The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (hereinafter referred to as “Saudi Arabia”) is the largest country in the Middle East, and China is the largest trading partner of Saudi Arabia. Chinese products are highly competitive in the Saudi Arabia’s market. Main commodities exported by China to Saudi Arabia include electrical equipment and its components, machinery and its components, ships, furniture, iron and steel, etc. CQC has maintained good cooperation with Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) since 2008 and was registered as its designated certification body in 2017.

In April 2016, Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 (hereinafter referred to as “Vision 2030”) and National Transformation Program were launched under the promotion of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, hoping to reduce its dependence on crude oil-related revenue by vigorously developing non-oil industries. Against the backdrop of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia gradually began to implement the Saudi Products Safety Programme (SALEEM), aiming at improving product quality, building consumer confidence and creating a favorable environment for the trade development in Saudi Arabia. SALEEM covers more than 40 product categories, including building materials, chemical products, mechanical products, auto parts, and electric vehicles. According to the risk levels of products, different conformity assessment models specified in ISO 17067 are adopted:

• Low risk products: Self-declaration model

• Medium risk products: Type 1a or Type 3

• High risk products: Type 5

For smooth implementation of SALEEM, SASO launched the SABER, an electronic registration system for conformity certificates. Since January 1, 2021, local importers in Saudi Arabia must apply for Product CoC and Shipment CoC through SABER platform for all products entering the Saudi Arabia’s market; otherwise, customs clearance is not allowed.

Phase I: Product CoC

Validity period: One year.

Phase II: Shipment CoC

Within the validity period of the Product CoC, the importers shall upload necessary information and documents through the SABER platform for each shipment to obtain the Shipment CoC.