In today’s global economy, ensuring product compliance with regulatory standards is essential for manufacturers, importers, and exporters alike. The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has introduced the SABER (Saudi Product Safety Program) system for product conformity assessment and certification in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). For manufacturers and exporters seeking to enter the Saudi market, compliance with SASO regulations is a prerequisite.
Introduction to SASO-SABER
Established in 2019, the SASO-SABER system is a digital platform designed to facilitate the registration, testing, and certification of regulated products entering the Saudi market. It aims to enhance consumer safety, protect public health, and promote fair trade practices by ensuring that products comply with applicable technical regulations and standards.
Significance of SASO-SABER
Consumer Protection:
SASO-SABER plays a critical role in safeguarding consumer interests by verifying the safety, quality, and compliance of products available in the Saudi market. By enforcing stringent regulatory requirements, the system minimizes the risk of substandard or hazardous products reaching consumers, thereby enhancing consumer confidence and trust.
Market Access:
The SASO-SABER system provides a streamlined process for obtaining the necessary certificates of conformity, thereby facilitating market access and reducing trade barriers for compliant products.
Regulatory Compliance:
SASO-SABER ensures adherence to Saudi technical regulations and standards across various product categories, including electrical appliances, building materials, cosmetics, and personal protective equipment (PPE). By centralizing the certification process and automating compliance checks, the system promotes consistency, transparency, and efficiency in regulatory enforcement.
Implementation of SASO-SABER
Registration:
Manufacturers, importers, and agents are required to register on the SASO-SABER platform and create an account to initiate the certification process. Registration involves providing company details, contact information, and relevant documentation, such as commercial registration and product specifications.
Product Testing:
Once registered, companies can submit their products for testing and assessment by accredited laboratories recognized by SASO. Testing requirements vary depending on the product category and applicable technical regulations. Test reports must be uploaded to the SASO-SABER platform as part of the certification application.
Certification Application:
After successful testing, companies can apply for product certification through the SASO-SABER system. The application involves completing the necessary forms, uploading supporting documents, and paying applicable fees. SASO reviews the application and supporting documentation to verify compliance with regulatory requirements.
Issuance of Certificates:
Upon approval, SASO issues a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or Product Certificate through the SASO-SABER platform. The certificate serves as official confirmation that the product meets Saudi technical regulations and standards and is eligible for importation and sale in the Saudi market.
Product Labeling:
Certified products must display the SASO conformity mark, indicating compliance with Saudi regulations. The conformity mark typically includes the SASO logo, product identifier, and certification number, and must be affixed to the product or its packaging prior to importation.
Benefits of SASO-SABER
Streamlined Process:
SASO-SABER streamlines the certification process by digitizing documentation, automating compliance checks, and providing online access to regulatory requirements and certification status. This reduces paperwork, accelerates processing times, and enhances overall efficiency for stakeholders.
Transparency and Traceability:
The transparency of the SASO-SABER system enables stakeholders to track the status of certification applications, monitor regulatory updates, and access relevant information and resources. This fosters greater accountability, trust, and collaboration between regulators, businesses, and consumers.
Market Competitiveness:
Compliance with SASO regulations and certification through the SASO-SABER system enhances the competitiveness of products in the Saudi market. Certified products are more likely to gain market acceptance, attract consumers, and comply with procurement requirements for government and private sector projects.
Regulatory Harmonization:
SASO-SABER aligns with international best practices and standards, promoting harmonization and convergence with global regulatory frameworks. This facilitates trade, enhances interoperability, and fosters international cooperation in the exchange of goods and services.
Challenges and Considerations
Complexity:
Navigating the SASO-SABER system can be challenging due to its complexity, especially for companies unfamiliar with Saudi regulations and procedures. Adequate training, resources, and support are essential to overcome barriers and ensure successful compliance.
Cost:
The cost of product testing, certification, and ongoing compliance can be significant for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited resources. Companies must budget accordingly and explore cost-saving measures, such as batch testing and strategic planning.
Time Constraints:
The time required to complete the certification process through SASO-SABER can vary depending on factors such as product complexity, testing requirements, and regulatory changes. Timely submission of applications and proactive engagement with regulators can mitigate delays and expedite certification.
Compliance Monitoring:
Ensuring ongoing compliance with SASO regulations is essential for maintaining certification and market access. Companies must stay informed about regulatory updates, monitor changes in product specifications, and conduct periodic reviews to identify and address non-compliance issues.
How Contract Laboratory Helps with SASO-SABER
Contract Laboratory helps manufacturers find laboratories to assist in their SASO-SABER compliance testing. Some examples include:
- ISO 17025 Contract Laboratory is needed for SASO-SABER certification testing for multiple building and construction products that are exported to Saudi Arabia. They are Insulation-Building Cladding Materials like gypsum board, gypsum ceilings, aluminum composite panels, cement-fiber boards, etc. And also, Bricks-Tiles-Ceramic Sanitary Ware & related products like Roof sheets, Ceramic sanitary ware & sanitary accessories, Natural stones (marbles, granites, etc.).
- Textile Laboratory needed for SASO regulation compliance testing certification for 5 fabric samples.
- Contract Laboratory needed for energy smart meter testing to validate of result (interlaboratory comparisons) on the same test points in our lab). I want to ask you if your lab can provide us BILC certificate (The bilateral inter-laboratory comparison) and make this test or PT test. The required test points (TAQYEES TEST ) SASO-IEC62058-31:2012
- Determination of viscosity (SASO127/1998) in detergents.
- An Electrical Compliance Laboratory is needed for SASO verification testing to ensure whether air conditioning equipment conforms to standard specified conditions or not.
- SASO 2278 = Comparison with the genuine spare parts (mechanical and functional test)
- Consumer Products Laboratory for the following Saso 2778:2009 tests on adult and children’s apparel: PH for the aqueous extract Value of Formaldehyde content Azo dyes Tensile strength Tear Strength Fibre composition (Blend) (Fabric) Colour fastness to washing Colour fastness to perspiration Colour fastness to rubbing Colour fastness to light
- Contract Performance Laboratory needed for Complete Performance and Safety Testing as per SASO ISO 16093:2018. for Band Saw Cutting machine
- SASO-ISO Testing of the following Oil Filters: SASO ISO 6415- Connection Thread and sealing surface (Clause No. 3.1)- Designation (Clause 4)- Marking (Clause 5)Spark Plugs: SASO ISO 28741- Terminal (Clause 4)- Gasket (Clause 5.2)- Installation Tightening Torque (Clause 7)- Cylinder Head Housing (Clause 9)
