What is PCoC? Understanding Saudi Arabia’s Product Certificate of Conformity

Understanding what is PCoC? is essential for any business planning to export products to Saudi Arabia. The Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) is a mandatory document that proves regulated products meet Saudi safety, quality, and technical standards before entering the market.

This article explains the PCOC Saudi Arabia framework, requirements, procedures, and why it’s critical for compliance and smooth customs clearance.

What Is PCoC?

What Does PCoC Stand For?

PCoC stands for “Product Certificate of Conformity.” It is a formal certification that verifies a product’s compliance with the relevant Saudi Arabian technical regulations, standards, and safety requirements. The PCOC full form—Product Certificate of Conformity—is issued through the SABER platform and is a legal requirement for regulated products before they can be shipped into or sold in Saudi Arabia.

Full Definition of the Certificate

A Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) is an official document that proves a product complies with the technical regulations established by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). This PCOC certificate’s meaning lies in ensuring that only safe, compliant products enter the Saudi market, protecting consumers and aligning with national quality frameworks. The PCOC Saudi certificate is valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be obtained before applying for a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) required for customs clearance.

Products That Require a Product Certificate of Conformity

Products that require a PCOC certification in Saudi Arabia are typically those classified as “regulated products” under SASO technical regulations. These categories include, but are not limited to:

1. Electrical and electronic appliances
2. Automotive and spare parts
3. Construction materials and building products
4. Household goods and machinery
5. Cosmetics and personal care products
6. Textiles and clothing
7. Food contact materials

Regulated products must have a product certificate of conformity before being cleared through customs. Without this certificate, shipments may be delayed, rejected, or even returned.

PCoC Requirements

To obtain a pcoc certificate, importers or manufacturers must meet specific requirements, which typically include:

1. Product Registration on SABER: All products must be registered on the official SABER platform before certification can be processed.
2. Test Reports: Accredited laboratory test reports demonstrating compliance with applicable Saudi technical regulations.
3. Technical Documentation: Complete technical file with product specifications, drawings, and manufacturing details.
4. Conformity Assessment: Review by a SASO-approved conformity assessment body to verify product compliance.
5. Packaging and Labeling Compliance: Products must comply with Saudi labeling and packaging requirements where applicable.

Once these requirements are satisfied, the conformity assessment body issues the PCOC certificate, valid for one year from issuance.

Product Conformity Assessment in Saudi Arabia

In 2025, the product conformity assessment in Saudi Arabia has undergone significant updates to ensure stricter compliance and smoother regulatory enforcement. The assessment process involves two key certifications: the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC).

Both certificates must be obtained through the SABER platform before products are shipped to Saudi ports, a requirement that became mandatory on January 1, 2025.

SABER Platform and Conformity

The SABER platform is the official electronic system used to register products and manage conformity certificates for both regulated and non-regulated goods. For PCOC Saudi Arabia compliance:

1. Importers or manufacturers register products on SABER using accurate product data and HS codes.
2. A SASO-approved conformity assessment body like Tabseer reviews documentation, test results, and product specifications to verify compliance.
3. Upon successful assessment, the PCOC certificate is issued with a validity of one year.

Mandatory Dual Certification in 2025

From January 1, 2025, Saudi regulations require both the PCOC certificate and the SCoC for all regulated products. Letters of Undertaking or post-arrival conformity applications are no longer accepted. Shipments without the required certificates at the time of arrival risk rejection, penalties, or re-export.

Integration with FASAH

The SABER platform is integrated with the Saudi Customs FASAH platform. This ensures automatic verification of certificates during the customs clearance process, reducing manual errors and speeding up clearance times.

understanding what is PCoC and its role in Saudi Arabia’s product conformity framework is essential for exporters and importers. The Product Certificate of Conformity ensures compliance with Saudi technical regulations and national safety standards. Since 2025, Saudi regulations have required mandatory PCOC certification and corresponding SCoC for all regulated products imported into the Kingdom, with strict enforcement through the SABER platform. Proper adherence to conformity assessment procedures helps businesses avoid customs issues, penalties, and shipment rejections while facilitating smoother market access.

If you’re exporting products to Saudi Arabia, securing your product certificate of conformity (PCoC) early and accurately through SABER is critical to successful and compliant market entry.