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New SASO Rule 2025: Shipment Certificate Mandatory before Customs Declaration

27 Aug 2025 News

New SASO Rule 2025: Shipment Certificate Mandatory before Customs Declaration

SASO Announces New Import Requirement

The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has introduced a major update for importers and customs brokers.
Effective October 1, 2025, all importers must obtain a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) through the SABER platform before submitting customs declarations.

This step strengthens product conformity, improves market safety, and ensures compliance with Saudi import regulations.

What Is the SASO Shipment Certificate?

A Shipment Certificate is an official document issued via SABER that confirms imported products meet Saudi standards.

🔹Without it, customs clearance will not be possible after October 1, 2025.
🔹 It applies to all imported goods, whether regulated or non-regulated.

Who Is Affected by the New Rule?

This regulation impacts:

  1. Importers bringing goods into Saudi Arabia
  2. Suppliers and exporters shipping to the Kingdom
  3. Customs clearance agents & brokers handling import procedures

It covers all categories of products, including those under Saudi technical regulations and those not specifically regulated.

How to Obtain the SASO Shipment Certificate 

🔹 For Regulated Products:

  1. Apply for a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) on SABER.
  2. Submit your request to an approved Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) such as Watheeq.
  3. After approval, create a New Shipment Conformity Request in SABER.
  4. Confirm compliance and receive the Shipment Certificate.

🔹 For Non-Regulated Products:

  1. Use SABER’s Self-Declaration service.
  2. Select the product and complete the declaration electronically.
  3. Generate the Shipment Certificate in the same way as regulated goods.

Why Is This Change Important? 

SASO’s decision aims to:

  1. Enhance product reliability in the Saudi market
  2. Reduce re-exportation of non-compliant shipments
  3. Streamline customs clearance using SABER automation
  4. Protect consumers by ensuring product safety

How to Check if Your Product Is Regulated? 

Importers can verify classification in SABER’s Knowledge Center by:

  1. Searching via HS Code (Harmonized System Code)
  2. Searching with product keywords
  3. Instantly identifying regulated vs. non-regulated status

What Importers & Customs Brokers Should Do Now ?

To avoid customs delays and penalties, SASO advises importers to:

  1. Check product status early on SABER
  2. Work with an approved CAB like Watheeq for regulated goods
  3. Issue Self-Declarations for non-regulated products
  4. Prepare Shipment Certificates in advance before shipping

Conclusion

Starting October 1, 2025, importers to Saudi Arabia must have a SASO Shipment Certificate issued through SABER before filing customs declarations. Whether your goods are regulated or non-regulated, this step is now mandatory to ensure smooth clearance at Saudi ports.
By complying early, importers can avoid customs delays, reduce costs, and ensure their products reach the Saudi market on time.

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