Product Certification for Saudi Arabia: G-Mark and SABER Support
itmad issues the G-Mark as a GSO-approved Notified Body and supports exporters with SASO's SABER platform for Saudi Arabia.
Product certification for the Saudi market involves two separate schemes: the G-Mark, the Gulf Conformity Mark that itmad issues as a GSO-approved Notified Body for low voltage electrical equipment and toys, and SABER, the conformity platform of Saudi Arabia managed by SASO. itmad supports exporters and manufacturers with SABER but is not a SASO-approved conformity assessment body in SABER and does not issue SABER certificates.
Why product certification matters for Saudi Arabia
Getting a product into Saudi Arabia is a regulatory exercise before the exercise becomes commercial. Regulated categories cannot legally be imported, sold or distributed without the correct certification, and customs authorities check certification marks and documentation at the port. Retailers and distributors can also require proof of certification before accepting stock.
Which scheme applies
- G-Mark: low voltage electrical equipment or toys, selling anywhere in the GCCThe G-Mark is mandatory, and the certificate is issued by a GSO-approved Notified Body. itmad is a GSO-approved Notified Body for low voltage electrical equipment and toys.
- SABER: regulated products exported to Saudi ArabiaSABER registration, with a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) issued through SABER by SASO-approved conformity assessment bodies. The SALEEM programme governs consumer product safety.
G-Mark: the Gulf Conformity Mark
The G-Mark is mandatory across all GCC states, including Saudi Arabia, for low voltage electrical equipment and children's toys. itmad is a GSO-approved Notified Body authorised to conduct the conformity assessment and issue G-Mark certificates for low voltage electrical equipment and toys, including the GSO Conformity Tracking Symbol with QR code that must appear on certified products. Without the G-Mark, affected products cannot legally enter any GCC state, including Saudi Arabia.
SABER and SALEEM in Saudi Arabia
SABER is the mandatory online conformity platform of Saudi Arabia, managed by SASO, and SALEEM is the Saudi product safety programme under which SABER operates. Products regulated by a Saudi technical regulation must be registered on SABER and hold a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC), and each consignment must be accompanied by a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC). Both certificates are issued through SABER by SASO-approved conformity assessment bodies.
What itmad does and does not do in SABER
itmad is not a SASO-approved conformity assessment body in SABER and does not issue SABER certificates. itmad supports exporters and manufacturers with SABER registration, the Product and Shipment Certificate of Conformity process, and ongoing compliance. The product and its compliance remain the responsibility of the manufacturer or importer.
Model identification and customs
Wildcard or generic model numbers on certificates have been phased out. Every specific model must be identified on the certificate, and a mismatch between the certificate, the model and the HS code can cause shipments to be held at the port. Getting the model schedule right at application stage prevents a problem that is expensive to resolve once a container has landed.
How itmad works on product certification
itmad reviews the technical documentation, identifies which scheme and standards apply to the specific product and target market, coordinates testing where required, and carries out the conformity assessment for the G-Mark. Where the assessment requires a factory audit, the factory audit is conducted as part of the scheme. For SABER, itmad advises and supports, while the SABER certificates are issued by SASO-approved bodies.
Contact itmad in Saudi Arabia
itmad, Riyadh, P.O. Box 11421, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Telephone: +966 11 205 8471.
Frequently asked questions
What is SABER and when is SABER required?
SABER is the mandatory online conformity platform of Saudi Arabia, managed by SASO. Products regulated by a Saudi technical regulation must be registered on SABER, and the Product and Shipment Certificates of Conformity are issued through SABER by SASO-approved conformity assessment bodies.
Does itmad issue SABER certificates?
No. itmad is not a SASO-approved conformity assessment body in SABER and does not issue SABER certificates. itmad supports exporters and manufacturers with SABER registration, the certificate process and ongoing compliance.
What is the difference between a PCoC and an SCoC?
The Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) covers a product regulated by a Saudi technical regulation, while the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) accompanies each consignment. Both are issued through SABER by SASO-approved conformity assessment bodies.
What is the G-Mark and who needs the G-Mark?
The G-Mark is the Gulf Conformity Mark, mandatory across the GCC, including Saudi Arabia, for low voltage electrical equipment and children's toys. The G-Mark must be issued by a GSO-approved Notified Body, and itmad is a GSO-approved Notified Body for low voltage electrical equipment and toys.
Can one G-Mark certificate cover several product models?
Only where every model is individually identified on the certificate. Wildcard model designations are not accepted, and models absent from the model schedule are not covered.
Does the G-Mark replace SABER for Saudi Arabia?
No. The G-Mark and SABER are separate schemes. The G-Mark provides GCC-wide market access for its regulated categories, while SABER is the Saudi national platform with its own certificates, and a product may require both.