SASO Certification in the Middle East

SASO Certification in the Middle East: A Complete Analysis of the Essential Requirements for Customs Clearance of Men's Jackets

For exporters of men's jackets planning to expand into the Middle East market, SASO certification is far more than an optional extra; it's a life-or-death barrier to successful customs clearance. Especially after Saudi Arabia implements new certification regulations in 2025, any minor compliance omission could result in entire containers of cargo being stranded at port, facing high demurrage charges or even the risk of return shipment. This article will systematically explain the SASO certification system, detailing the specific compliance requirements for men's jackets and providing a complete guide from testing to customs clearance.

SASO Certification: A Passport to the Middle East Market

The product certification system implemented by the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) is a core regulatory tool for ensuring product quality and safety in the Saudi market. For textile and apparel products like men's jackets, SASO certification is not only a legal requirement for customs clearance but also a crucial element in earning the trust of local consumers. The new regulations, effective in 2025, further strengthen certification management, particularly by imposing strict time limits for certificate applications. According to the latest Saudi government announcement, starting January 1, 2025, all goods exported to Saudi Arabia must obtain a Certificate of Conformity (SC) through the SABER electronic platform before arrival. Certificates applied for after arrival will be invalidated. This change means that the traditional "ship first, obtain certificate later" model is no longer viable, and companies must rethink their production and certification timelines. Data shows that in the first half of 2025 alone, over 20% of apparel shipments were delayed at ports due to failure to obtain SC certificates in a timely manner, with average detention costs reaching US$8,000 per container.

The SASO certification system primarily consists of two core certificates: the Product Certificate of Conformity (PC) and the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SC). The PC serves as a product's "market access ID card," typically valid for one year and covering multiple shipments of the same product model. The SC serves as a "customs clearance pass" for each shipment and must be applied for before shipment. It is valid only for that shipment. For exporters of men's jackets, the "one PC certification + multiple SC applications" model is recommended, especially for companies with high-volume shipments. This can significantly reduce long-term certification costs.

Notably, SASO certification has achieved partial mutual recognition with the Gulf Standards Organization (GSO) standards. SASO-certified men's jackets also enjoy a certain degree of recognition in Gulf countries such as the UAE and Kuwait, but companies still need to confirm the specific requirements of the target country. This regional standard coordination facilitates companies planning to expand into multiple Middle Eastern markets.

Specific Certification Requirements for Men's Jackets

As a textile product worn next to the skin, men's jackets face more stringent testing standards and compliance requirements under SASO certification. These requirements cover not only the safety performance of the product itself but also environmental controls during the production process, reflecting Saudi Arabia's dual emphasis on consumer health and environmental protection.

Chemical safety testing is a core component of men's jacket certification. According to relevant standards such as SASO 2144, jackets must pass a series of tests for hazardous substances, including:

Allergenic and carcinogenic dye testing: 20 allergenic disperse dyes and known carcinogenic aromatic amines are prohibited.

Formaldehyde content testing: Formaldehyde content in infant jackets must not exceed 20mg/kg, and in adult jackets must not exceed 75mg/kg.

pH testing: The pH value of textiles must be between 4.0 and 9.0 to ensure skin irritation.

Azo compound testing: The content of azo dyes that can decompose carcinogenic aromatic amines is limited to less than 30mg/kg.

These tests must be conducted in SASO-approved laboratories, such as the domestic branches of international testing organizations such as SGS and Intertek. Test reports are typically valid for one to two years, so companies must ensure that their certification applications are completed within this period.

SASO also has specific requirements for physical property testing of men's jackets due to the unique climatic conditions in the Middle East. Comfort in high-temperature environments requires jacket fabrics to pass breathability tests, while the windy, sandy desert environment demands a certain degree of abrasion resistance. Jackets with accessories like zippers and buttons also require testing for corrosion resistance and strength to prevent them from falling off during use and posing a safety hazard.

Labeling and marking standards are often overlooked by businesses, yet they are crucial. Saudi Arabian customs data shows that approximately 37% of customs clearance delays for clothing are due to labeling issues. Men's jacket labels must include:

Arabic labeling (or bilingual Arabic and English), with the Arabic language prominently displayed

Clearly indicate "country of origin" (e.g., "صنع في الصين" for "Made in China")

Sizing information must conform to international standards or the commonly used Saudi sizing system

Washing and care instructions must comply with SASO's pictorial or textual specifications

SASO certification mark (if applicable), with a minimum height of 5mm

Of particular note, labels must not be easily detached stickers. They must be printed directly on the jacket or securely affixed to it and must pass the alcohol wipe test (no detachment after 15 rubs) to be considered acceptable.

Full Certification Process Guide

The SASO certification process involves multiple steps and collaboration between multiple parties. Delays at any stage can impact the overall process. For exporters of men's jackets, establishing a clear certification process management mechanism is key to ensuring timely and compliant shipment of goods.

The pre-certification preparation phase (recommended 5-10 business days) requires three core tasks: first, confirming the specific certification requirements corresponding to the product's HS code. Jackets made of different materials may be subject to different standards. Second, selecting an appropriate certification scheme. Frequent shippers are recommended to choose the Registration Scheme, which offers a one- to three-year validity period without requiring retesting. Finally, basic technical documentation is prepared, including product specifications, material composition tables, and existing international certification reports (such as CE and ISO, which may exempt some testing items).

The testing and application phase is the longest part of the entire process. Companies must send samples to a SASO-approved laboratory for testing. Standard testing for men's jackets typically takes 7-15 business days. After passing the tests, companies must submit their certification application through the SABER system, uploading documents such as the test report, product photos, and packaging design drawings. First-time applicants are advised to confirm the SABER account status with the Saudi importer in advance to ensure smooth receipt of the electronic certificate. Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is a crucial step in preventing batch quality issues. Certification agencies will randomly inspect jackets on the production line or in the warehouse, focusing on:

Product consistency with test samples (materials, workmanship, labeling, etc.);

Whether the packaging meets transportation and storage requirements;

Quality stability of batch production.

If minor issues are found (such as incorrect label placement), the company can correct them on-site. However, major discrepancies (such as material discrepancies with test reports) require re-production and re-testing, resulting in delays of at least 2-3 weeks and additional costs.

For the certification and customs clearance stages, companies must obtain a SC certificate through the SABER system before shipping. When applying for an SC certificate, a bill of lading is required to confirm the goods' transit status. The certificate is typically issued within 1-2 business days. During customs clearance, Saudi importers must submit the SC certificate, commercial invoice, packing list, and other documents to customs. Customs will conduct random inspections (apparel inspections occur at a rate of approximately 5-10%) and release the goods only after verification. The cost of the entire certification process varies depending on the jacket's material and the number of testing items. The single certification fee for a typical men's jacket (including testing, inspection, and certification) typically ranges from 9,500 to 20,000 RMB. Companies with high-volume shipments can significantly reduce their certification costs per unit shipment by registering for this program.

Risk Mitigation and Compliance Optimization Strategies

Even with a full understanding of SASO certification requirements, companies may still encounter various compliance risks in practice. These risks can not only lead to customs clearance delays but also significant financial losses and damage to brand reputation. Establishing a comprehensive risk management system is essential for men's jacket exporters to maintain their long-term presence in the Middle East market.

Common certification risks primarily focus on three areas: First, document inconsistency. This refers to discrepancies between test reports, PC certificates, SC certificates, and the actual goods. In particular, key information such as product model and material descriptions must be identical. Second, labeling errors. In addition to the language and content requirements mentioned above, common errors include incorrect Arabic translations (such as incorrect terminology caused by machine translation) and substandard font size (Arabic text height must be ≥ 1.2 mm). Third, certificate validity issues. PC certificates may not be renewed promptly after expiration, or SC certificates may be applied too late, resulting in goods not being certified before arrival.

To address these risks, companies can establish a "three checks, three reviews" system: pre-production review of material compliance to ensure raw materials meet SASO requirements; during production, checking process consistency to avoid discrepancies between actual production and test samples; and pre-shipment verification of document completeness, confirming all certification documents against a checklist. It is particularly recommended that label design samples be submitted to the certification body for pre-review before mass production to avoid extensive rework due to labeling issues discovered after mass production.

Environmental compliance is becoming a new focus for SASO certification. With the advancement of the sustainable development goals in Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030," SASO's environmental requirements for imported products will continue to increase starting in 2025. Men's jacket manufacturers should focus on:

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) packaging materials must not be used; recyclable cardboard or biodegradable materials are recommended.

Reducing harmful chemical emissions during the production process and prioritizing environmentally friendly dyes and auxiliaries.

Considering product recyclability, designing for easily disassembled structures and recyclable materials.

Products that meet environmental requirements are not only more likely to pass SASO certification but also receive preferential treatment in green procurement from the Saudi government, giving them a competitive edge in the market.

For companies planning to establish a long-term presence in the Middle East market, it is recommended to establish a localized compliance network. Establishing stable partnerships with qualified local importers and certification consulting firms in Saudi Arabia will ensure timely access to the latest policy developments (such as standard updates and process changes). Furthermore, it is important to retain certification documents for each batch of goods for at least three years, including test reports, certificate copies, and customs clearance documents, for SASO market surveillance inspections. Data shows that companies with comprehensive compliance records have a 92% pass rate when undergoing spot checks, far exceeding the industry average.

From Compliance to Value-Added: The Business Value of SASO Certification

SASO certification should not be viewed simply as a market entry cost, but rather as a strategic investment to enhance product competitiveness and expand into the Middle East market. For fashion consumer goods like men's jackets, SASO certification not only ensures smooth customs clearance but also builds trust in the Middle Eastern market, transforming compliance costs into commercial value.

In the eyes of Middle Eastern consumers, the SASO certification mark is a crucial indicator of product quality. A survey of Saudi consumers showed that 73% of respondents specifically check for compliance certification marks when purchasing clothing. Men's jackets, as a mid- to high-end apparel category, can significantly increase their price premium by clearly displaying the SASO certification mark and key information in test reports (such as the allergenic dye-free certification). Some companies have reported that SASO-certified jackets can command a 15-20% premium in the Middle East market compared to non-certified products. The market expansion benefits of SASO certification extend beyond Saudi Arabia. Due to Saudi Arabia's central position within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), SASO-certified products typically enjoy streamlined certification procedures when entering other Gulf states, such as the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. In particular, SASO-certified products bearing the GSO logo can circulate freely throughout the Gulf region, significantly reducing the cost of repeated certification required to enter multiple markets. For men's Jacket Companies planning to expand into the entire Middle East market, SASO certification is a highly cost-effective regional certification option.

From a supply chain management perspective, the quality control system promoted by SASO certification can significantly improve overall operational efficiency. To meet SASO's ongoing compliance requirements, companies must establish a comprehensive quality control system from raw material procurement to finished product shipment, including supplier qualification verification, production inspections, and finished product spot checks. These systems not only ensure the regulatory compliance of export products, but also simultaneously improve the quality of domestically sold products, achieving a "double benefit from one investment." With the rise of green consumer awareness in the Middle East, the environmental requirements included in SASO certification are becoming a new market differentiator. Companies can combine the environmental performance of jackets (such as the use of organic cotton fabrics and water-based dyes) with SASO environmental certification to create a dual selling point of "compliance + environmental protection." In recent years, the Saudi government has vigorously promoted green procurement, offering import tariff concessions (typically 5-10%) for textile products that meet environmental standards. This has directly increased the price competitiveness of certified products.