Navigating SQM Approval for Cement Products: Cotecna’s Certification Process Explained.
The Saudi Quality Mark is a mandatory certification that signifies your product complies with the relevant Saudi standards and technical regulations. It ensures quality, safety, and performance across all manufacturing and supply stages.
Below are the 5 key steps to obtain the Saudi Quality Mark through Cotecna:
Step 1: Apply via SASO’s Jeem1 Portal
- Start by submitting your application through the SASO Jeem1 online portal.
- In your application, you must select Cotecna as your chosen certification body.
- Pay the application fee directly to SASO via the portal.
- Upload all required documents (see full list of documentation requirements below).
Once your application is received, SASO will conduct an initial review. Upon acceptance, the next steps will follow.
Step 2: Technical Review by Cotecna
- SASO will notify Cotecna to begin the technical review.
- You will be required to pay the technical review fees to Cotecna.
- Cotecna will assess your documentation, which must include:
- SQM application form
- Commercial register
- Industrial license
- Factory location map
- Internal audit reports
- ISO 17025 test reports
- Quality control plan
- QMS or Quality Manual
- Organizational structure
- Product catalogue
If any documentation is missing or non-compliant, you will be advised to correct and resubmit.
Step 3: Factory Audit
- After the technical review is accepted, you must pay the audit fees to Cotecna.
- Cotecna will then schedule and conduct an on-site factory audit to evaluate:
- Compliance with SASO quality and manufacturing standards
- Labeling and packaging practices
- Batch consistency and traceability
- Environmental, health, and safety conditions
- Implementation of your QMS and staff competence
Step 4: Corrective Actions (if required)
- If non-conformities are identified during the audit, cotecna will issue a non-conformance report. Factory must carry our root cause analysis and submit their corrective actions
- You must implement the corrective measures and provide updated evidence.
- Cotecna will finalize the technical report and submit it to SASO for review.
Step 5: SASO Review and SQM License Issuance
- SASO will request you to pay the decision fees once they have received the final report from Cotecna.
- Upon approval by SASO’s committee, you will be required to pay the licensing fees.
- SASO will then issue the Saudi Quality Mark certificate, allowing your cement product to carry the official mark of quality and compliance.
For more information or guidance, contact Cotecna Saudi Arabia or download our free SQM Exporter Guide.
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.