Imagine that you have just landed a big construction project in Saudi Arabia, and you must export your building materials and equipment to the country.
If that's the case, it's important to be aware of the country's product safety program, which may apply to you. This concise guide will provide you with essential information about the program, including the purpose and significance of the SASO Certificate, the list of products that require certification, and the general application process for obtaining a Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
Introduction to the Certificate of Conformity Program in Saudi Arabia
The CoC program is governed by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) and aims to protect its citizens and the environment by regulating certain imported goods. The program requires that regulated products, categorised as either high or medium risk, conform to the country's applicable technical regulations and standards before they can enter the Saudi market.
It is mandatory for each shipment of a regulated product to have a Product Certification of Conformity (PCoC), as well as a Shipment Certification of Conformity (SCoC) for each consignment. These certifications are only granted after the manufacturer/supplier has undergone conformity activities by a SASO-approved conformity assessment body and has successfully met the relevant standards and technical regulations for its product category.
What Is the Significance of The Program?
The Certificate of Conformity (CoC) program is associated with the Saudi Product Safety Program called SALEEM, which strives to guarantee the safety and quality of all products sold in Saudi Arabia. In a nutshell, the program:
- Aims to prevent the entry of unsafe and non-compliant products into the Saudi market
- Decrease the availability of counterfeit consumer goods
- Facilitate a seamless and stress-free customs clearance process in Saudi Arabia.
The Technical Regulations classify Regulated Products into various categories, such as Construction and Building Materials, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics Products, and Chemicals. To obtain a CoC in Saudi Arabia, the application process may vary based on the product's risk level.
However, the general application process typically involves the following steps:
- To apply for SASO Certificate in India. First, provide all the necessary information about the product and its materials in the SABER system, and choose the appropriate product classification.
- Select a third-party inspection companies in India that is approved by SASO to perform a conformity assessment of your product.
- The assessment body will get in touch with you to coordinate the activities related to the conformity assessment.
- Once the product is found to be compliant with the relevant regulations and standards, a Certificate of Conformity for the Product will be issued.
- Enter the shipment and invoice details into the system.
- Assuming that all products meet the applicable technical standards and requirements, a Certificate of Conformity for the Shipment will be released.
The entire process duration can fluctuate and might exceed a month, depending on the chosen SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Body and the product category.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the Certificate of Conformity program is vital for any company looking to export its products to Saudi Arabia. It ensures that regulated products meet the country's technical regulations and standards, making it easier for companies to clear their products through Saudi customs. We hope that this article has provided you with a comprehensive introduction to the program and the necessary steps for importing regulated products into Saudi Arabia.
