Exporting goods from India to Saudi Arabia requires strict compliance with Saudi regulatory standards — and one of the most important documents in this process is the SASO Certificate Cost in India. This certificate proves that a product meets Saudi standards and is mandatory for customs clearance when importing into the Kingdom.

However, many Indian exporters often find that the cost of obtaining a SASO certificate can vary widely — with some paying two to three times more than others. Let’s break down why this happens and what costs are involved.

1. What Is a SASO Certificate?

The SASO Certificate of Conformity is issued under Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) rules. The certification is usually processed through the SABER® online platform and includes two main documents:

• Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC): Valid for one year per model

• Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC): Required for each shipment before customs clearance

Without these certificates properly completed and submitted, consignments may be refused entry or returned — adding significant delays and costs.

2. Basic Fees vs. Total Expense

Official SASO / SABER Fees

While Saudi authorities set some base fees, these are only part of the picture:

• SABER certificate registration: ≈ 500 SAR (~₹11,000) per product model (annual)

• Shipment Certificate (SCoC): Around 350–600 SAR (~₹8,000–₹14,000) per shipment

These official fees are relatively predictable, but many exporters end up paying much more due to the following additional cost components.

3. Why Costs Can Be 2–3X Higher

A. Product Type & Risk Level

Certain products are considered high-risk (e.g., electrical equipment, toys, children’s products). These require extensive lab testing and technical evaluation, which significantly increases costs.

Testing fees can range from:

• ₹30,000 to ₹80,000 for textiles

• ₹50,000 to ₹150,000 for electrical products

• ₹70,000 to ₹200,000 for children’s items
  (depending on complexity and number of tests)

Higher-risk products often involve more test parameters, multiple sample sets, and international laboratory fees.

B. Inspection & Certification Body Charges

Indian exporters must work with SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) or certification partners like TÜV SÜD, Intertek, or other agencies that handle testing, documentation and submission on their behalf.

Each CAB charges its own service fee, which may include:

• Product evaluation and documentation

• Handling SABER submissions

• Communication with Saudi authorities

• Factory audits (if required)

These service fees are not fixed; some providers charge much more depending on their reputation, turnaround time, and service scope.

C. Testing Location & Logistics

If tests must be done in Saudi Arabia or foreign labs, sample shipment costs, travel, and logistics exponentially add to the bill.

Some Indian exporters send samples abroad at high freight rates just to meet SASO requirements, particularly when local labs aren’t accredited for certain tests.

D. Consultation & Administration

Many exporters — especially smaller firms — hire consultants to navigate SABER procedures, prepare technical files and ensure correct documentation. Comprehensive consultancy can range from ₹30,000 to ₹2,50,000+ depending on service levels.

Inexperienced exporters may also incur extra charges if errors cause resubmissions or re-testing.

E. Shipment Frequency

Exporters shipping multiple consignments frequently might be better off with an annual PCoC, which can reduce per-shipment costs. Those doing one-off shipments without an annual certificate will repeatedly pay SCoC fees, adding up quickly.

4. Common Misconceptions That Drive Up Cost

“Fixed Government Fee” Myth

Many exporters assume the SASO certificate is just a fixed government charge — but official SASO fees are only a small part of the certification ecosystem. The bulk of the cost typically comes from testing, consulting, and certification services.

Underestimating Testing Needs

Products that look simple may still require complex compliance checks (e.g., EMC, safety standards, materials analysis). Not budgeting for complete testing often leads to expedited testing charges (sometimes 50%–100% more).

5. Tips to Control the Costs

✅ Plan early: Start PCoC registration well before your shipment date
✅ Choose the right CAB: Compare certified bodies and ask for detailed quotes
✅ Bundle shipments: For frequent exporters, annual certifications can lower per-shipment expenses
✅ Research product standards: Knowing precisely required tests can reduce repeat submissions
✅ Use accredited Indian labs: Where possible, this prevents costly overseas testing

6. Bottom Line

Small exporters focused on a single shipment may pay ₹70,000–₹3,00,000+ in total, while larger companies with complex products and multiple shipments can end up paying 2–3 times more — especially if testing needs, CAB charges, and expedited services are involved.

Conclusion

The headline “SASO certificate costs 3X more” isn’t just a pricing anomaly — it reflects the real-world complexity of certification, testing, documentation, and export compliance. Understanding where costs truly lie can help exporters budget accurately, negotiate better with certification bodies, and structure export plans that minimize barriers and unnecessary charges.