Saudi Arabia represents one of the fastest-growing construction markets in the world, driven by the ambitious infrastructure and real estate developments under Saudi Vision 2030. Projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, and major housing developments in Riyadh and Jeddah have created an unprecedented demand for high-quality construction chemicals, including structural adhesives, epoxy grouts, waterproofing membranes, and specialized protective coatings. For international manufacturers and exporters seeking to tap into this lucrative market, compliance with Saudi regulatory standards is the primary gatekeeper for market entry.
The import of construction chemicals into the Kingdom is strictly regulated by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). Exporters must navigate a rigorous conformity assessment process, utilizing the electronic SABER platform to obtain the mandatory Certificates of Conformity before any shipment can clear Saudi Customs. This comprehensive guide provides exporters with a step-by-step roadmap for SASO product registration of construction chemicals, covering regulatory frameworks, classification codes, laboratory testing, Arabic labelling requirements, and strategies to avoid costly customs delays.
SASO Regulatory Background and the 2026 SABER Framework
In alignment with Saudi Arabia’s National Transformation Program, SASO transitioned from the traditional paper-based conformity certification process to the digital SABER platform. SABER is an online portal that automates the registration, classification, and certification of both imported and locally manufactured products sold in the Saudi market. The system is designed to protect consumer safety, reduce commercial fraud, and expedite customs clearance times.
Under the SASO framework, products are classified into two main categories: regulated and non-regulated. Almost all construction chemicals—including adhesives, grouts, sealants, mortars, and industrial coatings—are classified as regulated products. This means they are subject to specific SASO Technical Regulations (TRs). Depending on the product’s chemical composition and intended application, they typically fall under the following TRs:
- Technical Regulation for Building Materials – Part 3: Hydraulic Binders and Related Products: Applicable to cementitious adhesives, concrete repair mortars, and cement-based grouts.
- Technical Regulation for Building Materials – Part 4: Bricks, Tiles, Ceramics, Sanitaryware and Related Products: Governs tile adhesives and joint grouts used in ceramic and porcelain installations.
- Technical Regulation for Chemical Products: Applicable to solvent-based adhesives, liquid-applied waterproofing membranes, polyurethane sealants, and industrial protective coatings.
ICS Code Classification and Selection Guide for Exporters
A critical step in registering products on the SABER portal is selecting the correct International Classification for Standards (ICS) code and the corresponding Harmonized System (HS) customs code. The ICS code classifies the standard to which the product must comply, while the HS code determines the customs tariff rate and the specific Technical Regulation that will govern the conformity assessment on SABER. For construction chemicals, the most common classifications include:
| Product Category | Typical HS Code Range | Relevant ICS Code | ICS Code Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Adhesives & Anchoring Epoxies | 3506.91.00 / 3824.99.99 | ICS 83.180 | Adhesives (including epoxy, acrylic, and polyurethane binders) |
| Tile Adhesives & Grouts | 3824.50.00 / 3214.90.00 | ICS 91.100.50 | Binders. Sealing materials (cementitious and resinous joint fillers) |
| Waterproofing Membranes & Sealants | 3214.10.00 / 3907.30.00 | ICS 91.100.50 or ICS 83.180 | Joint sealants, liquid-applied polyurethane, and polyurea coatings |
| Concrete Repair Mortars & Non-Shrink Grouts | 3824.50.00 | ICS 91.100.10 | Cement. Gypsum. Lime. Mortar (modified structural cementitious compounds) |
Warning: Selecting an incorrect HS or ICS code on SABER is a frequent cause of application rejection. If an exporter misclassifies an epoxy adhesive as a simple polymer resin, Saudi Customs may reject the shipment at the port of entry, or the SABER system will route the product through inappropriate testing standards, causing extensive registration delays.
Third-Party Testing Laboratory Submission Process
To register a regulated construction chemical on SABER, exporters must upload a valid product test report issued by an accredited, SASO-approved third-party testing laboratory. The testing process involves several strict steps:
- Accreditation Check: The testing laboratory must be accredited in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 and must be a registered, recognized Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) within the SABER system. Reports from non-accredited or non-registered facilities are automatically rejected.
- International Standard Alignment: The test report must demonstrate that the product complies with the specific standards referenced in the Saudi Technical Regulations. For example, tile adhesives are evaluated against **EN 12004** / **ISO 13007**, structural concrete adhesives against **ASTM C881** or **EN 1504-4**, and chemical resistance of sealants against relevant ISO or ASTM methods.
- Testing Parameters: The laboratory must perform physical, mechanical, and safety tests. For structural epoxy products, typical parameters verified include compressive strength, tensile shear strength, VOC content, and chemical resistance.
- Accreditation Body Verification: Test reports bearing the mark of recognized international accreditation bodies—such as CNAS (China National Accreditation Service), which is a signatory to the ILAC-MRA (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation – Mutual Recognition Arrangement)—are highly accepted and recognized under the SASO framework, simplifying the verification process.
The SABER Certificate of Conformity (CoC) Application Flow
The SASO certification process on the SABER portal is split into two distinct stages: registering the product itself, and certifying each individual shipment. Exporters must coordinate with their Saudi importer to execute this three-step workflow:
Step A: SABER Account Creation and Product Registration
The Saudi importer must create a corporate account on the SABER portal. Once registered, the importer registers the exporter’s products by inputting their trade names, brand names, country of origin, manufacturing factory details, selected HS codes, and product images.
Step B: Obtaining the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)
The PCoC is a product-level registration document that is valid for one year. To obtain the PCoC:
- The importer selects a SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) through SABER to review the product’s technical file.
- The exporter provides the technical file to the CAB. This file includes the Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS), the accredited third-party test report, and factory ISO 9001 quality management certificates.
- The CAB audits the technical documentation. Upon successful review, the CAB issues the PCoC via SABER, which is approved by SASO after payment of the official registration fees.
Step C: Obtaining the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)
The SCoC is a consignment-specific certificate that must be obtained for every individual shipment imported into Saudi Arabia. To apply for the SCoC, the importer must log into SABER, select the valid PCoC for the product, and upload the specific commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading for the shipment. The system automatically verifies the linkage and issues the SCoC, allowing the cargo to clear Saudi Customs immediately upon arrival.
Mandatory Arabic Labelling Requirements
Once conformity is approved on SABER, exporters must ensure that the physical packaging of the products strictly complies with Saudi labelling regulations. Under SASO standards, all retail and industrial packaging for construction chemicals must bear clear, indelible labelling in Arabic (or bilingual Arabic/English). The label must contain the following mandatory information:
- Product Trade Name and Brand: Matching the exact registration on the SABER portal.
- Country of Origin: Clearly marked as “Made in China” or the respective exporting nation.
- Manufacturer Details: Factory name and address.
- Batch / Lot Number: For traceability.
- Dates of Manufacture and Expiration: Formatted clearly (DD/MM/YYYY or MM/YYYY).
- Storage and Handling Instructions: Specific storage temperature ranges and safety guidelines.
- Instructions for Use: Step-by-step mixing and application instructions in Arabic.
- Safety Hazards and Warnings: Appropriate GHS hazard pictograms, safety phrases, and environmental warnings in Arabic.
- Saudi Importer Details: Name, address, and registration details of the licensed Saudi importer.
Note: Failure to provide bilingual Arabic/English labels, or using poor, unapproved machine translations on product packaging is one of the leading causes of container detention and customs fines at Saudi ports such as King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam or Jeddah Islamic Port.
Common Exporter Delays and Customs Pitfalls
To ensure uninterrupted supply chains into Saudi Arabia, exporters must proactively address the following common compliance pitfalls:
- Outdated or Unregistered Test Reports: Test reports are typically only accepted if they are issued within a specified recent timeframe (usually within 2 or 3 years of the registration date). Ensure that your product’s technical testing dossiers are regularly refreshed.
- Mismatched Commercial Invoices: The product descriptions, quantities, and weights listed on the commercial invoice, packing list, and SABER SCoC must match identically. Even minor discrepancies can trigger a manual customs audit.
- Missing Importer Authorization: Exporters cannot register products on SABER independently; the registration must be initiated by a licensed Saudi commercial entity. Exporters should establish strong partnerships with local distributors who possess active SABER importer accounts.
How KALCITE Supports Exporters with Compliance Documentation
As a leading manufacturer of high-performance construction chemicals, KALCITE is committed to facilitating seamless market entry for our global partners and distributors. We provide complete, professional technical dossiers for our product lines, including:
- Bilingual English/Arabic Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
- Factory ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 Quality and Environmental Management Certifications.
- Accredited, third-party laboratory test reports—such as the **CCCS Report ZR268571012 (CNAS L24234/ILAC-MRA)**—verifying key performance parameters including tensile shear strength (22.4 MPa), water resistance (72h retention 93.7%), and oil resistance (72h retention 94.6%).
- Customs-compliant bilingual packaging and labelling design support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a factory inspection required to obtain the SABER Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)?
For most standard construction chemicals governed by the Building Materials Technical Regulations, a physical factory audit by a Saudi delegation is not required; the conformity assessment is executed via a desk audit of the technical files, test reports, and quality certificates. However, certain high-risk building materials or products seeking the prestigious SASO Quality Mark (SQM) do require physical factory inspections and ongoing quality audits.
How long does the entire SASO/SABER registration process take?
If the exporter has all required documentation ready—including an accredited third-party test report—the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) can be issued through SABER within 5 to 10 working days. If new laboratory testing is required to meet SASO standards, the timeline will extend by the duration of the laboratory testing cycle (typically 2 to 4 weeks depending on the test parameters).
Can we use one SABER registration to import through multiple Saudi importers?
No, SABER registrations are legally tied to the specific Saudi commercial registration (CR) number of the importer who initiated the application. If you change importers or utilize multiple local distributors, each unique importer must register your products under their own SABER account and obtain a separate PCoC, although the exporter’s technical files and test reports can be reused across all applications.
Conclusion
Navigating SASO product registration is a structured, mandatory process for any exporter targeting Saudi Arabia’s booming construction sector. By understanding technical regulations, selecting correct HS and ICS codes, maintaining up-to-date third-party testing, and ensuring strict Arabic labelling compliance, exporters can eliminate customs friction, build trust with Saudi contractors, and capitalize on the Kingdom’s multi-billion-dollar infrastructure pipeline.
For technical document downloads, product registrations, or to coordinate compliance documents for your next shipment, please visit our KALCITE Global Contact Portal.