What is SASO Certification?
SASO is the English abbreviation for the "SAUDI ARABIAN STANDARDS ORGANIZATION". It establishes import standards and procedures, clarifying regulations for all imported goods and products, as well as standards related to weights, measures, trademarks, product identification, inspection methods, and testing criteria.
What is the ICCP Program?
ICCP is the abbreviation for the "International Conformity Certification Program". This program applies to all consumer products exported to Saudi Arabia or produced locally. It provides safety assurance for products used by Saudi Arabian consumers. The two fundamental elements of this program are:
1) All specified products must comply with Saudi Arabian national technical regulations or relevant international standards;
2) Each batch of specified products exported must be accompanied by an ICCP Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
Which products require SASO/ICCP certification?
All consumer goods exported to Saudi Arabia (products that can be used by adults and children at home, in the office, or other leisure places) are classified as specified products. For example: household appliances, kitchen power tools, perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, all motor vehicles and their parts, all construction materials including paints and coatings, etc. The current ICCP covers a total of 66 products across five major categories:
Category 1: Toys
Category 2: Electrical and Electronic Products
Category 3: Automotive Products
Category 4: Chemical Products
Category 5: Other Products (covering 10 product types)
The following products are not considered consumer goods: medical instruments; medical products; food; military products.
Scope of SASO Certification Products
Products requiring SASO certification include: electrical and electronic products, machinery and equipment, automotive parts, construction materials, chemical products, food contact materials, etc. SASO certification is a mandatory requirement for exporting products to Saudi Arabia. Goods without certification will be denied entry.
SASO Certification Process
SASO Certification (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization certification) is a mandatory product certification for exporting to the Saudi Arabian market. The application process is as follows:
- Determine Scope—Confirm whether the exported product falls within the SASO certification directory (electronic products, machinery, chemical products, etc., all require certification).
- Authorize a Certification Body—Contact an SASO-accredited certification body (such as Intertek, SGS, TÜV Rheinland, etc.), submit product documentation and test samples.
- Product Testing—Products undergo safety, performance, and energy efficiency testing according to Saudi standards.
- Factory Inspection (if required)—Some products may require an audit of the production facility's quality management system.
- Issuance of CoC—Once testing and inspection are passed, the certification body issues a Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
Before each shipment, a Shipment Certificate must be obtained using the CoC to proceed with Saudi customs clearance. The certification period is typically 4-8 weeks, and it is recommended that companies plan the certification timeline in advance.
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