SASO now requires MIM-approved Product Declarations for 135 additional product categories before SCOC issuance through SABER.
The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has announced a significant update affecting the issuance of Shipment Certificates of Conformity (SCOCs) through the SABER platform.
Effective 18 June 2026, an additional 135 product categories are now subject to the requirement of submitting a Product Declaration approved by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) before an SCOC can be issued.
Under the updated procedure, importers must provide a Product Declaration that has been approved by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, and the approved declaration must be included in the technical documentation supporting the certification request. SCOCs cannot be approved through SABER for the affected products unless these requirements are fulfilled.
Key Products Added Under the New Requirement
The newly added products, listed in annex (1) of the circular, span a wide range of industrial, construction, electrical, mechanical, and consumer sectors, including:
- Paints and surface preparation compounds
- Acrylic polymers and polyurethane sheets
- Construction and building products
- Carpets and Rugs
- Cement, concrete, and artificial stone products
- Steel billets, slabs, rebar, galvanized steel, and wire rods
- Pipes and tubes
- Structural steel products and bridges
- Water tanks and construction hardware
- Elevators and conveyor systems
- Electrical control panels and circuit breakers
- Containers and vessels
- Wooden and prefabricated buildings
- Air conditioners
- Generator sets
- Transformers
- Selected automotive parts and industrial equipment
The circular also confirms that if an HS code is listed at the 8-digit level, the requirement applies to all sub-classifications falling under that code.
Existing Products Remain Subject to Previous Requirements
Products listed in Annex (2) remain subject to the previously established Product Declaration requirements. However, SASO has updated certain HS codes from 12 digits to 8 digits to ensure that all related sub-items are covered under the same requirement.
What Importers and Exporters Should Do
Manufacturers, exporters, importers, and supply chain stakeholders dealing with products covered under Annex (1) should review the applicable HS codes and ensure that MIM-approved Product Declarations are obtained before initiating certification procedures through SABER.
Early preparation of technical documentation can help prevent delays in product clearance and market access in Saudi Arabia.
How Cotecna Can Support
Cotecna supports exporters and importers in navigating Saudi Arabia’s conformity assessment requirements and SABER certification process. Our teams can assist with:
- Verification of applicable regulatory requirements and HS codes
- Guidance on documentation and technical file preparation
- Support throughout the SCOC issuance process
- Conformity assessment services for regulated products destined for Saudi Arabia
For more information about Saudi Arabia conformity requirements and certification services, contact Cotecna Middle East team.
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.