Common Mistakes When Getting Saudi Arabia SASO SABER Approval
Updated: Sep 1
Getting Saudi Arabia SASO SABER Approval starts with understanding which certification requirements apply to the product.
Since February 2025, the responsibility for radio and telecommunications product approvals has transitioned from the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) to the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) under the SABER platform.
The certification process evaluates products against applicable Saudi technical requirements and relevant international standards, including standards based on the Radio Equipment Directive (RED). In-country testing is generally not required, although network infrastructure testing may be required for certain cellular and similar equipment.
For radio, telecommunications, and IT equipment, the required certification is determined based on the 12-digit HS code. Depending on the applicable requirements, a product may require one or more of the following:
Product Conformity Certificate (CoC)
Product Conformity Certificate (CST)
Product Conformity Certificate (CoC-CST)
IECEE Certificate
Quality Mark (QM)
The process also requires specific technical documents, importer information, and product labeling. Here are nine important points to consider when applying for Saudi Arabia SASO SABER Approval.
1. Not Checking the 12-Digit HS Code
The 12-digit HS code is used to determine the certification requirements for the product.
Depending on the HS code, the product may require one or more SABER certifications.
Before starting the SASO SABER Approval process, the applicable HS code should therefore be confirmed so the relevant certification requirements can be identified.
2. Assuming Every Product Requires the Same Certification
The applicable certification depends on the product's 12-digit HS code.
The certification may include:
Product Conformity Certificate (CoC)
Product Conformity Certificate (CST)
Product Conformity Certificate (CoC-CST)
IECEE Certificate
Quality Mark (QM)
Identifying the applicable certification is therefore an important part of the approval process.
3. Not Reviewing Available Test Reports
The Saudi Arabia SASO SABER Approval process requires applicable RF, EMC, health, and safety test reports.
International test reports and certifications can be reviewed to confirm that they align with the applicable SASO criteria.
This review forms part of the technical documentation assessment for the approval process.
4. Missing Required Technical Documents
The required documentation includes technical information about the device.
Depending on the product, the documentation may include:
User manual
Technical specifications or datasheet
Operational description
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
RF test reports
EMC test reports
Health and safety test reports
GSMA TAC Letter for cellular devices
External and internal product photos
Network infrastructure testing reports for cellular and similar equipment
The applicable documentation should be prepared according to the product and certification requirements.
5. Forgetting the GSMA TAC Letter for Cellular Devices
For cellular devices, the GSMA TAC Letter is included in the required documentation.
Manufacturers applying for Saudi Arabia SASO SABER Approval for cellular equipment should therefore include the applicable TAC documentation in the technical file.
6. Not Preparing the Required Product Photos
External and internal product photos are included in the required documentation for Saudi Arabia SASO SABER Approval.
These photographs form part of the product's technical documentation and should be provided as required for the application.
7. Not Having the Required Importer Information
All SABER certifications require detailed importer information and an active importer SABER account.
Local importer SABER account details are therefore required as part of the approval process.
This requirement should be considered when preparing the application documentation.
8. Misunderstanding the Testing Requirements
For Saudi Arabia SASO SABER Approval, in-country testing is listed as not required under the standard approval requirements.
However, network infrastructure testing reports may be required for cellular and similar equipment. Where in-country network testing is required, additional lead time of up to 16 weeks may apply.
The stated lead time for the approval process is 1–2 weeks, with additional time possible for projects requiring in-country network testing.
9. Overlooking Labeling and Certificate Validity
Product labeling is required for Saudi Arabia SASO SABER Approval.
Certificate validity depends on the certification type:
CoC / CoC-CST / CST: 1 year
IECEE Certificate: 1 year or 3 years
Quality Mark (QM): 3 years
Nano Technology Solutions also provides support for recertification and modifications, including cases involving major updates and hardware modifications to certified equipment.
How to Prepare for Saudi Arabia SASO SABER Approval
The first step is to identify the applicable 12-digit HS code and determine which SASO SABER certification or certifications apply.
The technical documentation can then be prepared according to the applicable requirements. This may include the technical literature, Declaration of Conformity, RF, EMC, health and safety test reports, product photographs, GSMA TAC Letter for cellular devices, and network infrastructure testing reports where applicable.
The required importer information and active SABER account should also be available for the certification process.
Saudi Arabia SASO SABER Approval Support
Nano Technology Solutions provides end-to-end support for Saudi Arabia SASO SABER Approval, including:
SASO SABER approval scope and testing standard guidance
Documentation review and preparation
Complete SASO approval process management
Review of international test reports and certifications
Recertification support
Modification support for major updates and hardware changes
Our team supports manufacturers and exporters in preparing the required technical files, declarations, forms, and compliance documentation in line with applicable SASO requirements.
For support: info@nanotechsol.com
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