Category Archives: SABER UPDATES

In today’s fast-paced trade environment, compliance is just as important as speed. For businesses importing goods into Saudi Arabia, understanding and properly using the SABER platform is essential to avoid clearance delays, penalties, or even rejected shipments.

At Express Arabia, we’ve guided countless importers through the SABER system and helped them get their products into the Kingdom efficiently and fully compliant. In this blog, we break down what SABER is, how it works, and how you can use it correctly, step by step.

What Is the SABER System?

SABER is an online platform launched by SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization) to ensure that products entering Saudi Arabia comply with local safety and quality standards.

It’s part of the Kingdom’s Product Safety Program, SALEEM, and applies to a wide range of goods, from electronics and machinery to children’s toys and building materials.

Through SABER, importers must obtain two key certificates:

• Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) – Confirms that a product complies with Saudi standards.
• Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) – Confirms that the specific shipment being imported matches the certified product and complies with requirements.

Without these certificates, goods cannot clear customs in Saudi Arabia.

Who Needs to Use SABER?

Any business that is:

• Importing regulated products into Saudi Arabia (including industrial equipment, consumer goods, and electronics).
• Registering a new product or brand for sale in the Saudi market.
• Shipping goods from another country into the Kingdom.

If you’re unsure whether your product is regulated, Express Arabia can help check and advise on the certification process.

Step-by-Step: How to Use SABER as an Importer

Step 1: Register Your Company on the SABER Platform

To begin, importers must create an account on the SABER system at saber.sa.

• The account must be registered under a Saudi commercial registration (CR).

• You’ll need to provide your CR number, company details, contact person, and email address.

Step 2: Classify Your Products

This is done by identifying the HS Code of your product. Regulated products must meet specific technical regulations issued by SASO. You’ll need to determine whether your products are classified as:

• Regulated Products (require conformity certification)

• Unregulated Products (require only basic documentation)

Step 3: Apply for the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)

For each regulated product, you must obtain a PCoC, which certifies that the product complies with applicable Saudi standards.

Here’s how it works:

• Submit product details, photos, technical specifications, and test reports through SABER.

• Choose a notified certification body (e.g., Intertek, TUV, SGS) to review your submission.

• The certification body will assess conformity and issue the PCoC if approved.

Step 4: Apply for the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)

Once the PCoC is in place, you must apply for an SCoC every time you import a shipment of that product.

• Provide the commercial invoice and shipping documents.

• Confirm that the shipment matches the registered product.

• The same certification body will validate and issue the SCoC.

Step 5: Customs Clearance

With the PCoC and SCoC in hand, your goods are eligible for clearance by Saudi Customs.

• The documents are automatically linked in the SABER system for verification.

• Customs officers will use the SABER platform to confirm conformity before releasing the shipment.

Express Arabia coordinates with customs officials at all major ports to ensure quick clearance and smooth documentation flow.

Common Challenges with SABER, and How Express Arabia Solves Them

Even with a well-designed platform, SABER can be confusing or time-consuming for first-time importers. Some common issues include:

As Saudi Arabia strengthens its position in global trade, freight forwarding has become a critical part of the logistics chain for businesses importing or exporting goods. Whether you’re shipping electronics from China, food products to the Gulf region, or raw materials across continents, understanding how freight forwarding works, especially within the context of Saudi Arabia’s regulatory and port systems, is essential to operating efficiently.

This guide breaks down the freight forwarding process in Saudi Arabia, outlines the key players involved, and highlights how Express Arabia supports businesses at every step of their supply chain journey.

What is Freight Forwarding?

Freight forwarding is the coordination and management of goods in transit, from the point of origin to the final destination. Freight forwarders act as intermediaries between shippers and transportation services, handling everything from booking cargo space to preparing documentation, overseeing customs clearance, and organizing inland transport.

A reliable freight forwarder doesn’t just move cargo, it ensures compliance with international and local regulations, arranges insurance, consolidates shipments, and provides updates on shipment status. In the complex ecosystem of logistics, freight forwarders play a crucial role in streamlining operations and minimizing risk.

Freight Forwarding in the Saudi Context

Saudi Arabia has specific regulatory and logistical frameworks that impact how freight forwarding is conducted. The Kingdom is highly reliant on sea and air freight, with Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdullah Port, Dammam’s King Abdulaziz Port, and Riyadh’s Dry Port serving as major logistics entry points.

All goods entering or exiting Saudi Arabia must comply with customs regulations set by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA). Moreover, certain products require approval through the SABER system, which is the electronic platform used for verifying product conformity before goods are allowed to enter the country. SABER has streamlined the clearance process but requires accurate documentation and planning in advance.

Step-by-Step: The Freight Forwarding Process in Saudi Arabia

Here’s a general outline of how freight forwarding works for a shipment coming into (or out of) Saudi Arabia:

1. Booking & Route Planning: The forwarder books space with shipping lines or airlines, selecting the most efficient route and mode of transport.

2. Documentation: Key documents such as the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin are prepared. For certain goods, SABER registration and product conformity certificates must be included.

3. Customs & Clearance: On arrival, Express Arabia coordinates with Saudi Customs to ensure all required approvals are in place and duties are paid, if applicable.

4. Port Handling & Inland Transportation: Once cleared, the cargo is transferred from the port to its destination via truck or rail, depending on location and urgency.

5. Delivery & Confirmation: The shipment is delivered to the consignee, with full tracking provided throughout the journey.

Each of these steps involves communication with multiple stakeholders: shippers, carriers, customs officers, port authorities, and trucking companies. That’s where Express Arabia adds value, by managing these interactions for a smooth and seamless operation.

SABER System & Product Conformity

A particularly important component in Saudi logistics is the SABER platform, developed by SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization). It is mandatory for importers to register regulated products (like electronics, toys, building materials, etc.) in SABER before shipment. Each product must have a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC).

Navigating SABER can be complex, especially for businesses unfamiliar with Saudi compliance requirements. Express Arabia provides SABER consultation services, helping clients upload documents, coordinate with certification bodies, and prevent clearance delays.

Why Choose Express Arabia as Your Freight Forwarding Partner

Express Arabia is built on a deep understanding of Saudi Arabia’s freight landscape. With direct partnerships at major ports, local customs brokers, and a team trained in both international and Saudi-specific shipping regulations, we simplify the complex.

Our clients benefit from:

• End-to-end freight solutions across sea, air, and land

• SABER certification support to ensure customs compliance

• Customs clearance expertise and real-time cargo tracking

• Multilingual customer support familiar with regional and global trade

Whether you’re a first-time importer or a seasoned exporter, our team ensures your cargo moves efficiently, securely, and in full compliance with Saudi regulations.

Conclusion
Freight forwarding in Saudi Arabia involves more than just shipping goods, it requires local knowledge, regulatory expertise, and operational efficiency. As the Kingdom grows into a global trade powerhouse, choosing the right freight partner is more important than ever.

At Express Arabia, we help businesses bridge global supply chains with Saudi markets, one shipment at a time. Reach out to us today to learn how we can support your logistics needs across the Kingdom and beyond.