SASO Certificate Requirements for Electrical Products Exported from Dubai | +971 554747210

 Exporting electrical products from Dubai to Saudi Arabia presents lucrative opportunities, but it comes with strict regulatory requirements. One of the most important is obtaining a SASO Certificate. Issued by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), this certificate confirms that products comply with Saudi technical and safety standards.

In this blog, we’ll explore the SASO Certificate requirements for electrical products, the compliance process for Dubai-based exporters, and how local testing labs can streamline certification.


What is a SASO Certificate?

The SASO Certificate is a mandatory document for products exported to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). It ensures the product meets the country’s technical regulations, quality, and safety standards.

Since the introduction of the SABER platform, SASO certification has become more systematized. For electrical and electronic products, SASO compliance isn’t optional—it’s a legal requirement.

There are two main components:

  • Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)

  • Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)


Why Is SASO Certification Crucial for Electrical Products?

Electrical and electronic products are highly regulated due to the risks associated with voltage, electromagnetic interference, and fire hazards. SASO certification ensures:

  • Safe and reliable use for consumers

  • Compliance with Saudi technical regulations

  • Uninterrupted customs clearance

  • Avoidance of border rejections and financial penalties


Categories of Electrical Products That Require SASO Certification

If you’re exporting any of the following from Dubai to KSA, SASO certification is mandatory:

  • Home appliances (refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines)

  • Mobile phones, tablets, and laptops

  • Cables and wires

  • Electrical plugs and sockets

  • Lighting products (LEDs, lamps, fixtures)

  • Circuit breakers and switchgear

  • Smart electronics and IoT-enabled devices


SASO Technical Regulations for Electrical Products

SASO enforces specific Technical Regulations (TRs) for each product category. Some commonly applied TRs for electrical items include:

  • TR for Low Voltage Electrical Equipment and Appliances

  • TR for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

  • TR for Energy Efficiency, Labeling, and Eco Design

  • TR for Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)

Products must comply with one or more of these, depending on their specifications.


Step-by-Step Guide to SASO Certification for Electrical Products in Dubai

Step 1: Classify Your Product and Identify Relevant TRs

Use your product’s HS Code to determine which SASO technical regulations apply. You can consult with a Dubai-based testing lab or SASO-approved body to ensure accurate classification.


Step 2: Product Testing at an Approved Lab

Your product must undergo testing at a lab accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 and recognized by SASO. The lab will issue a test report verifying compliance with applicable technical standards, such as:

  • Electrical safety

  • EMC

  • Energy efficiency (EER rating)

  • Hazardous substance content (RoHS)

Many labs in Dubai are equipped to handle such testing.


Step 3: Register Your Product on the SABER Platform

You must create an account on the SABER system (https://saber.sa) and submit the following:

  • Product specifications

  • HS code

  • Technical files and test reports

  • Risk assessment documents

  • Labels and user manuals (often in Arabic)


Step 4: Apply for the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)

Submit your application through SABER to a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB). The CAB will review:

  • Your product documentation

  • Test reports

  • Manufacturer declarations

If everything is in order, the PCoC is issued—valid for one year and required for each product model.


Step 5: Apply for the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)

For every shipment, you’ll need an SCoC. Submit the invoice, packing list, and related documents on SABER. The CAB may request a physical inspection or sampling.

Once approved, the SCoC ensures that the products in your shipment match the approved ones in the PCoC.


Role of Testing Labs in Dubai in Facilitating SASO Certification

Partnering with a local testing laboratory can significantly ease the SASO certification process. Here's how:

1. Product Testing

Labs in Dubai provide pre-certification testing for electrical parameters, EMC compliance, and energy efficiency. This helps ensure your product is compliant before engaging with the CAB.


2. Technical File Preparation

Labs help compile documentation such as:

  • Test reports

  • Risk assessment and conformity declarations

  • Product labeling

  • Arabic language user manuals


3. Liaising with SASO and CABs

Experienced labs often have direct contact with SASO-authorized CABs, ensuring faster approvals and fewer errors in submissions.


4. SABER Platform Support

If you're unfamiliar with SABER, labs can assist with registration, product upload, and submission of applications for PCoC and SCoC.


Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

❌ Incomplete Technical Files

Ensure all required documents, including user manuals, safety instructions, and risk assessments, are ready in Arabic and English.

❌ Unrecognized Test Reports

Only use ISO 17025-accredited labs recognized by SASO. Otherwise, your report may be rejected, delaying the process.

❌ Wrong Product Classification

Misclassifying products under incorrect HS codes can result in applying the wrong technical regulations. Always consult with experts.


Tips to Speed Up Your SASO Certification

✅ Work with a Dubai testing lab familiar with SASO’s requirements
✅ Use previously certified components (e.g., power cords or adaptors)
✅ Stay updated with changes in SASO’s technical regulations
✅ Submit all documents in the correct format and language
✅ Apply for the PCoC before manufacturing large volumes


Final Thoughts

Securing a SASO Certificate for electrical products exported from Dubai is essential for accessing the Saudi market. While the process involves detailed technical and regulatory steps, it becomes manageable with proper planning and expert guidance.

By partnering with experienced testing labs in Dubai, exporters can ensure timely product testing, accurate documentation, and seamless SABER portal submissions—ultimately saving time, money, and reputation.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is the SASO Certificate mandatory for all electrical products exported to Saudi Arabia?

Yes, all regulated electrical products require SASO certification for clearance at Saudi ports.

Q2: How long does the SASO certification process take?

Typically, 5–10 working days for PCoC and 2–3 days for SCoC, depending on product complexity and documentation accuracy.

Q3: Can Dubai test reports be used for SASO?

Yes, provided the testing lab is ISO 17025-accredited and recognized by SASO.

Q4: Is an energy efficiency label required?

Yes, for products like air conditioners, washing machines, and refrigerators. These labels must meet SASO’s EER standards.

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