Since October 1, 2025, obtaining a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) has been a mandatory step before submitting a customs declaration for imports into Saudi Arabia, regardless of whether the product is subject to a technical regulation. This article explains what an SCoC is, when it is required, and what data affects issuing it smoothly. For a comprehensive checklist of everything to review before shipment, not the shipment certificate alone, see Pre-Shipment Compliance Checklist for Saudi Arabia.
What Is a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)?
A Shipment Certificate of Conformity is a document issued through the SABER platform for each individual imported shipment, and it is used to complete customs-clearance procedures. According to the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), this requirement is intended to raise the reliability of imported products and reduce the re-export of non-conforming goods.
When Is an SCoC Required?
As of October 1, 2025, obtaining a Shipment Certificate before submitting any customs declaration on imports became mandatory for all products without exception, whether subject to a technical regulation or not. In other words, this is no longer limited to a specific category of products; it has become a required step for nearly every import before customs clearance can be completed.
How Does SCoC Relate to PCoC?
For products subject to a technical regulation, a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) must first be registered through the SABER platform and submitted to an accredited conformity assessment body, before the Shipment Certificate for that shipment can be issued. In other words, the PCoC is the basis on which the Shipment Certificate is built for regulated products. For more detail on the difference between the two certificates, see PCoC vs SCoC: What Is the Difference in the SABER Platform?
What About Non-Regulated Products?
For non-regulated products, the beneficiary submits an electronic Self-Declaration through the SABER platform instead of a PCoC, and this declaration is what the shipment’s SCoC is based on. For more detail on this route, see SABER Self-Declaration: When Is It Used and How Is It Different from PCoC? and Non-Regulated Products in SABER: What Requirements Apply?
What Data Should Be Reviewed Before Issuing the Certificate?
Before requesting a Shipment Certificate, it is important to confirm that the product data registered on SABER — including the HS code, description, manufacturer, and supplier — actually matches the product and model included in the actual shipment. Because the HS code alone does not necessarily determine a product’s regulatory status, it is worth reviewing How Does HS Code Affect SABER Requirements? at the registration stage.
How Do Invoice and Shipment Data Relate to Conformity?
Commercial invoice data and shipment information — such as quantity, weight, value, and country of origin — are used to link the conformity certificate (PCoC or Self-Declaration) to the Shipment Certificate for that specific shipment. Any mismatch between the invoice data and the product data registered on the platform can delay issuance of the certificate or require additional review before customs clearance can be completed.
Common Reasons an SCoC May Be Delayed or Blocked
Recurring reasons for delays in issuing a Shipment Certificate include: a mismatch between invoice data and the product data registered on SABER, an expired PCoC linked to the product, a different model or country of origin than what is registered, or incomplete product registration on the platform before the shipment arrives. For more examples of reasons for delay or rejection, see Reasons a SABER Certificate May Be Rejected or Delayed.
What Should Be Confirmed Before Customs Clearance?
Before the shipment arrives, it is advisable to verify: that the product is registered on SABER with its regulatory status (regulated or non-regulated) determined, that the PCoC is valid or the Self-Declaration is completed as applicable, and that the invoice and shipment data match what is registered on the platform. Reviewing whether the product actually needs a SABER certificate early helps avoid surprises at shipment.
How Does SaberVerify Help?
We help exporters and importers review product registration, shipment data, and invoice details before shipment, and confirm their consistency with SABER requirements, while clarifying the expected steps for issuing a Shipment Certificate based on the product’s status. SaberVerify is an independent platform supporting trade compliance, product conformity, and Saudi market access. We are not the official SABER platform, SASO, a government entity, a conformity assessment body, a laboratory, or an issuer of conformity certificates.
Summary
Since October 1, 2025, a Shipment Certificate of Conformity has become a mandatory step before the customs declaration for nearly every shipment, regardless of whether the product is subject to a technical regulation. Confirming that the product, invoice, and shipment data match what is registered on SABER before the goods arrive reduces the likelihood of delay at customs clearance.
