The SABER Certification Platform for SASO SALEEM

19 Feb 2019

An Overview of the New System in the KSA

In 2018, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) implemented an enhanced conformity assessment system, called SALEEM, covering multiple industry sectors, including electrical/electronic products. The SALEEM program includes requirements to ensure the quality and safety of electrical products in the KSA market focused on electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and energy efficiency.  Under the program, SASO developed SABER, a central online repository system whereby all imported products are registered.

The technical regulations and certifications required under SALEEM are outlined in this table:

As of January 1, 2019, importers must initiate certification requests for products they intend to import to the KSA by accessing SABER, registering the regulated products and choosing one of the SASO-approved certification bodies (CBs) to process their request. SABER can be used to conduct both product and shipment certifications following these processes.

Product Certification of Conformity (PCoC)

The product certification of conformity (PCoC) is issued online in the SABER platform for every regulated product, as per the applicable product standards defined in the relevant technical regulation. The process for obtaining a PCoC is:

• Importer adds product information on the SABER platform.
• Importer selects CB for issuance of PCoC and pays related fees.
• The CB accesses the SABER platform to check for importer requests.
• CB facilitates the conformity assessment process and liaises with the exporter for submission of all substantiating documents. 
• The CB verifies the results and uploads qualifying valid documents into the system. 
• PCoC is issued online in SABER; it is valid for a period of one (1) year.

Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)

Every regulated product included in the shipment will be verified by the CB to ensure there is an existing valid PCoC for the product. If a valid PCoC is confirmed, an SCoC is issued. The process includes the following steps:  

• Importer sends online request, via SABER, to obtain SCoC for importing products into KSA
• CB verifies if there is valid PCoC for every regulated product 
• If PCoC is verified, the CB confirms in SABER that it has been found to be true
• Importer pays SCoC fees.
• SCoC is issued online in SABER, valid for that specific shipment only.

For more insights on the SABER platform, visit our web page on Global Market Access for Electrical products in the Gulf Region, or download our complimentary fact sheet.