Businesses selling regulated products in Saudi Arabia are obliged to apply for a Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) through an authorized certification body. This mandatory requirement is implemented by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), as per Saudi Cabinet Decree 216 dated 17/06/1431 H.
SGS Gulf Limited is a notified body approved by SASO for the Saudi Quality Mark.
What is the Saudi Quality Mark?
The SQM demonstrates conformity and is granted to products that comply with relevant SASO standards, plus applicable regional and/or international standards. The process for achieving a license to use the SQM involves a comprehensive evaluation of the product and the implementation of a continuous quality management system that includes testing, audits and evaluations. The SQM license is valid for three years, with annual surveillance inspections.
Benefits
- Customer trust and satisfaction
- SASO standard product conformance
- Increased sales through quality mark recognition
- Facilitation for successful product entry into custom ports
- Support for the national economy and increased Saudi exports
Who can apply
Manufacturers, distributors, importers and exporters. The SQM is mandatory for regulated products and voluntary for non-regulated products.
Mandated products
- Liquefied petroleum gas appliances and their accessories
- Flat steel and iron products
- Steel bars
- Cement
- Ready-mix concrete
- Ceramic tiles
- Aluminum composite panels
- Oxo-biodegradable additives
- Electrical extension cords (Type G plug and socket)
- Plugs, switches and sockets for household and general use (Type G plug and socket)
Recommended products
A voluntary SQM certification can be obtained for any product. Currently we process voluntary applications for products such as:
- Stainless steel coils
- Plastic pipes and fittings
- Ductile iron pipes
- Cementitious grouts and mortars
- Sanitary fittings
- Automotive lubricants
- Household detergents and cleaning products
- Bottled drinking water
- Dairy products
- Meat products
Why SGS?
We provide a one-stop-shop service, delivering customer-focused solutions for testing, inspection and certification.
With more than one hundred years of proven objectivity, reliability, and integrity, we are the trusted partner of governments and trade communities, influencing change in opportunities, challenges and productivity. We currently deliver conformity assessment programs on behalf of government authorities in a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia (SASO), Kuwait (PAIKUCAS), Kenya (KEBS), Egypt (GEOIC), Algeria (IANOR), Nigeria (SON), Tanzania (TBS), Uganda (UNBS) and Ethiopia.
With a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world and extensive experience in managing conformity assessment programs, we provide efficient, comprehensive and customizable solutions to aid exporters in ensuring the regulatory conformity of their shipments.
For more details about SGS services, please contact the SGS office in your country.
Learn more about Saudi Arabia – SQM.
This article can also be found in our PCA Newsletter (Q1/2024) – which keeps you up to date with developments in technical barriers to trade and product conformity assessment.
Read more PCA articles (Q1/2024)
- Exporting food to Qatar?
- Specialized oil and gas equipment: PAU-approved Ugandan PVoC services from SGS
- SGS wins contract renewal for Cameroon’s product conformity program
You can read more articles in our previous editions in the PCA Newsletter Library.
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