An SASO certificate: what is it?
The Saudi Arabian government’s standards and regulations are ensured to be followed by products through the use of an SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization) Certificate. All products that are imported into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must have this certification, which attests to the fact that the goods fulfill all necessary environmental, health, and safety regulations. Products such as toys, building materials, textiles, electrical goods, and toys are all covered by the SASO accreditation.
Getting the SASO license is crucial for seamless customs clearance and timely product entry into the Saudi market, in addition to complying with Saudi rules.
The SASO Certificate: Why Is It Important?
The Saudi Arabian consumer’s access to high-quality, safe items is largely dependent on the SASO certification. Businesses can take advantage of this as an opportunity to:
Assure Compliance: Goods could be refused at customs or even prohibited from being sold in Saudi Arabia if they don’t have an SASO certificate.
Develop Customer Trust: Customers are more confident in a product that has received certification, which provides assurances about its dependability and safety.
Boost Market Access: Businesses can enter one of the Middle East’s major markets with the SASO accreditation, which helps to increase sales and expand the market.
Penalties, lost sales, and reputational harm can result from not obtaining an SASO certificate.
Product Categories The Need for an SASO Certificate
A number of product categories, including but not limited to: require SASO certification.
Appliances that run on electricity and electricity, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and televisions.
Materials for construction: steel, glass, cement, etc.
Products for childcare and toys: such as high chairs, cribs, and baby carriages.
Textiles include clothing, materials, and other textile products.
Automobile products include tires, lubricants, batteries, and car parts.
Before submitting an application for SASO certification, producers must make sure that their products satisfy the strict standards and restrictions that apply to each product category.
How to Get an SASO Certificate 1. Compliance and Product Testing
Getting an SASO accreditation requires first confirming that the product meets all applicable Saudi standards. To ensure that the product satisfies all requirements, it must go through extensive testing in a recognized lab. These tests evaluate a number of factors, including as environmental effect, safety, and durability.
To ensure that the application process goes well, it is imperative to collaborate with a Saudi government-approved certified testing agency.
2. Submission of Documentation
Following testing, companies must compile and submit the following paperwork:
Test results from the recognized testing facility.
Technical details and the description of the product.
Packing list and commercial invoice.
a certificate of origin attesting to the product’s production in the nation of origin.
The paperwork is sent for evaluation to SASO or another accredited certifying authority.
3. Factory Examination (if necessary)
A factory inspection could be necessary for a given category of products. By doing this step, the production process is guaranteed to follow the necessary quality requirements. Inspectors will look over the manufacturing process, inspect the production facility, and confirm that all necessary quality control procedures are followed.
4. Issuance of Certificates
The SASO certificate will be granted upon the successful submission and examination of all documentation and the successful completion of any required inspections. To continue importing goods into Saudi Arabia, this certificate has a set validity, usually one year, and must be renewed before it expires.
Programs for SASO Conformity Assessment
SABER Workspace
The Saudi government established the SABER platform a few years ago to make the process of gaining SASO certification easier. Manufacturers and importers can register their products, get conformance certificates, and monitor the status of their applications through the SABER online system.
The SABER platform has a number of benefits.
Streamlined application procedure: Online applications for SASO certificates are available to importers and exporters.
Faster processing time: The online method expedites the certification process by speeding up the review process.
Transparency: Applicants are able to see the real-time status of their application.
Program SALEEM
The SALEEM Program is another effort of SASO with the goal of improving product quality and safety in Saudi Arabia. Products covered by this program have to pass stringent inspections to guarantee they meet all applicable regulations in the Kingdom.
What the SALEEM Program is all about:
limiting the amount of fake goods on the Saudi market by making sure that only vetted, high-quality goods are sold there.
Encouraging companies to implement environmentally friendly production methods is a key component of sustainability promotion.
The larger Saudi Arabian plan to improve product quality and customer safety includes both the SABER and SALEEM projects.
Typical Obstacles on the Path to SASO Certification
Despite the seemingly simple nature of the SASO certificate application procedure, organizations frequently encounter a number of obstacles, such as:
Complex standards: It can be difficult for foreign producers to comprehend the technical requirements of SASO standards.
Approvals taken too long: Documentation errors or incompleteness might cause the certification process to drag out significantly.
Factory inspections: It could take more time and money to schedule and pass factory inspections.
Businesses are recommended to collaborate closely with consultants or certification bodies that specialize in the Saudi market in order to prevent these problems. These collaborations can aid in navigating the difficulties and guarantee a seamless certification process.
The Value of Renewing SASO Certifications: SASO certifications typically have a one-year validity period. It is essential to keep an eye on the certificate’s expiration date and start the renewal process well in advance of that day. If the certificate is not renewed, there may be delays at customs or, worse, the product may not be allowed entry into Saudi Arabia.
Procedures for SASO Certificate Renewal
Examine any modifications to the product: Verify that the product still satisfies the SASO standards if any modifications have been made since the initial certification.
Send in revised documentation: Please submit any updated test results or factory inspection documentation that may be needed.
Pay the renewal costs. To prevent any delays, be sure that all renewal-related payments are paid on schedule.
In summary
Getting an SASO certificate is a prerequisite for any company trying to sell in Saudi Arabia. It helps save delays at customs, guarantees that goods fulfill the necessary safety and quality requirements, and fosters customer trust. Businesses may successfully navigate the product categories, regulatory procedures, and initiatives like SABER and SALEEM by understanding them.
