The earlier conformity program by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has been replaced by the Saudi Product Safety Program (SALEEM). Along with this, SASO has developed a new online portal called SABER. This initiative is central to the country’s National Transformation Program 2020, which aims to build consumer confidence in products sold in the market and guarantee fair trade while also controlling products placed in the Saudi Market.

What is SABER?

SABER is an online network system tool launched by the Saudi Standards for product registration, distribution, and acquisition of a complete set of paperless office systems for compliance with the Shipment Certificate.

In the new conformity assessment specification, the product will be differentiated according to the product's customs code (Harmonised System Code). Controlled products must meet the requirements of the new technical specifications. Thus far, SABER has placed 36 categories of products under control and one can expect additional product categories to be included in the future.

Shipment Certificate as per the new SABER program for each invoiced consignment is mandatory for clearance at KSA ports & borders.

What is SALEEM?

SALEEM program is concerned with the safety of products in the Saudi market. SALEEM in Arabic indicates that the product is safe, secure, and free of flaws that may directly or indirectly harm individuals, society or the environment.

Scope of SALEEM:

SALEEM develops mechanisms, procedures, and comprehensive technical regulations for the import/export of goods to ensure consumer safety by guaranteeing the absence of the following: flaws in products, poor product performance or rapid product deterioration. SALEEM Technical Regulations is similar in concept to EU Regulations and defines the following:

• Obligations of the economic operators

• Products’ essential requirements, including marking and packaging

• Applicable conformity assessment procedures (Modules of Conformity Assessment)

• Certification output and the process to obtain it

The Saudi Product Safety Program includes various technical regulations for both local and imported products mainly in 4 Sectors: Construction, Chemical Products, Machinery, and others.

Registration Process Flow:

1. Importer creates an account on the SABER platform

2. Importer adds Product information on the SABER platform for obtaining a Product Certificate (PC)

3. Importer selects Certification Body (CB) such as TÜV Rheinland, for issuance of PC

4. Payment of PC Fees

5. TÜV Rheinland accesses the SABER platform to check the requests from Importers and contacts them to get the required technical documents

6. TÜV Rheinland facilitates the Conformity Assessment Process and is linked with the supplier for the submission of all substantiating documents

7. TÜV Rheinland verifies the results and issues the Product Certificate accordingly

8. Importer applies for a shipment certificate and selects the items which will be shipped and mentioned in his commercial invoice

SALEEM Implementation for Textile Products:

The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) issued the Technical Regulation for Textile Products (M.A.-164-18-05-02) that has become mandatory on SABER platform from December 2019. This technical regulation establishes the basic requirements for textile products and the conformity assessment procedures that suppliers must comply with to sell the product in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

• Products containing at least 80% of textile fibres by weight. (This includes textile components of curtains, furniture, carpets, clothing, technical fabrics and textiles)

• Furniture, umbrella, and sunshade coverings containing at least 80% of textile components by weight

• Textile components of:

a) The upper layer of multi-layered floor covering

b) Mattress covers

c) Coverings for camping equipment and goods provided that the components constitute at least 80% of such upper layers or coverings by weight

d) Textiles incorporated in other products and forming an integral part thereof, including footwear, bags and head-covers

Starting from December 2019, all textile products that are going to be placed on the KSA market must comply with this technical regulation. The compliance must be confirmed through the SABER platform.

Note: Products designed for medical purposes or medical claims, as they fall under the requirements and regulations of Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), are excluded from these Technical Regulations.

TÜV Rheinland Services:

TÜV Rheinland is a Registered Conformity Assessment Body (R-CAB) for the SALEEM Program and can provide the Testing, Inspection, and Certification Services under SALEEM Program. Our independent services are designed to ensure your compliance with both legal requirements and voluntary industry standards regulating harmful substances. Certifications from an accredited and respected industry partner help you strengthen consumer confidence in the quality and safety of your products.