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Importing from China to Saudi Arabia | Get Your SABER Certificate Easily

11 Nov 2025 Articles

Importing from China to Saudi Arabia | Get Your SABER Certificate Easily

Importing from China to Saudi Arabia has become one of the strongest trade routes in the region. Saudi businesses rely heavily on Chinese products , from electronics and machinery to household goods and industrial equipment.
But before these products reach Saudi markets, they must comply with the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) requirements through the SABER system.

SABER certification is mandatory for customs clearance. Without it, your shipment will be stopped at Saudi customs until full compliance is demonstrated.

In this guide, we explain how the SABER system works, the difference between Type 1a and Type 3 certification, and how Watheeq Company helps you complete the process easily, quickly, and without complications.

Understanding the SABER System

SABER is an online conformity assessment platform managed by SASO to verify that imported and locally manufactured products meet the applicable Saudi Technical Regulations.
Each product imported into Saudi Arabia must be registered on SABER under its relevant product type classification , either Type 1a or Type 3.

These classifications determine the level of assessment required before the product is approved for customs clearance.

Type 1a and Type 3 Certificates — What’s the Difference?

Type 1a Certification

This is the standard certification route for low- to medium-risk products.
To obtain a Type 1a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC), the importer must submit the following documents to a SASO-accredited Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) like Watheeq Company:

  1. Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDoC) – A signed declaration by the supplier confirming that the product complies with relevant SASO technical regulations.
  2. Risk Assessment Document – A document identifying and evaluating potential safety or performance risks.
  3. Product Photos and User Manual – Clear images and instructions for identification and safety verification.
  4. Test Report from an ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Laboratory – Proof that the product has been tested by a recognized and accredited testing lab.

Once these documents are verified and accepted, Watheeq issues the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) through the SABER platform, followed by the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) for each shipment.

Type 3 Certification

Type 3 applies to high-risk or critical safety products, such as heavy machinery, certain electrical appliances, and industrial equipment.
This certification involves a more detailed evaluation to ensure product quality and consistency.

The documentation requirements are the same as Type 1a:

  1. Supplier Declaration of Conformity
  2. Risk Assessment Document
  3. Product Photos and Manual
  4. ISO/IEC 17025 Test Report

However, Type 3 certification also includes a mandatory Factory Audit, conducted by the CAB.
This audit ensures that the manufacturing process, quality control systems, and production environment meet SASO standards and maintain consistent compliance for ongoing production.

After the factory audit and successful document verification, the product is registered and approved in SABER.

Why SABER Certification Is Mandatory

SASO requires every regulated product imported into Saudi Arabia — including those from China — to be certified in SABER before it reaches the market.

If you try to import without SABER certification:

  1. Your shipment will be stopped at Saudi customs.
  2. Clearance will be delayed until you obtain the proper certificates.
  3. You may face storage costs, penalties, or shipment returns.

Having your SABER certificate ready ensures a smooth customs process, faster delivery, and legal access to the Saudi market.

How Watheeq Company Simplifies the Process

At Watheeq Company, we make SABER certification simple, fast, and hassle-free.
As a SASO-accredited Conformity Assessment Body (CAB), we guide you through every step , from document review to certificate issuance.

Our SABER services include:

  1. Determining whether your product falls under Type 1a or Type 3 certification.
  2. Assisting with document preparation.
  3. Reviewing and validating test reports from accredited laboratories.
  4. Conducting factory audits for Type 3 products.
  5. Issuing PCoC and SCoC certificates quickly.

With Watheeq, importers and exporters from China can rest assured that their products meet all SASO technical and safety requirements — ensuring trouble-free customs clearance.

Key Takeaways

  1. Products imported from China to Saudi Arabia require SABER certification for customs clearance.
  2. There are two certification types:
    • Type 1a – Document verification only.
    • Type 3 – Document verification plus factory audit.
  3. Without a SABER certificate, your shipment will be stopped at customs until compliance is proven.
  4. Watheeq Company helps importers obtain SABER certificates easily, quickly, and without complications.

Conclusion

In today’s global trade environment, SABER certification is the key to unlocking access to the Saudi market. It not only ensures compliance with SASO regulations but also strengthens product quality and safety standards across industries.

By partnering with Watheeq Company, importers benefit from expert guidance, quick turnaround times, and a transparent certification process — eliminating complications and saving valuable time.

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