In today’s regulated business environment, obtaining product certification is essential to ensure compliance, safety, and market access. Whether you’re entering local markets like Saudi Arabia or aiming for international trade, understanding the steps for product certification is vital for a smooth and efficient process. This guide outlines the key steps involved in achieving product certification and explains how Watheeq can help streamline the journey.

What is Product Certification?

Product certification is a process in which a recognized certification body verifies that a product meets specific regulatory, technical, and safety standards. Certified products carry a conformity mark that assures buyers and regulators of their quality and compliance.

Key Steps for Product Certification

1. Understanding Regulatory Requirements

The first step is to identify the relevant standards and regulations for your product in the target market.

• For example, SASO standards are mandatory in Saudi Arabia for products like electronics, trailers, and toys.

• Regulations vary across industries and regions, such as CE marking for the European Union or FCC certification for the United States.

Pro Tip: Collaborate with experts to map out the regulatory requirements early in the product development process.

2. Documentation Preparation

Prepare the necessary technical and administrative documents. These typically include:

• Technical specifications and product design files.

• Risk assessments and safety reports.

• Declarations of conformity or compliance.

Why It Matters: Proper documentation ensures a faster certification process and avoids delays due to incomplete submissions.

3. Product Testing

Conduct product testing in an accredited laboratory to verify compliance with the applicable standards.

• Examples of testing include:

  • Electrical Safety Tests: For electronic appliances.

  • Mechanical Safety Tests: For trailers and heavy equipment.

  • Toxicity Tests: For toys and child-use products.

Watheeq’s Role: We connect businesses with SASO-approved labs for seamless testing and compliance verification.

4. Evaluation and Review

The certification body evaluates your documentation and testing results.

• The process includes:

  • Verifying compliance with all regulatory requirements.

  • Identifying and resolving non-conformities, if any.

Pro Tip: Choose a certification body with expertise in your industry to ensure accurate and efficient evaluations.

5. Certification Decision

Based on the evaluation, the certification body decides whether the product complies with the standards.

• If approved, a certificate of conformity is issued, allowing the product to be sold or imported.

• If rejected, you will need to address non-conformities and repeat the evaluation process.

6. SABER Platform Registration (For Saudi Arabia)

If operating in Saudi Arabia, the certified product must be registered on the SABER platform.

• Submit the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) for product-level registration.

• Obtain a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) for each batch of imports.

Watheeq’s Role: Our team specializes in managing SABER registrations, ensuring smooth market entry.

7. Surveillance and Renewal

Many certifications require ongoing surveillance to ensure continued compliance.

• Periodic testing or factory audits may be conducted.

• Certifications often have a validity period (e.g., one year) and must be renewed.

Benefits of Following a Structured Certification Process

• Market Access: Enter regulated markets confidently with the required certifications.

• Consumer Trust: Certified products assure customers of quality and safety.

• Regulatory Protection: Avoid penalties, shipment rejections, or recalls.

How Watheeq Simplifies Product Certification

At Watheeq, we provide end-to-end support for product certification, including:

• Identifying applicable regulations for your products.

• Assisting with document preparation and SABER registration.

• Partnering with SASO-approved labs for testing and evaluation.

Our expertise ensures a streamlined certification process, saving time and resources for businesses.