CONFORMITY CERTIFICATION IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA PRE-SHIPMENT VERIFICATION

SCOPE OF DUTIES

• Supervision of Imports:VOC PROGRAMME
• Conformity to Saudi Standards (SASO) by:
  - Testing - Analysis & pre-shipment inspection
  - Facilitation schemes : acceptance of existing test reports, certificates, registration licensing...
  - Pre-shipment Certificate required for clearance

This Programme is intended to provide safety for citizens of the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia and improve environmental health protection.
BUSINESS CHALLENGE
Bureau Veritas carries out documentary checks & shipment inspections in the
country of export to verify the conformity of the goods in order that the required
conformity certificate may be provided to the exporter.
SOLUTIONS
Exporters may contact the relevant Bureau Veritas office. Exporters to Saudi
Arabia should present documents showing the conformity of their products in
accordance with the specified Standards.
The verification programme facilitates import customs transactions, minimizes
further inspection and testing on arrival, thereby reducing the overall cost, possible
delay of customs release and risk to re-export due to non-conformity of the goods.

PRODUCTS
All shipments are subject to mandatory verification prior import clearance into Saudi Arabia and
related certificate is required for clearance.
Exceptions are limited to specific products such as the ones dedicated to military use, medical
products, products subject to the sanitary and phytosanitary regulations (animals, seeds,
vegetables, fruits, food…)
Products for which conformity to SASO standards is mandatory shall have been subject to
satisfactory laboratory testing.
Conformity to international and equivalent standards is recognized. Products shall also comply
with national deviations such as :
Language (Instructions in Arabic), local climate, electric supply
(domestic 220V, 60Hz), electric plug, religious requirements…
Marking of the country of origin
Banned products:
Alcoholic drinks,
Internet Satellite receivers,
Asbestos,
Used and retreated tyres,
Etc.