Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our certification services and processes

Frequently Asked Questions

We've compiled answers to the most common questions about our certification services to help you better understand our processes.

What Customs Clearance Certifications Are Needed for Microwaves Exported to Saudi Arabia?

GCC Certification + SABER Certification 

Microwaves fall under small household appliances. To export to Saudi Arabia, you must first apply for the GCC Certificate, then apply for the SABER Certificate!

How Long Does It Take to Apply for GCC Certification for Products Without a CB Report?

5-6 weeks!

If the product has a CB Certificate, the processing time is 3-4 weeks.

If there is no CB Certificate, the processing time will be approximately 5-6 weeks.

What Is the Maximum Validity Period of the GCC Certification Certificate for Household Appliances?

3 years

Which Products Require IECEE Certification?

IECEE certification mainly applies to electronic products such as information technology equipment and communication products. All products included in the Saudi mandatory IECEE certification catalog need to undergo IECEE certification. The certification type can be confirmed by checking the HS code.

What Materials Need to Be Submitted for IECEE Certification Application?

  •  Business licenses of the manufacturer and importer
  •  Manuals in Arabic and English;
  •  Nameplate;
  •  HS code;
  •  CB report and certificate (valid within 3 years; the report must include Saudi deviations);
  •  Account and password for the GSO website;
  •  Product photos;
  •  Application forms: Importer DOC (Declaration of Conformity) and Manufacturer DOC (Declaration of Conformity) documents.

What Services Are Included in the IECEE Certification Fee?

  • Certification service fee;
  • CB testing and certificate fee;
  • IECEE certification fee;

The specific fee is evaluated based on product specifications, structure, and functions.

Tanzania PVOC Certification Regulated List

  •  Toys and sports goods;
  •  Electrical and electronic equipment;
  •  Automobiles;
  •  Chemical products;
  •  Mechanical materials and gas appliances;
  •  Paper and stationery;
  •  Furniture, wood, and metal products;
  •  Personal protective equipment (PPE);
  •  Grain and grain products;
  •  Second-hand products;
  •  Textiles.

Nigeria SONCAP Certification Processing Flow

  •  The exporter fills in the application form and provides product photos and other information to apply for PC (Product Certificate);
  •  After the PC is activated, provide it to the importer to apply for FORM M at the local bank;
  •  The exporter submits the PC, FORM M, packing list, commercial invoice, and bill of lading to the certification body to apply for SONCAP;
  •  The certification body issues a draft SONCAP certificate;
  •  The client confirms the draft, and the original certificate is issued.

Kenya PVOC Certification Regulated Product List

The scope of Kenya PVOC regulated products is broad, covering almost all exported goods. The main categories include:

  •  Food and agricultural products: Tea, coffee, spices, grains, edible oil, sugar, dairy products, meat, fish, etc.;
  •  Chemical products: Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, paints, detergents, cosmetics, plastic raw materials, etc.;
  •  Textiles and garments: Clothing, shoes and hats, home textiles, leather products, etc.;
  •  Electronic and electrical products: Household appliances (e.g., refrigerators, washing machines), lighting equipment, electronic components, batteries, etc.;
  •  Mechanical products: Automobiles, motorcycles, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, industrial equipment, etc.;
  •  Building materials: Cement, steel products, ceramics, glass, pipes, wood, etc.;
  •  Toys and children's products: Toys, strollers, child safety seats, etc.;
  •  Medical devices and pharmaceuticals: Medical equipment, medicines, surgical instruments, etc.;
  •  Furniture and household items: Furniture, kitchenware, decorations, etc.;
  •  Paper products and stationery: Paper, cardboard, stationery, printed matter, etc.;
  •  Energy products: Batteries, solar energy equipment, fuels, etc.;
  •  Automobile and motorcycle parts: Tires, brake pads, filters, etc.;
  •  Safety protection equipment: Helmets, protective clothing, fire-fighting equipment, etc.;
  •  Other miscellaneous products: Unclassified products such as sports goods, musical instruments, etc.

Will a Fine Be Imposed if COC Is Applied for After Shipment?

Risk Warning: All goods shipped to East Africa must obtain the draft COC certificate before container loading! According to Tanzanian customs regulations, applying for the certificate retroactively will result in a fine of 15% of the goods value.

Which Products Shipped to Kenya/Tanzania/Uganda Require Inspection?

  • Food products (a laboratory nutrient composition report must be attached);
  • Building materials (for steel products, the factory's ISO certificate must be provided);
  • Second-hand equipment (close-up photos of the serial number must be taken);
  • Electronic and electrical products (a test report conforming to IEC standards must be provided).

Which Products Require QM Certification?

  • Electrical Products: Plugs, sockets, adapters, wall switches, electronic switches, extension cord assemblies, cord reels;
  • Gas Appliances: Gas equipment and its accessories;
  • Building Materials: Steel bars, cement, ready-mixed concrete, ceramic tiles, flat steel, aluminum composite panels for cladding;
  • Chemical and Food Products: Biodegradable plastic products, plastic decomposition additives;
  • Note: For plugs, sockets, adapters, and extension cord assemblies, a G-Mark certification certificate must be obtained before submitting the SQM application

What Application Materials Are Required for QM Certification?

  •  Application form;
  •  Business license;
  •  Industry license (production permit);
  •  Product barcode registration certificate;
  •  Factory organizational structure;
  •  Factory quality manual;
  •  Quality control plan;
  •  Factory quality management system certificate;
  •  Third-party laboratory test report;
  •  Conformity document;
  •  Factory location map.

What Is the QM Certification Process?

  •  Verify whether the product meets the applicable SASO standards and technical regulation requirements based on the submitted materials mentioned above;
  •  Conduct factory audit and take samples for testing;
  •  Communicate with the client if non-conformities are identified;
  •  If the applicant has taken necessary corrective actions and the results meet the requirements, recommend the product to SASO for obtaining the Saudi Quality Mark;
  •  Authorized personnel of SASO issue the Saudi Quality Mark License (SQM Licence).

Do Clothes Require SABER Certification for Export to Saudi Arabia?

Yes, SABER certification is required!For clothes exported to Saudi Arabia, you can directly apply for the PC Certificate—no factory audit is required!

Which Products Require Factory Audit for Export to Saudi Arabia?

Examples include: Elevators, auto parts.You can provide the HS Code (Harmonized System Code) for verification!

For Products with the Same Material and Usage, Can a Single SABER PC Certificate Be Issued?

A single SABER PC Certificate can be issued only if the product name, HS Code, trademark, and manufacturer information are consistent!

If a Product  Already Obtained a SABER Certificate, Is It Unnecessary to Apply for a New Importer Client?

One certificate corresponds to one importer and cannot be used universally. A new application must be submitted in the new client’s SABER account!

Product Has Multiple Models with Different Appearance Photos then do All Photos Need to Be Uploaded ?

No. The SABER PC Certificate allows a maximum of 5 photos to be uploaded. It depends on the client’s needs—only selected photos can be uploaded if the number exceeds 5!

What Materials Are Required to Apply for SABER SC?

  • The account and password of the importer’s SABER platform;
  • Customs clearance invoice (the product name, model, and other information in the invoice must be completely consistent with that in the PC Certificate used).

What Are the Key Certificates for Applying for Saudi SABER Certification?

  • PC Certificate : To apply, you need to submit materials such as test reports, application documents, and factory audit reports;
  • SC Certificate : Issued before the goods are shipped, valid for a single shipment. A separate application must be made for customs clearance of each batch of goods!

Simplified Process for Applying for Saudi SABER Certification

1.Account Creation and Application Submission

Log in to the SABER system platform;

Fill out the complete certification application form.

 

2.Product Category Confirmation

Query the applicable certification standards based on the HS Code;

Determine the technical specification requirements corresponding to the product.

 

3.Product Information Completion

Enter trademark information and country of origin data;

Fill in the complete product name and manufacturer information;

Upload physical product photos (at least 2 clear photos from different angles are required).

What Certifications Are Required for Toys Exported to Saudi Arabia?

G-Mark Certification and SABER Certification

Are There Any Special Requirements?

Toys need to undergo sub-item testing based on material and color.

Certification Process for Toys Exported to Saudi Arabia

Example: For exporting scooters, you must first obtain the G-Mark Certification, then apply for the SABER PC Certificate.

Certification Requirements for Textiles Exported to Saudi Arabia

A SABER Certificate must be issued;

Infant clothing for children under 3 years old is subject to special regulatory requirements and must pass a factory audit!

Textile Compliance Requirements:

  • A durable care label must be sewn onto the textile;
  • The fiber content must be clearly labeled (accurate to percentage).

Processing Time and Cost for Saudi SABER Certification

Regarding Processing Time

PC Certificate: The regular process takes 3-5 working days. If a factory audit is required, the processing time will be extended to more than 15 days.

SC Certificate: Review and issuance take approximately 1-2 working days, and a valid PC Certificate is a mandatory prerequisite.

Regarding Application Cost

PC Certificate: 575 Saudi Riyals (SAR) per product model.

SC Certificate: 402.5 Saudi Riyals (SAR) per shipment.

Third-party Test Report: The cost varies significantly (depending on the product).

(Note: Official fees for PC can be waived if converted through specific certifications; fees for special certificates such as QM and energy efficiency need to be consulted separately.)

Which Cosmetics Require SFDA Conformity Assessment Certificate?

  •  Creams, emulsions, lotions, gels, and oils for the skin (hands, face, feet, etc.);
  •  Face masks (excluding peel-off products), colored alkalis;
  •  Shaving products (creams, foams, lotions, etc.);
  •  Face powders, bath powders, sanitary powders, etc.;
  •  Toilet soaps, deodorant soaps, glycerin soaps, etc.;
  •  Perfumes, toilet waters, and colognes;
  •  Bath and shower preparations (salts, foams, oils, gels, etc.);
  •  Hair removers, deodorants, and antiperspirants;
  •  Hair care products: Hair dyes and bleaches, waving/straightening/setting products, styling products, cleansing products (lotions, powders, shampoos), conditioning products (lotions, creams, oils), hair treatments (lotions, lacquers, conditioners);
  •  Facial and eye makeup products, eye decorative cosmetics (eye shadows, mascaras, eyebrow products, eye liners, eye pencils, false eyelashes, creams);
  •  Lip products;
  •  Dental and oral care products (mouthwash containing alcohol is considered a prohibited item);
  •  Nail care products, external intimate hygiene products;
  •  Sunbathing products, sun tanning products, skin lightening products (excluding products containing hydroquinone);
  •  Anti-wrinkle products;
  •  Hand wash soaps;
  •  Wet wipes.

What Materials Need to Be Prepared for Saudi SFDA Application?

  •  Application form (signed and sealed);
  • Test report issued by a CNAS 17025-accredited laboratory;
  •  Product photos (including product name, product label, trademark, country of origin, chemical composition, shelf life, usage instructions, and barcode; in English or both English and Arabic);
  •  Product parameters;
  •  Arrangement for supervision and loading inspection;
  •  Commercial invoice and packing list (signed and sealed).

Saudi SFDA Application Process

  • Step 1: First, register the importer's account and password (skip if already registered);
  • Step 2: Complete registration in the ECOSMA system;
  • Step 3: After the goods are ready for shipment, submit application materials, including the application form, original bill of lading, packing list, commercial invoice, and product photos or inspection photos;
  • Step 4: The original SFDA certificate will be issued after the materials are approved.

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