SASO certification is not optional—it's a legal requirement for all electrical and electronic products entering Saudi Arabia. The certification process has been streamlined through the SABER platform, an online system that manages product registration, conformity assessment, and shipment clearance. For power banks specifically, the requirements have become more stringent following recent regulatory updates.
The certification framework involves two primary documents: the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC). The PCoC is valid for one year and covers a specific product model, while the SCoC is required for each individual shipment. Processing typically takes 5-15 business days, though this timeline can extend if additional testing or documentation is required [3].
SASO Certification Process: Step-by-Step Timeline and Requirements
| Step | Action Required | Timeline | Key Documents | Cost Considerations |
|---|
| 1 | SABER Platform Registration | 1-2 days | Company registration, product category selection | Platform registration fee (varies by product category) |
| 2 | IECEE Certificate Submission | 3-5 days | CB test report, IEC 62368-1 compliance documentation | IECEE certification from accredited lab (USD 2,000-5,000) |
| 3 | PCoC Application | 5-10 days | Test reports, product photos, label artwork, invoice | PCoC issuance fee per product model |
| 4 | SCoC Per Shipment | 1-3 days | Commercial invoice, packing list, PCoC reference | SCoC fee per shipment (typically USD 100-300) |
| 5 | Customs Clearance | 1-2 days | SCoC, bill of lading, certificate of origin | Customs duties (5% for most electronics) |
Note: Timeline assumes complete documentation and no additional testing requirements. Delays commonly occur due to incomplete test reports or non-compliant labeling.
Critical Safety Standard: IEC 62368-1
Since January 1, 2023, Saudi Arabia has mandated compliance with IEC 62368-1:2018 (3rd Edition) for all audio/video, information, and communication technology equipment—including power banks and mobile chargers [6]. This hazard-based safety standard replaces the older IEC 60950-1 and IEC 60065 standards, focusing on energy source classification rather than prescriptive requirements.
For power bank manufacturers, IEC 62368-1 compliance means rigorous testing of:
- Battery safety (overcharge, over-discharge, short circuit, thermal abuse)
- Electrical insulation (dielectric strength, leakage current)
- Temperature limits (surface temperature under maximum load)
- Mechanical integrity (drop test, crush resistance)
- Labeling requirements (voltage, current, wattage, safety warnings in Arabic and English)
Three approval pathways are available: IECEE CB Scheme (most common for international exporters), PCoC direct testing, or SCoC self-declaration for low-risk products. For 100W power banks, the IECEE CB Scheme is strongly recommended as it provides the broadest international recognition and fastest SABER processing [6].
USB Type-C is now mandatory for laptops sold in Saudi Arabia from April 1, 2026. This regulation aligns with the kingdom's unified charging port requirement, Phase 2 of which specifically targets laptop computers and requires SASO IEC 62680 series compliance [4].
2026 Regulatory Updates: What's Changed
Recent enhancements to the SASO certification system include:
- Enhanced SABER portal with stricter document validation
- Mandatory electronic certificates (no more paper copies accepted at customs)
- Stricter testing requirements for battery products following global safety incidents
- Faster processing for products with existing IECEE CB certificates
For Southeast Asian exporters selling on Alibaba.com, these changes mean you should budget additional time and resources for certification before listing products for the Saudi market. Many successful sellers on Alibaba.com obtain IECEE CB certification first, then use it as the foundation for SASO PCoC applications—this approach typically reduces total certification time by 30-40% compared to starting with SASO-specific testing.
