Exporting to Saudi Arabia

Effective as of April 1st and gradually replacing the current KSA Certificate of Conformity (CoC) Program, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has started the implementation of the Saudi Product Safety Program “SALEEM” which is governed by Technical Regulations (TRs) that cover specific products (called Regulated Products) and/or Risk Categories to guarantee the Health and Safety of Consumers and Environment, as well as Water and Energy Conservation.

The Certificate of Conformity - in short, CoC - demonstrates that goods intended for export comply with country-specific regulations as well as internationally recognized standards. Each country imposes different requirements. Our globally active experts make it easier for you to register products in your favored markets with a Certificate of Conformity.

The Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) has reduced the number of accredited certification bodies per country for some time. As a reliable and globally active partner for certifications, we have been authorized by the SASO as a certification body in Germany to issue certificates of conformity for Saudi Arabia since 2008.

For nearly all products exported to Saudi Arabia, a Certificate of Conformity must be issued. Exceptions to this rule are:

• Military equipment
• Petroleum products
• Foodstuffs
• Medical products and equipment

Foodstuffs and medical products must be registered with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority in a separate procedure.

The SASO has high-risk products for which particularly stringent requirements remain valid. This applies to products such as:

• Sockets, plugs, adapters, extension cords, portable chargers
• Hair dryers
• Car spare parts (filters, tires, radiators, batteries, brake pads)
• Water boilers
• Heating fans and radiant heaters
• Car tires
• Children's toys

Only valid test reports according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 from an accredited test lab are permitted as proof of compliance with the requirements for these products.

Below are the specific requirements for products destined for Saudi Arabia:

• Test reports must come from ILAC accredited test labs
• In addition to the standard requirements, the type plates for machines and parts must also comply with Saudi Arabian requirements
• In case of end consumer products, operating instructions must contain all warnings required by the standard and should be in English and Arabic
• Climatic conditions for outdoor use should be observed
• Year and country of manufacture must be visible on the product, its documentation or packaging
• Objects that are offensive to Islam may not be used; pork or alcohol must not be included in any of the products to be delivered

To prepare a quotation, you should submit the questionnaire including the delivery date, the pro forma invoice or commercial invoice as well as a product description.

After acceptance of the offer, the following documents must be submitted to us:

• Completed and legally binding signed application
• EC declarations of conformity
• Extract from the commercial register of the producer (export country), exporter and importer
• Country of origin

If applicable:

• Test reports (internal, if applicable) and certificates from accredited bodies
• Type plates or photos of the type plates
• Design drawings, diagrams
• Safety data sheets
• Layouts of the packaging or photos of the products / packaging
• Photo documentation of the final delivery

The Certificate of Conformity is not valid for a specific period of time or number of imports, but must be renewed for each delivery or import to Saudi Arabia.

If you want to export products to Saudi Arabia, you usually need a Certificate of Conformity. If you do not have the necessary CoC, your goods will be withheld by Saudi Arabian customs or, in the worst case, returned to the country of origin.