In order to guarantee the quality and safety of goods entering the Saudi Arabian market, the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) is essential. Getting SASO certification is crucial for companies wishing to import goods into Saudi Arabia. This certification helps to safeguard consumers, guarantee safety, and advance fair trade by confirming that items fulfill the standards and technical requirements set by SASO.
To help businesses better grasp the significance of the SASO certification process, the procedures involved, and how to successfully traverse it, we have broken it down in this post. This guide will help you obtain SASO certification and save expensive delays whether you are an importer, exporter, or manufacturer.
SASO Certification: What Is It?
Goods imported into Saudi Arabia are required to meet a quality assurance standard known as SASO certification. The certification attests to the fact that these goods satisfy the technical requirements and criteria established by the Saudi government. SASO’s mission is to guarantee the safety, dependability, and environmental friendliness of every product on the market.
The following products, among others, are governed by SASO regulations:
Appliances that are electrical and electronic
Automobiles and their components
Construction supplies
Personal care items and toys
Chemicals
Businesses who don’t have SASO accreditation risk fines, delays in customs processing, or even having their items banned from entering Saudi Arabia.
What Makes SASO Certification Vital?
SASO accreditation is necessary for the reasons listed below:
Consumer Safety: SASO assists in shielding Saudi Arabian customers from dangerous or defective items by attesting that products fulfill particular safety requirements.
Regulatory Compliance: Local rules and regulations must be followed by any products entering Saudi Arabia. Product compliance with these standards is guaranteed by SASO certification.
Market Access: Products that lack SASO certification may not be allowed to enter the Saudi market, which could cause financial losses and business interruptions.
Environmental Protection: Reducing hazardous materials and encouraging energy efficiency are only two examples of the many SASO guidelines that address environmental protection.
How to Become Certified as an SASO: A Comprehensive Guide
Step 1: Determine Which SASO Standards Apply
Finding the pertinent standards that apply to your product is the first step towards earning SASO certification. Depending on the type of product, SASO has created a wide range of technical standards and rules.
Consult the SASO database or work with a certification authority that is knowledgeable with Saudi Arabian rules to find out the precise standards your product needs to achieve.
Step 2: Pick a Recognized Certification Organization
Authorized certification organizations that have received accreditation from Saudi Arabian government are the ones that give SASO certification. These certification organizations are in charge of assessing goods to make sure they adhere to SASO requirements.
Several globally renowned certifying organizations that provide SASO services are as follows:
Markek
Choosing a certification body that is authorized by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) and has experience with the SASO certification procedure is crucial.
Step 3: Send in the Necessary Records
The next step is to collect and submit the necessary product documentation after choosing a certification body. This could consist of:
Technical drawings and product specs
Test results from recognized testing facilities
The declaration of conformance from the manufacturer
Product labeling and the bill of materials
Depending on the product category, different documentation may be needed, thus it’s important to collaborate closely with your certification organization to make sure all the relevant information is delivered.
Step 4: Testing the Product
To confirm that your product complies with SASO requirements, the certification body will typically require laboratory testing. A variety of tests may be used during the testing process, such as:
Tests for electrical safety
Tests for mechanical safety
Analysis of chemical composition
Assessments of performance
SASO-approved testing facilities or the certifying body’s own labs may be used for testing. Following successful completion of all necessary testing, the product’s results will be sent to the certification organization for evaluation.
Step 5: Inspection of the factory (if applicable)
SASO mandates a manufacturing facility inspection for specific product categories to make sure the production procedures meet quality standards. Auditors will evaluate the following during a factory inspection:
Systems for production control
Procedures for quality management
Standards for workplace safety
Systems for product traceability
The certifying organization will authorize the factory to continue producing SASO-compliant goods if the inspection is successful.
Step 6: The SASO Certificate Is Issued
The SASO Certificate of Conformity (CoC) will be issued by the certifying authority after all testing and inspection requirements have been satisfied. The product can be imported into Saudi Arabia with this certificate, which is necessary for customs clearance.
The SASO CoC will contain information like:
Description of the product
Name of the manufacturer
Details of the certifying body
The certification’s validity period
Step 7: SABER Platform Registration
In order to get product certifications and submit customs documentation, SASO now mandates that all products be registered on the SABER platform. Businesses must upload their CoC to SABER and make sure that all product information is correctly documented in order to finish the SASO certification procedure.
Shipment Certificates of Conformity (SCoC), which are necessary for every shipment of products entering Saudi Arabia, can also be issued through SABER. Products cannot pass customs without this document.
Step 8: Continuous Compliance and Renewal
Usually, an SASO certification lasts for a year before needing to be renewed. Businesses need to make sure that all relevant SASO standards are met and the certification is renewed annually. Maintaining certification may require ongoing testing and inspections.
Companies must stay informed about the frequent updates to SASO standards, as any changes could impact their product categories. You can prevent interruptions to your business operations and guarantee continuous compliance by collaborating with a seasoned certifying body.
Typical Obstacles in the SASO Certification Procedure
Product Testing Delays
Occasionally, testing of products takes longer than anticipated. More testing is required or testing facilities are overloaded, which can cause this to happen. Before submitting your application, make sure that all product documentation is in order and collaborate with an accredited testing laboratory to prevent delays.
Inadequate Records
Frequently, missing or insufficient documentation cause delays in certification. To make sure that every detail is accurate, businesses must closely collaborate with their certification organization and thoroughly review all submission criteria.
SASO Standard Changes
Regular upgrades to SASO’s standards may result in unforeseen modifications to the criteria for compliance. Businesses should keep up with any changes to regulations and be ready to modify their products as necessary.
In conclusion
For businesses looking to join the Saudi market, obtaining SASO accreditation is a crucial first step. The certification agencies will work with businesses to ensure product fulfillment. Every step of the SASO certification process, from determining relevant requirements to finishing product testing and registering with SABER, is essential to guaranteeing compliance and commercial success.
