Understanding high‑risk product classifications, conformity assessment procedures, and certification requirements for exporters and importers trading with regulated markets such as Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Cotecna has been officially approved for the expansion scope of notification for the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) scheme, covering Europe, Asia and the Middle East. This development strengthens Cotecna’s role as a trusted certification partner, enabling broader support for manufacturers seeking compliance with Saudi standards.
The approved expansion includes additional product categories across key sectors such as construction materials, chemical products, mechanical equipment, and food products, allowing Cotecna to further assist exporters in obtaining and maintaining SQM certification.
Expanded SQM Scope in Asia
For Asia, Cotecna’s scope has been extended to cover 10 product categories, including:
- Paper products
- Petroleum oils
- PVC hollow sections
- Detergents and cosmetics
- Water tank products
- Aluminum composite panels
- Ductile iron pipes
- Ceramic sanitary ware (western toilets)
- Steel flat/plate products
- Electric battery products
Expanded SQM Scope in Europe
For the European region, Cotecna’s scope has been extended to cover 6 product categories, including:
- Ductile iron pipes
- Ceramic sanitary ware (western toilets)
- Steel flat products
- Petroleum oils
- Detergents and cosmetics
- Thermal and waterproof insulation materials
Expanded SQM Scope in the Middle East
In the Middle East region, Cotecna has been granted scope expansion across 10 product categories, including:
- Paper products
- Petroleum oils
- PVC hollow sections
- Melamine plastic tableware
- Detergents and cosmetics
- Thermal and waterproof insulation materials
- LPG gas appliances and accessories
- Ductile iron pipes
- Steel flat products
- Edible vegetable oils
What Does This Mean for Exporters?
This scope expansion enables Cotecna to support a wider range of manufacturers in obtaining the Saudi Quality Mark, which is a key requirement for regulated products entering the Saudi market.
With this extended coverage, exporters can:
- Work with a single certification partner across more product categories
- Streamline their SQM certification process
- Ensure compliance with applicable Saudi technical regulations and standards
How Cotecna Can Support You?
As an approved Certification Body under the SQM programme, Cotecna provides comprehensive support throughout the certification process, including:
- Review and validation of technical documentation
- Factory audits
This expanded scope reinforces Cotecna’s commitment to facilitating market access and supporting exporters in achieving compliance efficiently and reliably.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Cotecna’s experts or download our free SQM Frequently Asked Questions guide for more information.
About Cotecna
For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.