Saudi Arabia
Middle East
Saudi Arabia's product conformity and telecommunications type approval are administered by the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST). Regulated products must obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) through the SABER platform before customs clearance, and telecommunications equipment requires CST type approval. AECS coordinates SABER conformity certification, CST type approval, and the Saudi Authorised Representative (SAR) arrangements required of foreign manufacturers.
- Typical Lead Time
- Estimated after technical review — depends on product category, test readiness and authority workload
- Approval Validity
- Scheme-specific — confirmed during scope review
- Local Rep Required
- Confirmed during scope review
Regulatory landscape
The Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST), formerly CITC, is the unified regulatory authority for telecommunications, satellite, and information technology in Saudi Arabia. CST type approval is mandatory for all telecommunications terminal equipment and radio devices sold or operated in the Kingdom.
The SABER platform, operated by SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation), is the mandatory conformity assessment gateway for regulated products entering Saudi Arabia. Products on the mandatory list require a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) issued by a SASO-approved certification body before customs clearance is granted.
Key standards bodies
- CST — Communications, Space & Technology Commission (telecom type approval)
- SASO — Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SABER platform)
- Standards based on SASO (Saudi national standards), IEC, and ETSI
Need Saudi Arabia market access?
Talk to Nash about regulatory approval timelines and requirements.