Before a product is displayed in the market, the Saudi Standards Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) requires a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to attest to the product’s compliance with Saudi Standards.
This credential is a part of the SALEEM initiative, which SASO created to support the efforts of the kingdom’s leaders to raise living conditions. It guarantees that the goods Saudi residents consume were produced in accordance with global safety and quality standards.
The new CoC was implemented as part of the Product Conformity Assessment Program (PCA) created by SASO and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to establish a system that guarantees the items sold on the Saudi market won’t endanger consumers. One of SASO’s initiatives to assist in reaching the objectives of the Kingdom Vision 2030 is this program.
Steps of issuing the Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
The Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and the Shipment Certificate of Conformity make up what is known as the CoC, which is a two-stage program (SCoC). Before a product enters the kingdom markets, these two certificates ensure that it complies with the pertinent technical regulations, preventing rejection at the customs ports or market recall.
Both domestically produced and imported regulated products need to have a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC), whereas unregulated products are exempt. It is given out in the nation of issuance and is good for a year.
Every imported shipment, whether regulated or unregulated, must have a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC). After receiving the Product Certificate of Conformity for regulated items or the Self Declaration for unregulated products, it can also be issued in the country of origin. Once it is cleared at the ports of Saudi Arabian customs, it loses its validity for that one shipment.
How to use Saber to issue the CoC certificate
In order to move the conformance and certification processes online, SASO built Saber Electronic Platform in conjunction with the launch of the SALEEM program. Now, without the requirement for a physical presence in the Kingdom, the Product Certificate of Conformity and the Shipment Certificate of Conformity are granted online through Saber.
The Saudi suppliers can register their facilities on Saber and then select a conformity organization to issue the certificate after registering their products, which is a requirement.
Since all product data are stored in one electronic platform, the certificates issuance process and expiration dates can be tracked electronically, and the HS codes and products categorization services help the beneficiaries identify the regulatory requirements for each pr, Saber was created to make the procedures for all parties involved in or related to the conformity activities, including suppliers, customs authorities, SASO authorities, and conformity bodies.
The conformity body’s responsibility in granting the CoC
A third party that has been authorized by SASO to conduct the conformity assessment and issue conformity certifications is known as the conformance body.
One SASO certification that calls for the participation of a conformity body is the Product Certificate of Conformity. In this context, the conformity body’s responsibility ranges from analyzing the technical file and test results to providing certificates.
The accredited conformity bodies are listed on Saber and divided into regions and accreditation categories. The providers must pick a conformity body that is authorized to accredit the nation of origin when issuing the certificate for their goods.
SASO role in conforming products
A product’s quality and safety are ensured by SASO’s ability to supply regulations, controls, and compliance procedures for the Saudi market. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in raising consumer awareness through various initiatives like advertisements and workshops that stress the significance of a product’s quality and safety.
The Saudi Accreditation Committee (SAC), which is in charge of accrediting laboratories and certification agencies, is housed within SASO.
