If you ship goods from China to Saudi Arabia, your SABER certificate is no longer a one-time formality. In 2026, SASO and Saudi Customs (ZATCA) introduced several updates that can make an old Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) or Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) invalid — even if it is still within its original expiry date.
In this guide, we explain the most important SABER changes for 2026, what they mean for Chinese exporters and Saudi importers, and the exact steps you should take before the next shipment leaves the warehouse.
What Is Changing in SABER for 2026?
SABER is the Saudi electronic platform for product conformity certificates. It is managed by SASO and linked to Saudi Customs (ZATCA). In 2026, four major changes affect how certificates are issued, which products are regulated, and what documents are required.
| Change | Effective Date | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory 12-digit HS codes | 1 January 2026 | Old 8-digit or 10-digit HS codes are rejected. SABER now syncs with ZATCA’s full 12-digit tariff. |
| More products moved to “regulated” status | 1 February 2026 / 20 July 2026 / 27 July 2026 | Products that previously needed only SCoC now need PCoC + SCoC. |
| Expanded MIMR Declaration requirement | 13 July 2026 | Industrial, construction, and machinery products need a Ministry of Industry declaration before SCoC issuance. |
| New labeling requirements | 1 October 2026 | Supplier name and CR number must appear on the product label for covered technical regulations. |
If your current certificate was issued under an old HS code or for a product that was previously non-regulated, it may not be accepted for new shipments.
Why the 12-Digit HS Code Update Matters Most
Before 2026, many SABER applications used 8-digit or 10-digit HS codes. From 1 January 2026, SABER only accepts the full 12-digit Saudi Customs tariff code. This code must match:
- The product description on the commercial invoice.
- The description in the PCoC application.
- The cargo details in the customs declaration.
If any of these do not match, the certification body cannot issue or renew the SCoC. The shipment may be held at Jeddah or Dammam port until the code is corrected.
What importers should do:
- Log in to saber.sa and search the HS code using the first 6 digits of the Chinese customs code.
- Confirm the exact 12-digit Saudi code for the finished product.
- Update all invoices, packing lists, and certificates to use the new code.
- Share the updated code with your Chinese supplier and freight forwarder before booking cargo.
More Products Are Now Regulated
SASO has expanded the list of regulated products several times in 2026. The biggest waves happened in February and July. Many products that previously needed only an SCoC now require a PCoC + SCoC.
| Product Group | Examples | New Status in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Building materials | Steel, alloys, insulation, cladding, epoxy resins | Regulated (PCoC + SCoC) |
| Paints and coatings | Acrylic polymers, fillers, surface preparation materials | Regulated |
| Packaging materials | Paper, cardboard, corrugated cartons, food-contact packaging | Regulated |
| Machinery and equipment | Elevators, hoists, conveyors, machine parts | Regulated |
| Electrical equipment | Circuit breakers, switchgear, transformers, distribution panels | Regulated |
| Pressure equipment | Tanks, boilers, pressure vessels | Regulated |
| ICT devices | Laptops, mobile phones, routers, wireless devices | Regulated + CITC approval |
If your product falls into one of these groups and you do not yet have a PCoC, start the application immediately. PCoC review typically takes 3–10 business days, and factory inspection may be required for some categories.
The MIMR Declaration Expansion (13 July 2026)
On 13 July 2026, SASO expanded the list of HS codes that require a Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIMR) declaration before an SCoC can be issued. The declaration is valid for 60 days from the issue date stated on the document — not from the QR scan date.
This requirement now covers:
- Steel and metal products.
- Cement and concrete products.
- Chemicals and coatings.
- Aluminum products.
- Industrial machinery and electrical equipment.
- Air conditioners and diesel generating sets.
If an SCoC was issued between 13 July 2026 and now without a valid MIMR declaration, SASO has instructed certification bodies to request a retrospective declaration. Without it, the shipment may be blocked at customs.
Key rules for the MIMR declaration:
- The issue date on the declaration document is the official reference date.
- It is valid for 60 days from that issue date.
- The QR scan date is not the legal reference.
- A new declaration is required for each 60-day window.
New Labeling Rules Starting 1 October 2026
From 1 October 2026, regulated products must display the supplier’s name and Commercial Registration (CR) number directly on the product or its outer packaging. Stickers are risky and may be rejected.
The label must also continue to meet existing Saudi requirements:
- Product name in Arabic or Arabic + English.
- Country of origin permanently marked (“Made in China” must not be a removable sticker).
- Warnings and safety instructions in Arabic where applicable.
Products that do not meet the new labeling rules will not be eligible for a Certificate of Conformity, which means they cannot clear Saudi customs.
Why Your Old Certificate May Already Be Invalid
A PCoC or SCoC can become unusable for several reasons in 2026:
- HS code mismatch: The certificate was issued under an old code that no longer exists in SABER.
- Product reclassification: Your product moved from non-regulated to regulated status, so the old SCoC-only record is no longer sufficient.
- Missing MIMR declaration: The shipment falls under an HS code that now requires an MIMR declaration, which was not needed when the PCoC was first issued.
- Label non-compliance: The product label does not meet the new supplier-name and CR-number requirement.
- Expired PCoC: PCoCs are valid for one year. If the PCoC has expired, the SCoC cannot be issued.
Important: Existing PCoCs and SCoCs issued under old HS codes remain technically valid until their original expiry date. However, if the product description, HS code, or regulatory status has changed, customs may require a new certificate before clearance.
Step-by-Step Checklist Before Your Next Shipment
Use this checklist to avoid delays at Jeddah, Dammam, or other Saudi ports:
- Confirm the correct 12-digit Saudi HS code in SABER.
- Check whether the product is now regulated or still non-regulated.
- Verify that the PCoC is still valid and matches the current product description.
- Check if the HS code requires an MIMR declaration and that the declaration is valid for at least 60 days.
- Review product labels for supplier name, CR number, country of origin, and Arabic markings.
- Make sure invoices, packing lists, and certificates all use the same HS code and product name.
- Request the SCoC at least 3–5 business days before the shipment arrives in Saudi Arabia.
- Work with a freight forwarder that understands SABER, such as GCC Freight customs-clearance service.
How GCC Freight Helps You Stay Compliant
At GCC Freight, we handle Saudi customs clearance and SABER coordination every day. We help importers avoid the delays caused by 2026 rule changes.
What we do:
- Free pre-shipping SABER review: We check your HS code, product classification, and required certificates before cargo leaves China.
- Certification body coordination: We work with SASO-approved bodies to speed up PCoC and SCoC issuance.
- Document checking: We review labels, invoices, and packing lists for consistency with SABER and ZATCA requirements.
- MIMR declaration guidance: We identify products that need the new declaration and help importers prepare the paperwork.
- End-to-end freight: We combine SABER support with sea freight and air freight from China to Saudi Arabia.
For more background, read our complete SABER certificate guide or review typical shipping costs from China to Saudi Arabia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my 2025 SABER certificate in 2026?
It depends. If the HS code and product description are unchanged and the PCoC is still within its one-year validity, it may still be accepted. However, if the HS code was updated, the product became regulated, or an MIMR declaration is now required, you will need a new or amended certificate.
Who is responsible for updating the HS code?
The Saudi importer must verify and update the HS code in SABER. The Chinese supplier should provide accurate product descriptions and technical documents to support the correct classification.
What happens if my shipment arrives without a valid SCoC?
The shipment will be held at the port. Storage fees, demurrage, and possible rejection or return to China can follow. In some cases, daily penalties apply until the issue is resolved.
How long does it take to fix a rejected SABER application?
Simple corrections such as a typo or mismatched invoice can be resolved in 1–3 days. Complex cases such as missing test reports, factory inspections, or MIMR declarations can take 1–3 weeks.
Does the new labeling rule apply to all products?
No. It applies to products covered by the specific SASO technical regulations listed in the October 2026 notice. Importers should check whether their product falls under those regulations before shipping.
Summary
The 2026 SABER updates are not minor administrative changes. The mandatory 12-digit HS code system, expanded regulated product list, MIMR declaration requirement, and new labeling rules all increase the risk that an old certificate will not be accepted. For anyone shipping from China to Saudi Arabia, the safest approach is to treat every shipment as if it needs a fresh compliance check.
Need help with SABER compliance for your next shipment?
Contact GCC Freight for a free SABER and customs review before you ship.
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Sources: Official SABER platform (saber.sa), Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIMR), GCC Freight operational records.