How to Get a CoC in Shipping – Saudi Arabia

Exporting or importing goods to Saudi Arabia requires strict compliance with national and international standards. How to get CoC in Shipping? It is a pivotal question because one of the key documents ensuring that you comply with Saudi Regulation is to obtain the Certificate of Conformity (CoC). Without it, 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.

This guide walks you through what a CoC is, when it’s required, and how to get it step by step, it also highlights common mistakes to avoid and explains how Tabseer, an approved Conformity Assessment Body, can help streamline the process.

What is a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and Its Importance?

What is CoC in Shipping? It 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.
This CoC certificate Saudi ensures that imported products are safe, high-quality, and environmentally compliant before entering the Saudi market.

The CoC Saudi Arabia serves multiple important purposes:

• Protecting consumers: Ensures products meet health and safety requirements.
•  Facilitating trade: Allows products to pass customs smoothly.
• Preventing counterfeits or substandard goods: Maintains the integrity of the Saudi market.
• Supporting Saudi Vision 2030: Promotes quality and sustainability across industries.

 A CoC is more than just paperwork; it’s a passport for your shipment into Saudi Arabia.

When Do You Need a CoC Certificate KSA 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:

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

Without a CoC, shipments can be delayed at customs, returned to the origin, or subjected to additional inspection fees, which could impact delivery schedules and costs.

How to Get a CoC in Shipping: Step-by-Step Process

When you ask; What is CoC in shipping, you will get the answer from the accredited bodies, such as Tabseer, as follows: 

Obtaining a CoC may seem complex at first, but with the right approach, it can be straightforward.

 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 whether your product category is regulated by SASO. 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, 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 certificate KSA, select a SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Body to manage the process.

Choosing the right CAB is crucial, it ensures that your product evaluation is recognized in Saudi Arabia. Tabseer, for example, is authorized by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) to issue CoCs under the SALEEM program.

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.
– 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.

How to Get CoC in Shipping – Know Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced exporters can make mistakes when applying for a CoC certificate Saudi Arabia. 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.

Follow SASO labeling standards carefully, and avoid these mistakes to ensure faster certification, smoother logistics, and enhanced client trust.

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