🇸🇦 Middle East · Saudi Arabia

Saudi SABER / CST Certification Guide

Saudi Arabia manages imported product certification through the SABER platform. All regulated products must obtain a certificate through the SABER system. Wireless products also require CST certification (formerly CITC).

Certification Overview

Certification	Regulator	Scope	Mandatory
SABER CoC	SASO	All regulated products	Mandatory
CST Wireless Certification	CST (formerly CITC)	Products with wireless modules	Mandatory
SASO Energy Efficiency	SASO	External power supplies, home appliances, lighting	Mandatory
SASO RoHS	SASO	Electrical and electronic products	Mandatory (since 2022)

SABER Certification System in Detail

Product CoC (Product Certificate)

Applies to a specific product model. Valid for 1 year. Requires technical document review, approx. 2-4 weeks. This is the foundational certificate.

Shipment CoC (Shipment Certificate)

Applied per shipment, linked to a Product CoC. Valid for a single shipment. Simple process but required for every shipment.

IECEE Certificate

Accepts CB test certificates for conversion to SABER, greatly simplifying the process. A valid CB report can shorten it to 1-2 weeks.

SABER and SASO relationship: SASO is the Saudi Standards Organization (which sets standards), and SABER is the certification platform (the executing system). All regulated products are applied through the SABER system and reviewed by SASO or other authorised bodies.

CST Wireless Certification

Applicable Standards

References international standards such as ETSI EN 300 328, EN 300 440

Test Items

RF output power, frequency range / occupied bandwidth, spurious emissions, SAR (phones/tablets, etc.)

Key Information

Sample quantity	1-2 units
Certification timeline	4-6 weeks
Certificate validity	Usually 3 years
Local representative	Requires a Saudi importer/agent
Prerequisite	Must first have a SABER Product CoC

Certification Process

Confirm HS Code

Determines whether the product is SABER-controlled

Prepare Documents

Test reports / CB certificate / Arabic materials

Submit to SABER

Submit through the importer's account

Review & Issue

2-4 weeks → Product CoC

CST Certification

Additional application for wireless products

Shipment CoC

Applied separately before each shipment

Other Key Requirements

SASO energy efficiency

External power supply efficiency ≥ DOE Level VI. Home appliances require minimum energy efficiency standards (MEPS).

Arabic labeling

Some information on the product and packaging must be in Arabic.

Plug / voltage

BS 1363 British three-flat-pin, 220-230V/60Hz.

Certificate of origin

A Chamber of Commerce certified invoice and certificate of origin are usually required.

FAQs

What is the relationship between SABER and SASO?

SASO is the Saudi Standards Organization (which sets standards). SABER is the certification platform (the executing system). All regulated products are applied through the SABER system and reviewed by SASO or other authorised bodies.

Can a CB certificate speed up SABER?

Yes. Saudi Arabia accepts the IECEE CB certificate to replace some testing. A valid CB test report can greatly simplify the Product CoC application, usually shortening it to 1-2 weeks.

Must a Shipment CoC be applied for on every shipment?

Yes, a Shipment CoC must be applied for before every shipment. The process is simple but must be within the validity of the Product CoC. If the Product CoC has expired, renew it first.

What is the biggest time variable?

The cooperation and efficiency of the Saudi local importer. We recommend aligning process and document requirements with the importer in advance. Saudi holidays and Ramadan also affect approval progress.

Need Saudi certification?

Tell us your product and HS code, and we'll confirm the SABER control status and CST certification needs

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