A SASO Certificate—what is it?
Products can be guaranteed to be in compliance with Saudi Arabian government regulations and standards with the use of an SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization) Certificate. This certification ensures that all items satisfy the necessary safety, health, and environmental requirements, and it is mandatory for all products imported into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Electrical items, clothing, toys, and construction supplies are just some of the many categories that can benefit from the SASO certificate.

Obtaining the SASO license is crucial for several reasons, including meeting Saudi rules, expedited customs clearance, and a delay-free product entry into the Saudi market.

The Importance of the SASO Certificate Reason No.
In order to ensure that items sold to Saudi customers continue to meet high standards of quality and safety, the SASO certification is vital. Businesses can take advantage of this chance to:

Make Sure You're in Compliance: Goods can't pass through Saudi Arabian customs or be sold there without an SASO certificate.
Gain Buyer Confidence: Buyer confidence is boosted when a product is certified, as it guarantees the product's safety and reliability.
Increase Sales and Market Reach: With the SASO certificate, companies can enter one of the biggest Middle Eastern marketplaces, which boosts sales and expands market reach.
Penalties, financial loss, and reputational harm can result from not obtaining an SASO certificate.

Products by Category The need for an SASO certification
The following product types are among those that must have SASO certification:

Devices that run on electricity and electronics: TVs, dishwashers, fridges, etc.
Construction materials: masonry, concrete, metal, glass, etc.
Products for infant care and play, such as jogging strollers, bassinets, and high chairs.
What we call "textiles" include a wide variety of items, including clothing, upholstery, and bed linens.
Automotive goods: auto components, tyres, batteries, and grease.
Before submitting an application for SASO certification, producers must verify that their products fulfill the rigorous standards and regulations that are specific to each product category.

Procedures for Obtaining an SASO Certificate 1. Ensuring Product Compliance and Testing
Verifying that the product meets all applicable Saudi standards is the initial stage in acquiring an SASO certificate. For the product to be considered complete, it must pass stringent tests conducted by a recognized laboratory. Among the many factors evaluated by these tests are the product's longevity, security, and effect on the environment.

Avoid hassles with the application procedure by collaborating with a professional testing agency recognized by the Saudi government.

2. Submission of Documents
The following documentation must be gathered and submitted by businesses once testing is finished:

Test reports from the certified laboratory.
Product details and technical requirements lists.
Business packing list and invoice.
A document attesting to the fact that the product's production took place within the nation of origin.
After that, SASO or another accredited certification organization reviews the paperwork.

3. Inspecting the Factory (if necessary)
It is possible that a factory inspection is necessary for specific product categories. This check makes that the production follows all the necessary quality guidelines. The production facilities, manufacturing method, and quality control procedures will all be examined by inspectors.

4. Handing Out Certificates
The SASO certificate will be awarded upon the successful submission and evaluation of all documents, as well as upon passing all relevant inspections. You need to renew this certificate before it expires if you want to keep importing products into Saudi Arabia. It usually has a validity duration of one year.

Programs for Assessing SASO Conformance
SABER System
The Saudi government has recently implemented the SABER platform to make SASO certification easier to get. Manufacturers and importers can use SABER, an online system, to register their products, get conformity certificates, and monitor the progress of their applications.

There are numerous benefits to using the SABER platform:

Exporters and importers can now apply for SASO certificates online, streamlining the application procedure.
Shorter certification times because to streamlined reviews made possible by the online method.
Honesty: Applicants are able to see the status of their application at any given moment.
Program SALEEM
To further improve product quality and safety in Saudi Arabia, SASO has launched the SALEEM Program. Products are subjected to stringent inspections under this program to guarantee they meet the regulatory standards in the Kingdom.

Priorities of the SALEEM Program include:

Minimizing the presence of fake goods: By strictly regulating the entry of approved, high-quality goods into the Saudi market.
A step toward sustainability would be to push for more environmentally friendly production methods from established companies.
Saudi Arabia has a larger effort to improve product quality and customer safety, which includes the SABER and SALEEM programs.

The Most Frequent Obstacles to SASO Certification
Despite how easy it seems, getting an SASO accreditation isn't always that easy for organizations.

Complex standards: It can be difficult for foreign producers to understand the technical requirements of SASO standards.
Postponed clearances: The certification procedure could be significantly delayed due to incomplete or erroneous documentation.
Additional time and money may be needed to schedule and pass factory inspections.
Companies can stay ahead of these problems by collaborating closely with Saudi market experts in consulting or certification. By working together, we can simplify the certification process and overcome its inherent challenges.

An Important Reason to Renewal Your SASO Certificate Most SASO certificates have a one-year validity period. Stay vigilant about the expiration date and make sure to start the renewal process plenty of time before the certificate passes. Delays or even rejection of entrance into Saudi Arabia for the product can occur if the certificate is not renewed in a timely manner.

Process for Updating an Existing SASO Certificate
Evaluate the updated product: Make that the product still meets the SASO requirements if there have been any changes after the original certification.
Please submit the revised paperwork: Please submit any updated test results or records of factory inspections that may be necessary.
Renew your membership: To keep the renewal process running smoothly, make sure to pay all fees on time.
In summary,
Any company wishing to break into the Saudi Arabian market must first get an SASO certificate. It helps prevent customs delays, establishes confidence among consumers, and guarantees that products are safe and of high quality. Businesses can effectively navigate product categories, regulatory processes, and initiatives such as SABER and SALEEM.