A clear guide to SASO’s essential testing requirements that exporters must meet to achieve certification and ensure smooth market access to Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has implemented a Verification of Conformity (VOC) program to make sure that products entering the Kingdom comply with Saudi Technical Regulations and Standards.
The program’s purpose is simple but critical: protect consumers by ensuring imported goods are safe, high quality, and aligned with national requirements.
Testing is one of the crucial steps when getting certified under the SASO program. It verifies that goods meet the essential requirements of the applicable standards or technical regulations, and it provides traceability to match products with shipments. Without testing, exporters risk delays, rejections, or noncompliance at Saudi ports of entry.
Other essentials include:
- Test reports must correspond to the same goods in the shipment
- Cover essential requirements, and include clear identifiers such as product name, model or batch number, and sample size.
Products with wide ranges or variations can be grouped for testing, making the process more efficient.
Competent Testing Through an Accredited Laboratory
Equally important is laboratory competence. All testing must be conducted by ISO 17025‑accredited laboratories, with accreditation scopes covering the essential testing parameters. This ensures that results are reliable, recognized, and aligned with best international practices. At Cotecna, we are able to meet these criteria thanks to our competent laboratories in the region: Cotecna CPS Middle East and Wimpey Laboratories.
Cotecna, a trusted SASO Partner
As a trusted global leader in Verification of Conformity services, Cotecna plays a central role in helping exporters meet SASO’s requirements. With extensive experience and a worldwide network of accredited partners, Cotecna ensures that test reports are compliant, products are properly documented, and exporters avoid costly delays or rejections. By partnering with Cotecna, businesses can navigate the SASO VOC program smoothly and secure seamless access to the Saudi market.
Contact our team today to ensure your products comply with Saudi Arabian standards under the SASO VOC program.
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.