Comprehensive Analytical Report on the Saber Platform: A Complete Guide for Importers and Manufacturers

I. Introduction

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a vital economic hub in the region, and with Vision 2030, the country is undergoing a wide-ranging digital transformation aimed at enhancing the business environment and facilitating trade. In this context, the "Saber" platform has emerged as a pivotal digital tool to ensure product safety and quality in the Saudi market.

Overview of the Saudi Product Safety Program "SALEEM" and the Importance of the Saber Platform

The Saber platform is an integrated electronic platform that falls under the digital systems of the Saudi Product Safety Program "SALEEM". It was developed and is supervised by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). The primary objective of the platform is to facilitate the journey of beneficiaries in the process of product registration, issuing conformity certificates, and shipment certificates to ensure product safety before entering the Saudi market.

The platform aims to achieve several strategic objectives, most notably raising the level of product safety in the Saudi market by limiting the entry of unsafe or counterfeit products. It also seeks to accelerate the clearance process for consumer products and reduce the time taken for customs procedures, thereby alleviating burdens and costs on importers and traders. Additionally, Saber contributes to improving the overall import experience, enhancing consumer confidence in available products, and facilitating product tracking in the market.

The Saber platform serves a wide range of beneficiaries, including individuals importing consumer products for personal use or vehicles, commercial importers, government entities importing products subject to government agencies, and local factories registering their locally manufactured products. The platform offers different application tracks, including the commercial products track, the non-consumer display products track, and the vehicle import track.

The continuous focus on Saber as an "electronic platform" and its role in "digital transformation" demonstrates that Saber is not merely a regulatory tool, but a fundamental component in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. This orientation indicates a broader national initiative aimed at modernizing governance, enhancing economic efficiency, and improving the ease of doing business through digital means. The mentioned benefits, such as "reducing time" and "improving the import experience," directly align with economic competitiveness goals, meaning that the platform's success is measured not only by compliance with safety but also by its contribution to a simplified and digitally enhanced trade environment.

Furthermore, Saber's stated objectives, such as "raising the level of product safety" and "limiting the entry of unsafe products," along with "reducing the circulation of counterfeit consumer goods" and "reducing annual financial losses," highlight a proactive regulatory approach. By requiring certificates before products enter the market, the system aims to prevent problems rather than address them after they occur. This comprehensive approach protects consumers from hazardous goods and safeguards legitimate businesses from unfair competition, thereby enhancing market integrity and consumer trust.

II. Saber Platform Services

The Saber platform offers a comprehensive suite of services focused on product and shipment conformity, ensuring their adherence to Saudi standards before entering the market.

Core Services Provided

The core services provided by the platform include:

• Product Registration: For commercial products and products not intended for consumer display.

• Issuance of Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC): For commercial products.

• Local Self-Declaration Registration: For commercial products.

• Importer Self-Declaration Issuance: For commercial products.

• Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) Issuance: For commercial products.

• Shipment Conformity Certificate Issuance: For products not intended for consumer display.

Types of Certificates Issued

The Saber platform issues two main types of certificates to ensure product conformity:

Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)

The Product Certificate of Conformity is a document that proves that a specific product model complies with the requirements of relevant Saudi technical regulations and standards. It serves as an approval for the product itself as a model. This certificate is issued by a SASO-accredited conformity assessment body after reviewing technical documentation and test reports. The validity of a Product Certificate of Conformity is typically one year from the date of issue.

Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)

The Shipment Certificate of Conformity proves that the imported shipment contains products that comply with technical regulations. It serves as an approval for the shipment itself and is issued to expedite customs clearance procedures for the shipment upon its arrival at Saudi customs ports. A shipment certificate cannot be issued for a shipment containing a product subject to technical regulations unless that product has a valid Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) on the Saber platform. The shipment certificate is valid for one specific shipment only.

The existence of two distinct types of certificates, the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC), indicates a robust and multi-layered risk management strategy. The PCoC, valid for one year, focuses on the product's design and its inherent compliance with standards. This represents a pre-market assessment of the product type. The SCoC, valid for a single specific shipment, acts as a gatekeeper for each physical consignment. This dual approach means that even if a product design is certified, each subsequent shipment must be verified for conformity. This system significantly reduces the risk of non-compliant goods entering the market due to production variations or deliberate deviations, ensuring continuous adherence to safety and quality standards at both the design and logistical stages.

Regulated and Non-Regulated Products on Saber

The Saber system classifies products into two main categories:

• Regulated Products: These are products that fall under specific Saudi technical regulations and require the issuance of a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) from a third-party accredited conformity assessment body. Examples include electrical and electronic appliances, automotive spare parts, cosmetics, building and construction materials, children's toys, detergents and chemical substances, and food-contact materials.

• Non-Regulated Products: These are products that do not fall under a specific technical regulation within Saudi standards. To ensure the safety of these imported products, they must be registered on the Saber platform, and a self-declaration and a shipment certificate must be issued to complete the clearance process. Beneficiaries can verify whether a product is regulated or non-regulated by searching by HS Code or keywords in the product list via the Saber platform.

Examples of Non-Regulated Products

The following table illustrates some examples of non-regulated products mentioned in the available documents:

The classification of products into "regulated" and "non-regulated" with different certification pathways (third-party vs. self-declaration) indicates a risk-based regulatory approach. This means that SASO has conducted a risk assessment for various product categories, allocating more stringent (and more costly) conformity assessment procedures to products deemed high-risk (e.g., electronics, auto parts, chemicals). For lower-risk items, the self-declaration mechanism streamlines the process, reducing administrative burden and costs for businesses, while still maintaining a record on the platform. This tailored approach optimizes the use of regulatory resources and facilitates trade for a broader range of goods, demonstrating a practical balance between safety and efficiency.

Accepted and Unaccepted Activities on Saber

The Saber platform is primarily designed for the registration and certification of consumer products, whether imported or locally manufactured, intended for entry into the Saudi market. Accepted activities include all procedures related to ensuring product conformity to safety and quality requirements, such as:

• Importing products for commercial purposes.

• Importing products for personal use.

• Importing vehicles.

• Importing raw materials and machinery for local manufacturing.

• Importing products for government projects or for construction and renovation purposes.

• Importing samples for testing.

"Unaccepted" or irrelevant activities for Saber are those not directly related to product conformity for market entry in Saudi Arabia or that fall outside the scope of SASO's regulation. For example, the platform is not intended for general company registration independent of product import or manufacturing, nor for services unrelated to product safety or quality.

III. Steps for Registration and Account Activation on Saber

The process of registering and activating an account on the Saber platform is a fundamental step for importers and local manufacturers to ensure their products comply with Saudi standards and facilitate their entry into the market.

Entity Account Registration

The registration process begins by accessing the Saber platform's homepage and selecting the "Register New User" option. This requires entering a set of basic entity data, including the commercial registration number and its expiry date, and the ID number associated with the commercial registration. This data is verified through the Ministry of Commerce and Investment system to ensure its accuracy. After verification, the authorized representative or liaison officer completes the required data, agrees to the terms and conditions, and uploads a copy of their signature and the entity's stamp.

The registration and certification process in Saber is designed to be "importer-centric." This places the primary legal and financial responsibility for compliance directly on the local entity, ensuring accountability within the Kingdom's jurisdiction. This design choice aims to ensure that a legally responsible entity exists within Saudi Arabia's borders for every product entering its market, whether imported or locally manufactured. This reduces the enforcement burden on foreign entities and strengthens the legal framework for product safety within the Kingdom, making it easier to impose penalties or take corrective actions in cases of non-compliance.

Account Activation

After initial registration, an email containing an activation link is sent to the registered email address. Account activation requires clicking on this link, which changes the account status from "inactive" to "active." Alternatively, activation can be done by entering a one-time password (OTP) sent to the email or mobile number, or through the "Unified Access" service (iam.sa) for users with existing government service accounts.

The integration with the Ministry of Commerce for commercial registration verification and the use of OTP or unified access for account activation indicate a sophisticated digital infrastructure aimed at ensuring the legitimacy of registered entities and streamlining identity management across government services. This interconnectedness ensures that businesses registered on Saber are legitimate and their fundamental legal data is consistent across various government platforms. This reduces the likelihood of fraudulent registrations or the use of shell companies, thereby enhancing the overall integrity and trustworthiness of the Saber system, and consequently, the Saudi market. It also simplifies the user experience by leveraging existing digital identities.

Adding and Registering Products

Once the account is activated, the authorized user logs into the Saber platform. New products can be added in one of two ways: either by searching via the HS Code or by searching via product classification. The user must select the item and complete all its required data, in addition to uploading clear, high-resolution images of the product. For regulated products, the complete technical file must be provided according to the technical regulation and product type.

Submitting Conformity Certificate Requests

After product registration, importers can submit conformity certificate requests:

• For Regulated Products: A request for a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) is submitted from the main list of electronic services. The importer selects an accredited conformity assessment body from the list available on the platform. The conformity assessment body reviews the request, technical documents, and test reports, and facilitates the conformity assessment process.

• For Non-Regulated Products: An importer self-declaration is issued.

• For Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC): After obtaining the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) or self-declaration, a new request for a shipment certificate is submitted from the main list. This requires entering invoice data, adding products to the invoice, filling in the unit and product value, selecting the shipping country, then agreeing to the undertaking and submitting the request.

IV. Fees, Costs, and Payment Methods

The process of using the Saber platform involves certain fees related to certificate issuance, in addition to specific payment mechanisms to ensure smooth financial procedures.

Saber Certificate Issuance Costs

Account registration on the Saber platform is currently free. However, users bear the costs of "service provider" fees (conformity assessment bodies) and platform fees for issuing certificates.

The specific platform fees are as follows:

• 500 Saudi Riyals for registering a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) (excluding VAT).

• 350 Saudi Riyals for issuing a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) (excluding VAT).

Additional costs may include fees for issuing test reports from accredited laboratories, specific costs for issuing conformity certificates for regulated products, and factory audit costs if required. It is important to note that payments are non-refundable if the file is rejected. This aspect creates a strong financial incentive for applicants to ensure the completeness and accuracy of documentation and compliance before submission, shifting the burden of due diligence to the applicant and streamlining the process for authorities by reducing frivolous or non-compliant applications.

Annual Subscription Fees

There is no explicit annual subscription fee for the Saber platform itself. Account registration is free, and fees are primarily transactional, related to certificate issuance. However, the platform operator reserves the right to impose fees for any currently free services or services that may be created or developed in the future, provided that this is announced in advance on the platform with a list of specified fees.

How to Pay Saber Fees in Saudi Banks

Government invoices, including Saber fees, can be paid through the Sadad payment system. Sadad allows payment through all available electronic banking channels in Saudi banks, such as ATMs, phone banking, and online banking services. Sadad is a centralized electronic bill payment system established by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) in partnership with local banks and billers, providing an instant online payment service.

Reliance on the Sadad system for payments reflects a commitment to a unified, secure, and widely accessible digital payment infrastructure across government services. Sadad's nature as a centralized, reliable, and instant payment system ensures ease of payment for all users, regardless of their bank. This standardization simplifies financial transactions for businesses, reduces payment-related friction, and enhances the security and transparency of fee collection for the government, aligning with the digital transformation agenda.

Saber Sadad Code in Saudi Banks

Although Saber itself does not have a unique and explicitly listed Sadad code in the available information, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), the supervising entity for Saber, has its own Sadad code. Payments related to Saber are likely processed under SASO's Sadad code.

The Sadad code for the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) is 049.

Examples of Sadad Codes for Related Government Entities

The following table shows some Sadad codes for related government entities mentioned in the documents:

V. Differences Between Local and Foreign Companies on Saber

There are fundamental differences in registration requirements and responsibilities between local and foreign companies on the Saber platform, primarily centered around the concept of the "Importer of Record" (IOR).

Key Distinction: Importer of Record (IOR) Requirement

Foreign manufacturers cannot directly register products or act as the Importer of Record (IOR) in Saudi Arabia unless they have a registered local entity. The responsibility for arranging customs clearance and registering companies, products, and shipments on the Saber platform lies with the importing company based in Saudi Arabia with a valid commercial registration.

Requirements for Local Companies

Local factories and importers holding a Saudi commercial registration are required to register on the Saber platform. They must obtain a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) for their locally manufactured products, and both a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) for imported products. They must have a valid Saudi commercial registration.

The fact that both imported and locally manufactured products are subject to the Saber system indicates a commitment to applying consistent product safety and quality standards across the entire Saudi market, regardless of origin. This protects all consumers equally and creates a level playing field for both domestic and international producers, preventing any competitive disadvantage for local manufacturers due to differing regulatory burdens.

Requirements for Foreign Companies

Foreign companies must appoint a local entity to act as their Importer of Record (IOR). This IOR will be responsible for:

• Holding a valid Saudi Commercial Registration (CR).

• Registering products on Saber.

• Liaising with SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Bodies.

• Managing the customs clearance process.

• Maintaining compliance records and audit trails.

• Assuming liability for any regulatory breaches.

Without a local commercial registration, foreign manufacturers face challenges such as "lack of local presence" and "limited understanding of regulations," making direct interaction with Saber difficult.

The Importer of Record (IOR) requirement is a significant policy tool for ensuring local accountability for product safety and compliance. It obliges foreign companies to establish a legal presence or partnership within Saudi Arabia, which strengthens the Kingdom's regulatory oversight and potentially encourages local economic activity. This is not merely a bureaucratic hurdle; it is a mechanism to ensure that a legally responsible entity exists within the Saudi jurisdiction for every product entering its market. This policy enhances the government's ability to enforce standards, address non-compliance, and levy penalties, thereby protecting consumer interests and market integrity. Additionally, it implicitly encourages foreign investment to establish local operations or partnerships, contributing to the local economy.

VI. Integration Between Saber and Other Government Entities

The Saber platform demonstrates extensive digital integration with several government entities in the Kingdom, enhancing the efficiency of commercial and industrial procedures.

Integration with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources

Saber has achieved electronic integration with the "Senaei" platform, which belongs to the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources. This integration aims to facilitate the electronic issuance of shipment certificates for national factories that have obtained industrial exemptions for raw materials, machinery, equipment, and spare parts. The system automatically verifies the factory's eligibility for the exemption via the "Senaei" platform, and then the certificate is issued immediately without any financial costs. This initiative comes as part of the Ministry's efforts to support manufacturing operations, enhance local content, and keep pace with digital transformation.

The dedicated integration between Saber and the "Senaei" platform for industrial exemptions is a significant detail. This is not just a general link between agencies; it is a specific mechanism designed to "enable and support national plants" by streamlining the import of raw materials and machinery. The fact that this process leads to "immediate certificate issuance without any financial costs" directly reflects the policy objective of reducing operational burdens and enhancing the competitiveness of local industries. This illustrates how digital platforms are being used as strategic tools to implement economic policies and foster specific sectors.

Integration with Fasah Platform and Saudi Customs

Saber is digitally integrated with the "Fasah" platform and Saudi Customs. This integration is vital for accelerating customs procedures and making them more flexible for traders and importers. This linkage contributes to reducing the time required for customs clearance, as well as costs and burdens on importers and traders. The "Fasah" platform is a unified electronic system for import and export, offering over 135 services related to customs and trucks.

Other Entities Linked to the Saber Platform

In addition to the Ministry of Industry and Customs, Saber is linked to other key government entities, reflecting a wide digital integration network:

• Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) - the supervising entity.

• Ministry of Commerce.

• Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA).

• Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CITC).

• Local Content and Government Procurement Authority.

• Anti-Commercial Fraud Department.

This extensive network of integrations demonstrates a clear strategy to create a seamless and interconnected government digital ecosystem for trade and industry. This goes beyond mere platform functionality; it is about breaking down silos between ministries and agencies to enhance overall national efficiency. This indicates a move towards a "single window" approach for commercial and industrial activities, where data flows smoothly between relevant authorities. The benefit of "immediate issuance without financial costs" for exempted factories is a direct outcome of this integration, illustrating how digital connectivity translates into tangible economic benefits by reducing bureaucratic friction and accelerating business processes.

VII. Saber Platform Statistics and Figures

Statistics and figures released by the Saber platform show significant growth in its usage and impact on the Saudi market, confirming its pivotal role in facilitating trade and ensuring product safety.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Total Registered Products: The number of products registered on the Saber platform exceeded 6 million since its launch in 2020 (as of the end of 2023).

• Total Certificates Issued: More than 3.5 million conformity and shipment certificates have been issued (as of the end of 2023).

• Products Registered (First Half 2023): SASO registered 800,000 products on Saber.

• Conformity Certificates Issued (First Half 2023): The number of conformity certificates exceeded 170,000.

• Shipment Certificates Issued (First Half 2023): More than 350,000 shipment certificates were issued.

• Registered Beneficiaries/Traders: The number of beneficiaries of the platform reached approximately 80,000 (as of the end of 2023), while the number of registered traders exceeded 6,000 (first half of 2023).

• Conformity Index Support: The platform contributed to the conformity index reaching 83.14%.

The large and continuously increasing numbers of registered products, issued certificates, and beneficiaries demonstrate rapid and widespread adoption of the Saber platform. This indicates that the platform has successfully become the central and mandatory gateway for product conformity in Saudi Arabia. These figures, along with the growing number of "beneficiaries" and "registered traders," suggest that the platform has become the mandatory and primary channel for product conformity. This high adoption rate indicates that businesses are actively engaging with the system, making it an indispensable part of their market access operations.

The mention of "general improvements that enhanced the platform's ease of use" alongside these statistics suggests an agile and user-centric development approach. This responsiveness likely contributes to the high adoption rates and aligns with broader digital transformation goals. SASO's statement that Saber "implemented general improvements that enhanced the platform's ease of use" when reporting its achievements is significant. This indicates that the platform's development is not static but iterative and responsive to user needs or performance feedback. This commitment to continuous improvement, likely driven by user feedback and performance metrics, is crucial for maintaining high adoption rates and ensuring the platform remains effective and user-friendly amidst evolving trade dynamics. It reflects a modern, agile approach to digital government service delivery.

VIII. Virtual Address and its Use in Saber

With the increasing reliance on digital businesses and remote work, the concept of a virtual address has become increasingly important in the Saudi business environment.

Concept of Virtual Address in Saudi Arabia

A virtual address is an official business address used by a company to receive mail, packages, and legal documents, without the need to rent or operate a physical office. This solution provides a legal and local online presence for companies and is particularly useful for small and nascent businesses, and foreign investors who may not initially require a physical office. Virtual address services often include mail forwarding, document scanning, and sometimes call answering, helping to maintain a professional company image while reducing operational costs.

The acceptance of virtual addresses reflects a progressive regulatory stance aimed at facilitating market entry and supporting modern business models, particularly for digital businesses and international investors seeking a low-cost presence. This approach reduces initial operational costs, making market entry more accessible and aligning with global trends in remote work and digital entrepreneurship. It signals a government keen to attract diverse business models and foster innovation by removing unnecessary physical barriers.

Possibility of Using Virtual Addresses for Company Registration in Saber

Generally, virtual addresses are acceptable for company registration purposes in Saudi Arabia. This allows companies to operate remotely while meeting legal address requirements and maintaining credibility.

Conditions for Accepting Virtual Addresses

Despite the flexibility of using virtual addresses, there are conditions for their acceptance to ensure legal compliance:

• The virtual address must be valid, properly zoned, and approved by the competent authorities (such as the Ministry of Interior and the Municipality).

• Some ministries or banks may require a physical inspection or lease documentation, especially for companies operating in regulated sectors.

• Service providers (such as MFD Services) must ensure that virtual office solutions are legally compliant and accepted by all necessary Saudi agencies, including the Ministry of Commerce and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.

The requirement that virtual addresses be "valid, properly zoned, and approved by the competent authorities" and that "some ministries or banks may require physical inspection or lease documentation" reveals a nuanced regulatory strategy. This is not a blanket approval without controls. It indicates that while the government encourages business flexibility, it simultaneously implements safeguards to prevent fraudulent activities or the use of non-compliant addresses. This dual approach ensures that ease of doing business does not compromise regulatory integrity or national security, demonstrating a mature approach to balancing economic liberalization with necessary oversight.

IX. Role of Service Companies in Assisting Investors on Saber

The Saber platform is a vital system, but the complexities of technical regulations and compliance requirements may necessitate specialized assistance. This is where specialized service companies come in.

Clarification Regarding "Mutaddid Limited"

It should be noted that the inquiry referred to "Mutaddid Limited." However, based on a review of the available information, "Saber Services" appears to be a company specializing in cleaning and maintenance services, and is not associated with the Saudi Saber platform for product conformity. Therefore, this report will focus on the general role and services provided by specialized companies (conformity assessment bodies and consultants) that actually assist investors and businesses in dealing with the Saber platform.

General Role of Specialized Service Companies (Conformity Assessment Bodies and Consultants)

These companies act as intermediaries, guiding importers and manufacturers through the complex Saber certification process. These companies are often SASO-accredited conformity assessment bodies, or consultants working closely with these bodies.

The widespread prevalence and necessity of third-party service providers mean that despite Saber's digital interface, the underlying technical regulations and compliance requirements are often complex and challenging for businesses to navigate independently. This creates a robust market for specialized compliance assistance. The statement that "Although the system may appear simple to use, the enforced technical regulations are more difficult to comply with than the SASO COC" directly supports this. These complexities drive demand for external expertise, as companies seek to avoid "rejected files" and "non-refundable payments." These service providers act as crucial enablers, bridging knowledge gaps and facilitating market access for businesses that lack in-house compliance specialists, thereby contributing to the overall efficiency of the Saber system.

Services Provided by Specialized Service Companies

These companies offer a wide range of services to assist investors on Saber:

• Account Creation and Management: Assisting companies in creating and managing their accounts on the Saber platform.

• Product Registration and Classification: Assisting with product registration, including HS Code classification and entering technical data for both regulated and non-regulated products.

• Technical File Preparation: Reviewing, preparing, and completing the necessary technical documentation for each product to meet regulatory requirements.

• Conformity Assessment Coordination: Communicating with SASO-accredited conformity assessment bodies, coordinating product testing, and managing inspection procedures.

• Application Submission and Certificate Issuance: Submitting applications for Product Certificates of Conformity (PCoC) and Shipment Certificates of Conformity (SCoC) and following up on their issuance.

• Regulatory Consulting: Providing advice on conformity requirements, applicable technical regulations, labeling and packaging requirements, and import licenses to avoid delays and ensure full compliance.

• Customs Clearance Support: Assisting with customs clearance processes, ensuring smooth entry of goods.

Advantages of Using Specialized Service Companies

• Expertise and Compliance: These companies possess in-depth knowledge of Saudi technical regulations and Saber requirements, helping businesses navigate complexities and avoid common errors.

• Time and Cost Efficiency: By streamlining the process, minimizing errors, and avoiding rejections (which can lead to non-refundable fees), these companies can significantly save businesses time and money.

• Reduced Burden: These companies alleviate the administrative and technical burden on importers and manufacturers, allowing them to focus on their core business.

• Faster Processing: Their expertise and established networks often lead to faster certificate issuance.

The prominent role played by numerous "accredited conformity assessment bodies" and other service companies (such as Tabseer, Export2Gulf, The Saudi Gate), and the detailing of their service offerings, indicates the development of a robust supporting ecosystem around the mandatory Saber platform. This suggests that the regulatory environment is maturing, and specialized expertise has become a crucial component for effective market participation. This ecosystem not only helps individual businesses but also contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Saber system by ensuring that applications are professionally prepared, reducing the burden on SASO and CABs in the initial screening of non-compliant applications.

X. Requirements for Accredited Product Conformity Offices on Saber

Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) are an integral part of the Saber system, evaluating products to ensure their compliance with Saudi standards. These bodies are subject to strict accreditation requirements to ensure the reliability and quality of their services.

Accreditation Criteria for Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs)

To obtain accreditation and operate within the Saber platform, conformity assessment bodies must meet the following conditions:

• Legal Entity: The conformity assessment body must have a legal entity within Saudi Arabia to apply for appointment.

• Appointment Certificate: The body must obtain an appointment certificate from the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) to perform tasks listed within the scope of appointment.

• Ownership: The owner must be Saudi or a foreign investor licensed by the Ministry of Investment.

• Acceptance by SASO: The body must be accepted by SASO in the fields of conformity verification within the systems and requirements of approved technical regulations to provide the necessary activities in granting certificates, inspection, or testing activities.

• International and Local Accreditation: The conformity assessment body must be accredited for the desired scope of appointment by the Saudi Accreditation Center (SAAC) or any accreditation body that is a member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) for the body's branch within the Kingdom. For example, laboratories must be accredited according to the international standard ISO/IEC 17025.

• Electronic Linkage: The conformity assessment body is committed to electronic linkage with SASO's systems.

• Certificate Issuance via Fasah: The body is committed to issuing conformity certificates for product consignments through the Fasah platform upon service completion.

• Immediate Notification: The body must immediately notify SASO if it is unable to continue meeting the appointment requirements and conditions.

The detailed and stringent requirements for Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), such as having a legal entity in the Kingdom, obtaining an appointment from SASO, and accreditation from SAAC or an IAF member (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025 for testing), are not arbitrary. They are fundamental to ensuring the credibility, integrity, and competence of the entities responsible for verifying product conformity. This rigorous accreditation process aims to build trust in the certificates issued through Saber, thereby directly contributing to the platform's overarching goal of enhancing product safety and quality in the Saudi market. It signifies a commitment to international best practices in conformity assessment.

The mandate for Conformity Assessment Bodies to have "electronic linkage with the Authority's systems" is a significant indicator. This extends Saber's digital transformation and oversight capabilities to its third-party partners. This electronic linkage allows SASO to monitor the performance of CABs, track the number of applications, approvals, and rejections, and ensure adherence to established procedures. This enhances transparency and accountability within the conformity assessment system, strengthening SASO's control over the quality and integrity of the certification process, and ensuring that the entire system operates efficiently without undue delays or inconsistencies.

Documents and Conditions Required for Product Conformity Assessment (from the perspective of a Conformity Assessment Body)

When companies apply for product conformity assessment through conformity assessment bodies, these bodies typically require the following documents and conditions:

• Product Declaration of Conformity.

• Test report covering the required tests in the relevant technical regulation from an accredited laboratory according to the international standard (ISO/IEC 17025).

• Product image with its data label.

• Risk assessment report.

• Proof that the manufacturer applies an effective environmental management system (e.g., ISO 14001 certificate) or an effective quality management system (e.g., ISO 9001 certificate).

• Completed application form for the conformity certificate.

• Design and manufacturing drawings (if any).

• Statistical data on the manufacturer's production quantities for the previous year (in kilograms).

XI. Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions serve as a valuable resource for beneficiaries to understand the practical aspects of the Saber platform and address common inquiries.

Compilation and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Saber Platform

• What is Saber? An electronic platform for product registration and issuing conformity certificates to ensure product safety in the Saudi market.

• What are Saber's services? Product registration, issuance of Product Certificates of Conformity (PCoC), issuance of Shipment Certificates of Conformity (SCoC), and self-declarations.

• Who are Saber's beneficiaries? Importers, local factories, individuals, and government entities.

• What tracks are available on Saber? Commercial products, non-consumer display products, and vehicle import.

• What are the costs on Saber? 500 Saudi Riyals for registering a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and 350 Saudi Riyals for issuing a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) (both excluding VAT).

• Is there an annual subscription fee? No, account registration is free. Fees are per certificate.

• Who is responsible for registration (importer or exporter)? The registration process must be done through the importer's Saber account, but both the importer or exporter can initiate the process based on their agreement.

• How long does it take to issue a Saber certificate? Usually, if all technical documents are ready, it takes 48 hours.

• Do I need to register each product item separately? Yes, each product type must be registered separately to obtain certificates according to its requirements.

• What if my goods arrive at customs without Saber approval? Saber procedures can be initiated upon arrival, but it should be noted that any delay will result in daily storage and demurrage fees at the port. It is highly recommended to complete Saber approvals before shipment.

• How can I determine if a product requires a Saber certificate? You can search by product name or HS Code on the Saber platform to check if it is subject to technical regulations.

• Can a virtual address be used for company registration in Saber? Yes, virtual addresses are generally acceptable for registration purposes, provided they are valid, properly zoned, and approved by the competent authorities.

The types of frequently asked questions (such as responsibility, timing, and consequences of non-compliance) highlight common pain points and areas where users need clear and practical guidance. This suggests that despite the platform's functionality, user education and support are crucial for seamless adoption. The explicit warning about "storage and demurrage fees" for delays resulting from uncertified shipments underscores the direct financial risks associated with non-compliance, reinforcing the mandatory nature and economic importance of the Saber system.

Conclusion

The Saber platform is a fundamental pillar in Saudi Arabia's digital transformation strategy for the trade sector, embodying a firm commitment to ensuring product safety and quality in the market. By providing a comprehensive electronic system for product registration and the issuance of conformity and shipment certificates, Saber has succeeded in streamlining customs procedures and reducing burdens on importers and manufacturers, while proactively enhancing consumer protection.

The high statistics for platform adoption rates and the number of registered products and certificates demonstrate significant success in making Saber the mandatory and central gateway for products entering the Saudi market. The distinction between regulated and non-regulated products, as well as the Importer of Record (IOR) requirements for foreign companies, reflects a balanced, risk-based regulatory approach that ensures local accountability and applies uniform safety standards.

Saber's extensive integration with other government entities, such as the Ministry of Industry and Customs, highlights the Kingdom's commitment to building an integrated digital government ecosystem aimed at breaking down barriers between ministries and enhancing national efficiency. The presence of a unified payment system like "Sadad" and the acceptance of virtual addresses also indicate the government's flexibility in adopting digital solutions that facilitate business.

While the platform is designed to be user-friendly, the complexities of technical regulations have led to the emergence of a supportive ecosystem of conformity assessment bodies and specialized consulting firms. These companies play a vital role in assisting investors in navigating Saber's intricate requirements, thereby mitigating financial and operational risks. The stringent conditions for accrediting these bodies ensure the reliability and quality of conformity assessment processes, which enhances trust in the issued certificates.

To maximize the benefits of the Saber portal and ensure smooth entry into the Saudi market, importers and manufacturers are advised to:

• Prepare in Advance: Understand the technical regulations applicable to their products and accurately prepare all required technical documentation before shipment to avoid delays and additional fees.

• Leverage Specialized Expertise: Consider engaging accredited conformity assessment bodies or specialized consulting firms, especially for complex products or for foreign companies requiring a local Importer of Record.

• Stay Updated: Follow continuous updates on the Saber portal and technical regulations issued by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization to ensure ongoing compliance.

Saber, at its core, is more than just a platform; it is a vital component of the Kingdom's digital trade infrastructure, designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and transparency in the Saudi market.