Six Sigma Quality International

The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO; Arabic: الهيئة السعودية للمواصفات والمقاييس والجودة) is a technical government body in Saudi Arabia was established in 1972 and governs tasks related to standards, metrology, and quality.

Structure and Responsibilities

SASO is administrated by a board of directors headed by the Minister of Commerce and Investment and membership of sectors interested in standardization in the Kingdom.

The responsibilities of SASO is mainly focusing on designing and approving national standards for goods, products, and services. Its tasks also include the Issuance of regulations that ensure the assessment procedures of goods, products, and services under approved standards. Promoting awareness regarding standards and quality, conducting studies and research are also involved with the responsibilities of SASO.

Following the ‘Saudi Arabia Vision 2030’, the ‘Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization’ (SASO has set two strategic objectives, as part of the related ‘Saudi National Transformation Program 2020’:

 

1. Build consumer confidence in product sold in the market.
2. Guarantee the fair trade between the buyer and the seller.

 

To achieve those two strategic objectives, the “Launch of the Saudi Product Safety Program" (called “SALEEM" was initiated). Under this program, SASO will be issuing ‘Technical Regulations’ (TR) for the specific products, based on their nature, application, safety and performance aspects, with a focus on risks to consumers and the environment. The TRs include binding clauses which describe the Technical Requirements, Applicable Standards, and Conformity Assessment Procedures (CAPs) that shall be complied with. Compliant products to be placed on the Saudi market may be provided with a Product Certificate of Conformity (CoO), in preparation of Shipment Certificates of Conformity (CoC) required for Shipments of those certified products.

To successfully implement Saleem Program, SASO has introduced SABER System, a web-based portal for the issuance of Product COC and Shipment COCs.

The Certification process both of Products and Shipments starts with the Suppliers application via the SABER system. One of the following three Conformity Assessment Procedure (CAP) is defined in the applicable Technical Regulation:

 

1. Type 1a (Type test / ‘Attestation of Conformity’ applies to samples tested only)
2. Type 3 (Type test / Periodic testing of products from the point of production / Periodic assessment of the production process)
3. Type 5 – see ‘Saudi Quality Mark (SQM)'-scheme

 

The Shipment CoC of the registered Products, issued by a Recognized Conformity Assessment Body like TÜV Rheinland, indicates the quantity and further shipping information.

Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) from DCS – demonstrate compliance with requirements for exporting regulated products to Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Standards and Quality Organization (SASO) requires manufacturers and traders wishing to export regulated products to Saudi Arabia to apply for the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) through an authorized certification body. The SQM will be granted for use on products that have demonstrated compliance to Saudi standards and have been manufactured in a facility that has an effective management system to ensure continuous conformance to requirements. The SQM is valid for three years.

DCS is approved by SASO as a notified body for the Saudi Quality Mark.

Products Requiring the SQM

• Liquefied petroleum gas appliances and accessories
• Flat steel and iron products
• Steel bars
• Cement
• Ready-mix concrete
• Ceramic tiles
• Aluminum composite panels
• Oxo-biodegradable additives
• Electrical extension cords
• Plugs, switches and sockets for household and general use

Voluntary application can be made for any other product category, including food and beverages.

Steps to Acquiring the SQM

1. Online application to be made on the SASO portal
2. Document review, including quality documents – test reports, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, etc.
3. Factory audits
4. Corrective actions
5. Final review and approval, by SASO, of license to use Saudi Quality Mark
6. Surveillance audits

Why DCS?

DCS has extensive experience and expertise in managing conformity assessment programs around the world. We provide efficient, comprehensive and tailored solutions to ensure your shipments meet all applicable requirements.

To discuss the Saudi Quality Mark, contact us today.
ADVANTAGE OF OBTAINING SAUDI QUALITY MARK:

At the consumer level:

• Contributes to maintain the health and safety of the consumer.
• Increases consumer satisfaction and confidence in the offered products.

At the facilities level:

• Improves and increases the  sales volume.
• The flow of goods entry through customs ports.

At the national level:

• Contributes to raising the quality of local and imported products in the markets.
• Contributes to support the national economy and raising​ the competitiveness of products in Saudi Arabia.​​

What is a Saber Certificate?The Saber certificate, or certificate of conformity, is an official document issued by accredited conformity assessment bodies in Saudi Arabia. It serves as proof that a specific product meets the relevant technical regulations and specifications established by the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO). The primary purpose of the Saber certificate is to ensure that imported products comply with safety, health, and quality standards, safeguarding consumers in Saudi Arabia.
Why is Obtaining a Saber Certificate Necessary?Having a Saber certificate is a mandatory requirement for importers in Saudi Arabia. It guarantees that the imported products conform to the applicable technical regulations, minimizing potential consumer risks. By enforcing the certification process, the Saudi government ensures that products sold within the country meet stringent safety and quality standards, enhancing consumer protection and fostering fair trade practices.
Products Requiring a Saber CertificateCertain products imported into Saudi Arabia require a product certification TO ensure compliance with the country’s technical regulations and specifications. While the specific product categories subject to the Saber certification may vary, it generally includes a wide range of consumer goods.
 
These products may include:
 
Home Appliances: Various household appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, and televisions.Vehicle Spare Parts: Parts and components used in automobiles, motorcycles, and other vehicles.Lighting and LED Products: Lighting fixtures, bulbs, LED strips, and related electrical equipment.Textiles: Clothing, fabrics, carpets, and other textile-based products.Electrical and Electronic Devices: Gadgets, electronic accessories, and other electrical devices.Building Materials: Construction materials, including paints, coatings, and insulation products.Toys and Children’s Products: Toys, games, and items designed for children.Personal Care Products: Cosmetics, toiletries, and personal hygiene items.Food and Beverages: Certain food products and beverages may also require Saber certification, mainly if they fall under specific regulatory requirements.Required Documents for Obtaining a Product's Conformity CertificateTo facilitate the issuance of certificates of conformity, importers must provide all the necessary data and technical files for the registered products. These documents include:
 
Importer’s commercial registration (Saudi CR)Product name in Arabic and EnglishDescription of all items and their features in Arabic and EnglishManufacturer’s name and address in Arabic and EnglishClear, high-resolution product imagesPrevious test reports, if availableIt is crucial to ensure the completeness and accuracy of these documents to expedite the process.
Saber Registration Process SystemObtaining a Saber certificate involves several steps, ensuring a thorough product compliance assessment. Here’s an overview of the Saber registration process system:
Step 1: Free Clearance Documents AuditBefore starting the registration process, it’s advisable to seek the assistance of a consultant who can audit your clearance documents. This audit helps determine the relevant reference standards and technical regulations applicable to your products, providing valuable guidance.
Step 2: Get Financial & Technical QuotationOnce the clearance documents are audited, you can obtain a financial and technical quotation from the consultant. This quotation will outline the costs of the certification process, including the necessary tests and assessments.
Step 3: Create Your Account at SaberTo initiate the Saber certification process, you must create an account on the Saber platform. If you need an existing account, this step will help you with the account creation process.

GSO Board of Directors in its 10th meeting (Muscat, 24 May 2009) approved the Technical Regulation for Gulf Conformity Marking. In pursuance of reducing the technical barriers of trade and facilitating the free movement of commodities across borders within the GCC member states, the Gulf Conformity Marking has been devised as a principle mean to realize those targets. The marking is not a quality mark, but rather a marking that signifies the conformity of products at least to the essential requirements of health, safety and environment. Affixing of GCC conformity marking will be compulsory for products categories that will be the subject of GCC Technical Regulations. Priority has been given to regulations pertaining to toys and low voltage devices. The technical regulations shall determine the conformity assessment procedures that should be applied by the manufacturer or a Notified Body, as a third party that is brought on board to carry out the conformity assessment procedures as stated by the technical regulation in relation to every product category.

• The Conformity Marking signifies the manufacturers’ fulfillment of all GCC regulatory requirements.
• The Gulf Conformity Marking confirms the compliance of industrial products with the GCC technical regulations.
• The concept of conformity is not restricted to the essential requirements pertaining to safety, public health, consumer safeguarding …etc.  Sometimes, given regulations may entail certain commitments that may not part of the essential requirements.
• Affixing of the GCC Conformity Marking on products means that natural or legal entity that undertakes the action of affixing or assumes the responsibility of marking affixing assured that the concerned product is compliant with the whole requirements of the relevant regulations that are applicable to the product. The marking also signifies that the product has passed the adequate conformity assessment procedures.
• In case of having more than one applicable GCC technical regulation, the GCC Conformity Marking means that products are in full compliance with the requirements of all such regulations. The regulations to which products are amenable should be accordingly recorded on the label of the products.
• Any product amenable to the GCC technical regulations should bear the GCC Conformity Marking to be put on the GCC markets. In case of exceptions in the context of the GCC technical regulations, the exceptions will just be applied on administrative basis in relation to some products that may not admit such regulation due to impracticality or forbidding economic factors. A case in point is the products that have little or no significance as far as health, safety or operational risks are concerned. The Member States should be notified of such exceptions by the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO).
• The GCC Conformity Marking should involve the identified shape in the Technical Regulation:    In case of minimizing or maximizing the GCC Conformity Marking, the ratios illustrated in the diagram should be taken into consideration.
• If the concerned regulations do not prescribe given dimensions, the GCC Conformity Marking should be of at least 5 mm high.
• The GCC Conformity Marking should be affixed on products or printed on the label of products. In case of inapplicability or unavailability due to products nature, the marking should be printed on packaging (if any), or even on the enclosed documents in accordance to what is stated in the relevant regulations in that respect.
• The marking should be affixed in a clear, legible, permanent, inerasable manner.
• The marking should be affixed at the end of the products control stage.