Tap into the Saudi Arabian Ceramic Market with ease with Cotecna
Saudi Arabia continues to be one of the world’s most dynamic importers of ceramic and porcelain tiles. With a market value reaching USD 2.37 billion by June 2024, demand for high quality ceramic products shows no signs of slowing down. As the Kingdom accelerates construction projects under Vision 2030 from new housing developments to megaprojects like NEOM, the appetite for premium ceramic products keeps growing.
For European exporters, this represents a major opportunity.
A Strong European Footprint but Room to Grow
European countries remain leading suppliers of ceramic products to Saudi Arabia. In 2024 alone according to Trademap
Europe's ceramic industry represents 25% of global production and a €30 billion annual market, driven largely by highly specialized small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Top exports include ceramic tiles, sanitary ware, and household ceramics.
The Key Requirement: The Saudi Quality Mark (SQM)
Since September 13, 2019, ceramic and porcelain tiles entering Saudi Arabia must comply with the Technical Regulation for Building Materials Part 4, established by SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization).
This regulation mandates the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) for:
- Ceramic tiles
- Porcelain tiles
- Bricks
- Sanitary ware
- Related building materials
SQM ensures that products conform to ISO/IEC 17065, the international standard for product quality and conformity assessment.
Without SQM:
- Products cannot enter Saudi ports
- Products cannot be sold in the Saudi market
With SQM:
✔ Your shipments move smoothly
✔ Your products are accepted by importers, contractors, and retailers
✔ You gain a competitive advantage over noncertified suppliers
Why European Exporters Should Act Now
The market is expanding fast and so is competition.
Saudi Arabia’s construction sector is projected to keep rising, driven by new cities, infrastructure upgrades, and a growing tourism industry. Importers are increasingly looking for reliable, certified suppliers who can guarantee compliance.
European manufacturers already have a strong reputation for quality. By securing SQM, they gain immediate access to a highvalue market that rewards excellence.
Cotecna Is Here to Help You Enter the Saudi Market
As an approved Conformity Assessment Body, Cotecna supports exporters across Europe with:
- SQM assistance
- Product testing and conformity assessment
- Documentation and regulatory guidance
- Streamlined processes to reduce delays and rejections
Whether you are an SME or a large manufacturer, Cotecna helps ensure your ceramic products meet Saudi requirements quickly, professionally, and confidently.
For more information download our free SQM Exporter Guide or contact us 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.