Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) Full Guide on SABER

08 Dec 2025 Articles

Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) Full Guide on SABER

The Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) is one of the most important requirements for clearing imported goods into Saudi Arabia. Every shipment—whether the products are regulated, non-regulated, or exempt—must obtain an SCoC through the SABER platform before customs will release it.
In this guide, we explain what the SCoC is, why it is mandatory, who needs it, and how Watheeq helps importers achieve fast and compliant certification.

What Is the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)?

The Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) is an official approval document issued through the SABER system. It confirms that the products within a specific shipment comply with the required Saudi technical regulations, safety standards, and labeling requirements.
While the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) is issued once per model, the SCoC must be issued for every individual shipment, even if the same product is imported multiple times.

The SCoC serves as the final compliance verification before shipment clearance at Saudi Customs.

Why Is the SCoC Mandatory?

Saudi Arabia enforces strict regulatory controls to ensure that all products entering the market are safe, compliant, and high quality.
The SCoC supports these national quality and safety goals by:

  • Ensuring each shipment truly matches the certified product specifications
  • Preventing counterfeit or non-compliant products from entering the Saudi market
  • Ensuring accurate product labeling and technical documentation
  • Protecting consumers from dangerous or low-quality goods
  • Increasing transparency between manufacturers, exporters, and importers

For importers, the SCoC is the final gateway for shipment clearance.

Who Needs an SCoC?

Every importer bringing goods into Saudi Arabia must obtain an SCoC, regardless of product type. This includes:

  1. Regulated products → Require PCoC + SCoC
  2. Non-regulated products → Require SDoC + SCoC
  3. Exempt products → Require special approvals + SCoC

No shipment can enter Saudi Arabia without an SCoC.
If the SCoC is missing, the shipment will be held or rejected at customs.

How the SCoC Process Works on SABER

The SABER system simplifies product and shipment registration, but accuracy is critical. Below is the complete process from start to finish.

1. Product Registration on SABER

Importers must first register all products and enter:

  1. HS codes
  2. Product descriptions
  3. Brand and model
  4. Technical details

The system then categorizes them as regulated or non-regulated.

2. Certification Stage

  1. Regulated products: Require a valid PCoC issued by an approved certification body such as Watheeq.
  2. Non-regulated products: Require an SDoC (self-declaration from the importer).

3. Creating the Shipment Request

Importers upload:

  1. Invoice
  2. Packing list
  3. Bill of lading (if available)
  4. Quantity, model numbers
  5. Country of origin

4. Verification by the Certification Body

Watheeq verifies that:

  1. Shipment details match certified models
  2. PCoC or SDoC is valid
  3. Labeling and documentation comply with SASO requirements
  4. No technical or regulatory gaps exist

5. Issuance of the SCoC

Once the shipment passes verification, the Shipment Certificate of Conformity is issued and used for customs clearance.

Common Mistakes Importers Make

Many import delays happen due to avoidable errors, such as:

  1. Mismatched product descriptions between invoice and SABER
  2. Incorrect HS codes
  3. Missing or outdated PCoC
  4. Wrong model numbers or incomplete documentation
  5. Incorrect labeling or packaging
  6. Failure to upload required shipment documents

Working with an accredited certification body minimizes these risks.

Why Choose Watheeq for SCoC Services?

Watheeq provides complete assistance for both PCoC and SCoC issuance. Our support includes:

  1. Accurate and fast document verification
  2. Expert guidance throughout SABER registrations
  3. Support for both regulated and non-regulated products
  4. Direct coordination with manufacturers and importers
  5. Full compliance with SASO technical regulations
  6. Continuous monitoring of regulatory updates

With Watheeq, you ensure smooth logistics, faster clearance, and guaranteed compliance.

Conclusion

The Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) is essential for every shipment entering Saudi Arabia, regardless of product classification. It ensures compliance with Saudi standards, prevents delays at customs, and protects your brand from regulatory issues. By working with a trusted certification partner like Watheeq, importers can complete the SCoC process quickly, accurately, and confidently—ensuring uninterrupted access to the Saudi market.

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