issuing certificates that show products meet Saudi technical regulations before import.

Who can issue a SABER certificate in the UAE?
Only SASO-approved conformity assessment bodies can issue PCoC and SCoC certificates through SABER.

How long is a SABER certificate valid?
A PCoC is typically valid for one year. An SCoC covers one shipment only.

How much does SABER certification cost?
PCoC fees vary by CAB and product. An SCoC costs roughly 350 SAR per shipment, or about 402.50 SAR with VAT.

Can Bright Way help with SABER certification and shipping together?
Yes. We manage certification support, documentation, and door-to-door delivery from the UAE to Saudi Arabia.

Ship to Saudi Arabia Without the Certification Headaches

Don’t let missing paperwork hold up your cargo. Contact Bright Way Logistic Services for SABER support and LTL shipping from the UAE to Saudi Arabia, or call +971 4234 7475.