If you want to send your products to saudi then saber system is something you must understand. It’s not just a rule it’s a must do step. Without saber your goods won’t even pass the first gate. The system checks if your product is safe legal and ready for the saudi market. A lot of people get confused or stuck in this process because of small mistakes but if you follow the steps it becomes easy
The most important thing you’ll need is the saber certificate. This is the document that proves your product is approved and registered in the official saber portal. It tells the saudi authorities that your product is okay for sale and matches their safety rules
Why Saudi Uses The Saber System
Let’s keep it simple. Saudi wants to protect its people and its market. So they built an online platform called saber that helps them check every product that enters their country. From mobile chargers to food items they want to make sure everything is safe and of good quality
Saber helps them do that quickly. It connects importers exporters and government approved certification bodies. When your product is checked and approved it gets a saber certificate that proves everything is fine
So the system helps stop fake poor quality or harmful items from entering the saudi market
Who Needs A Saber Certificate
If you are sending goods to saudi from any country you need saber. It doesn’t matter if you’re a big company or a small business even individuals sending regular shipments might need to get this done
These people usually need saber
Importers based in saudi
Exporters from other countries
Manufacturers who supply to ksa
Distributors who bring products into saudi
Online sellers who ship to saudi customers
If your product is on the regulated list then saber is not just helpful it’s required by law
Which Products Need Saber Approval
There are two kinds of product categories in this system
Regulated Products
These items need full safety check and extra testing. For example electronics home appliances car parts kids toys cosmetics and similar items. These products need both product and shipment certificatesNon Regulated Products
These are low risk items like furniture books general tools and other basic goods. They still need saber registration but don’t require deep testing or third party certificates
The system will tell you what type your product is based on the hs code you enter
Main Documents Required For Saber
Before you start the process keep these things ready
Product name and images
HS code
Brand name and manufacturer name
Country of origin
Invoice copy
Product catalog or user manual if available
Lab test reports for regulated products
These documents help the system and the certifying body check your product fast and give the green signal
Steps To Get Your Saber Certificate
Here is the simple step by step way to get your product approved
Step 1 Create A Saber Account
Only the importer in saudi can open this account. Once it’s active they can start adding product details
Step 2 Add Product To Saber Portal
Importer adds full product information. This includes name brand category hs code and more
Step 3 Know Your Product Type
Once added saber system tells you if your product is regulated or non regulated. If it’s regulated you’ll need help from a certification body
Step 4 Choose An Approved Certifying Body
Pick a certification company from the saber list. They’ll ask for documents and test reports and check if your product meets saudi standards
Step 5 Get Product Certificate
If all is good they’ll approve and issue a product certificate inside saber portal. This is valid for one year
Step 6 Apply For Shipment Certificate
Every new shipment needs its own shipment certificate. This is based on your invoice and product list. It links your goods to the approved product certificate
Step 7 Get Your Saber Certificate
After document checks and fee payment your saber certificate will be issued. You can now send your shipment with full approval
Once these steps are done your goods can move to saudi without problems
Mistakes That Delay Saber Approval
Many people face delays because of small errors that are easy to avoid
Wrong hs code or product category
Missing brand or country info
Bad quality product image
Not submitting required documents
Using the wrong certifying body
Not matching invoice with product data
Take time to fill in correct information. It saves you from big delays later. If you’re unsure get help from someone who understands the process
What Is The Role Of Certification Bodies
Certification bodies or cb are approved organizations that check your product and give the green light
If your product is regulated they will
Review test reports
Check product specs and design
Ask for technical files
Sometimes suggest lab testing
Issue final certificate inside saber
These bodies are listed inside the saber portal. You can pick the one that suits your language and region
They are there to help but they only work with proper documents and correct info
How Saber Helps Customs And Safety
Once you get the saber certificate your product is linked with the customs system. When your shipment arrives at the port the customs officer checks your saber status online
If it’s valid and complete your goods pass fast. If not they are held delayed or even rejected
Saber also helps protect customers by making sure only tested and safe items reach the saudi market. This improves trust and keeps low quality goods out
Does Saber Cost Money
Yes there are small fees involved at different steps
Fee for product certificate
Fee for shipment certificate
Possible lab testing cost
Payment to certifying body
The cost depends on the product type and the certifier you choose
Some certifiers charge more but work faster. Others take longer but charge less. You can decide based on your budget and timeline
How Long Does It Take To Get Saber Certificate
For non regulated items the process is fast sometimes done in one day
For regulated items it depends on how quickly you submit correct documents. Usually takes 3 to 7 working days
If lab testing is needed then add a few extra days
Always plan ahead and don’t wait till the last moment. Shipping without saber is not allowed and goods may get stuck
Why Small Businesses Also Need Saber
Many small sellers think saber is only for big companies but that’s not true. Even if you send just a few cartons or small packages saber is required
No shipment is allowed into saudi without proper approval. So even small businesses need to follow the same rules
Getting saber is not difficult once you understand the steps
And it also gives you confidence that your product is legal and ready for the saudi market
Using Saber System Again For Future Shipments
Once you’ve done the process once it gets easier the next time
You can reuse the same product certificate as long as it’s still valid and only apply for new shipment certificates for every order
Just make sure your product has not changed and your invoices match the saber details
This saves time and cost for repeat shipments
Final Words
Saber system is not as scary as it sounds. It’s just a smart way for saudi authorities to keep things safe and organized
Once you learn the steps and understand the flow you can easily get your saber certificate and send your products without stress