How to Get a CoC in Shipping – Saudi Arabia?

Exporting or importing goods to Saudi Arabia requires strict compliance with national and international standards. Without understanding how to get CoC in Shipping, your shipments may be delayed, rejected, or fined at Saudi ports. Understanding how to obtain a CoC is crucial for smooth trade operations and market access. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to get a COC in shipping clearly, practically, and with real market insight.

What is COC in Shipping?

So, what is coc certificate?
The CoC in Shipping is a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is an official document that verifies a product meets the technical regulations and standards set by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) or other relevant authorities. In simple terms, it tells Saudi Customs that your shipment is compliant, tested, verified, and safe for the Saudi market entry.
Without a COC in shipping, your goods may be held at customs, returned to the origin, destroyed, or penalized financially.

COC meaning in Manufacturing

If you are a manufacturer, this part is critical for you. The COC meaning in manufacturing confirms that your production process and final products meet Saudi technical regulations before shipping. As a manufacturer, you are responsible for product safety and compliance. What’s more, you must prove products’ conformity through testing, inspection, and certification. This surges the need to obtain a COC certificate in shipping for market access

When Do You Need a COC Certificate in shipping?

A CoC Saudi Arabia is required for most regulated products entering Saudi Arabia, whether by air, land, or sea. The Saudi government mandates that all products comply with the Saudi Product Safety Program (SALEEM) and its online platform SABER.

You will need a CoC in shipping when:

1. Exporting regulated products to Saudi Arabia.
2. Your shipment falls under the SASO technical regulations (such as electrical devices, food contact materials, building materials, etc.).
3. You are a Saudi importer who must register and verify product conformity before clearance.

How to Get a COC certificate in shipping?

When you try to obtain the CoC, you may find it difficult at first. However, it can be straightforward with the right partner like Tabseer.

Below is a step-by-step guide to ensure your shipment complies with Saudi regulations:

1- Determine If Your Product Needs a CoC

The first step is to identify your product category. You can check this through:

• The SABER platform (https://saber.sa).
• The official technical regulation list published by SASO.
• Contact with a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) like Tabseer.

If your product falls under a regulated category by SASO, you will need a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) for the item itself and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) for each consignment.

2-Choose an Authorized Conformity Assessment Body

Once you confirm your product needs a coc saudi arabia, select a SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Body to manage the process. By choosing a recognized body like Tabseer, you benefit from faster approval times, Accurate guidance on technical requirements, Reduced chances of rejection or delay at customs, and expert support in navigating SABER registration.

3. Submit Product Information

After selecting a CAB, you will need to submit your product documentation. This usually includes:

• Product technical file and description.
• Test reports from accredited laboratories.
• Safety and performance certificates (if applicable).
• Packaging and labeling information.

The Conformity Assessment Body reviews these documents to ensure they align with the applicable Saudi technical regulations

4. Product Evaluation or Testing

At this stage, your product undergoes evaluation or testing to verify its compliance with relevant standards.
Depending on the product type, the assessment may include:

– Laboratory testing: For electrical, mechanical, or chemical safety.
– Document review: To check the validity of prior certifications or test reports.
– Factory audit: For certain high-risk or sensitive products.

If the product meets all requirements, the CAB issues a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) through the SABER system.

The PCoC remains valid for one year, allowing you to use it for multiple shipments of the same product.

Read More : The Product Certificate of Conformity scope and requirements

5. Issuance of CoC Saudi Arabia

Once the product has its PCoC, the next step is to obtain the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC). This is required for every individual consignment entering Saudi Arabia.

To get an SCoC:

• The exporter or importer submits the shipment details on SABER.
• The Conformity Assessment Body reviews the shipment documentation.

If all goods in the shipment are covered under valid PCoCs, the SCoC is issued electronically.
This certificate accompanies the shipment to Saudi Arabia and is presented at customs to allow clearance.

With both the PCoC and SCoC in place, your shipment is compliant, traceable, and ready for hassle-free entry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Getting the COC in Shipping

Even experienced exporters can make mistakes when understanding a coc meaning in shipping. These errors can delay approvals or even result in shipment rejections.

Below are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

1- Submitting incomplete documentation: Missing test reports or inaccurate product details can cause long delays. Always verify your documents before submission.

2- Working with non-accredited testing labs: Test results from unrecognized sources are often rejected by SASO. Use accredited labs or rely on Tabseer’s recognized testing partners.

3- Incorrect product classification: Misclassifying a product may lead to the wrong set of technical regulations being applied. Consult a conformity expert before registration.

4-  Late application for CoC: Waiting until the last moment to apply can risk missing shipping deadlines. Start the process early, ideally before production or packaging

5- Ignoring labelling requirements: Many products are rejected at customs due to incorrect Arabic labelling or missing details like voltage, country of origin, or model number.

COC Certificate in Shipping Requirements

To obtain a COC certificate in shipping, you usually need:

• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• HS Code
• Product photos
• Test reports
• Technical file
• Manufacturer details
• Country of origin
• Product labeling details

How to Get CoC in Shipping – How Tabseer Can Help

Navigating the conformity process can be challenging, especially for first-time exporters or importers. That’s where Tabseer comes in.

As a SASO-accredited, Tabseer specialises in helping exporters, importers, and manufacturers obtain Product and Shipment Certificates of Conformity efficiently and accurately.

Here’s how Tabseer can make your CoC Certificate KSA  journey seamless:

• Tabseer’s technical team helps you determine which regulations apply to your product.
• Assistance in preparing and verifying technical files, labels, and test reports.
• Cooperation with accredited labs to perform necessary product evaluations.
• Streamlined CoC Saudi Arabia issuance through the SABER platform with minimal delays.
•  Ensures your product fully meets Saudi standards before shipment.
• Tabseer operates across Saudi Arabia and Egypt, supporting exporters on both sides of the supply chain.

By partnering with Tabseer, you minimize risks, reduce costs related to delays or rejections, and build stronger relationships with Saudi buyers. contact us Today

FAQs

What is CoC used for?

Simply, a CoC certificate in shipping is used for proving the products’ compliance with Saudi regulations before import, export, or customs clearance.

What does CoC meaning in shipping terms?

The CoC meaning represents an official conformity document guaranteeing that goods meet Saudi safety and quality standards.

What is a CoC document for export?

A CoC certificate for exporting products to a country like Saudi Arabia confirms that your exported goods comply with the importing country’s regulations.

What does a Coc certificate in shipping cost?

The COC certificate in shipping costs depends on the product type, Testing requirements, Shipment size, Applicable regulations, and speed of service. There is no fixed price, but working with a knowledgeable conformity body helps you avoid unnecessary costs and pay only what’s required.