Understanding the details of the SABER certification process can pave the way for smoother imports of Chinese lithium batteries into Saudi Arabia. I hope this article can help you clarify Saber certification. If you have more questions, please feel free to contact us!
What is "SABER Certification"?
SABER Certification refers to the conformity assessment program aimed at businesses outside Saudi Arabia, intending to export to the nation. It is an upgraded version of the former SASO certification and supersedes it as the new certification and accreditation scheme. Saber, introduced by the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization, is an online system designed for product registration, issuance, and acquiring a Shipment Certificate (SC) of conformity in a paperless office system framework. The SABER Conformity Assessment Programme is a holistic system combining regulations setting, technical requirements, and control measures to ensure the safety of both local and imported products.
Is SABER Certification Necessary for Importing Lithium Battery Products from China to Saudi Arabia?
Compared with other certifications, obtaining SABER certification is more complicated and time-consuming. Before starting SABER certification, one must first refer to the HS code of their product to determine whether it belongs to the controlled category.
Go to the official website of Saudi Saber (https://saber.sa/)
Register on the SABER platform (https://saber.sa/) and submit relevant product materials for evaluation. Successful submission will lead to the issuance of needed certificates.
Identification of the product through “HS-Codes” on the website can lead to two possible outcomes: a requirement for a COC Certificate or QM Certificate (for regulated products) or an IEC Certificate or QM Certificate (where an IECEE certificate is mandatory). For lithium batteries falling under the latter category, a PC and SC certificate are imperative.
PC and SC Certificates
SABER divides its certifications into two parts: Product Certificates (PC) for product registration and Shipment Certificates (SC) for shipment conformity certificate for imported products. The PC is valid for one year, laying the groundwork for any subsequent SC applications concerning controlled products. Both certificates must consistently align in terms of product model and name.
Relationship Among SALEEM, SABER, and SASO
SALEEM and SABER are the newly launched upgrade of the existing SASO certification and are set to replace SASO as the new certification and accreditation scheme.
The SALEEM conformity assessment program integrates regulations, technical requirements, and control measures into a comprehensive system aimed at ensuring the safety of both domestic and imported products.
SABER is an online system introduced by the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization for product registration, issuance, and obtaining COC certificates of compliance. Under SABER, conformity inspection procedures vary according to the category of risk and will be conducted by accredited bodies.
How much does Saudi Saber certification cost?
The cost associated with SABER certification encompasses fees for product information registration (paid in Saudi Riyals directly to the SABER system), certificate issuance, and some service fees (paid in Renminbi by the exporter). Exact pricing is subject to an engineer’s assessment based on the specific product under consideration.
In summary, when preparing to export lithium batteries to Saudi Arabia, exporters should cooperate with qualified certification agencies, understand the latest certification processes and requirements in advance, and ensure that their products pass SABER certification and enter the Saudi market.
