FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
What quality certificates do you provide?

We provide MoIAT Certifications which are ECAS & EQM certificates, SASO Certifications for Saudi which are SQM, PCoC & SCoC, also we provide G-mark certificate for LVE products.

Are you a notified body?

Yes. We are a MoIAT approved notified body, SASO approved Conformity Assessment Body, and GSO notified body.

What are your scopes under MoIAT?

MOIAT Notification Scope

  • Energy Drinks
  • LVE Electrical & Gas Appliance 
  • Food Contact Material (FCM)
  • Metrology – IMS
  • Drinking Water
  • Tobacco 
  • RoHS
  • Cosmetic
  • Perfumes
  • EESL
  • Milk and Dairy Products
  • Juices and Drinks
What are your scopes under SASO?

For MENA Region

  • Sectors of their Metals and Alloys for Buildings and Constructions
  • Insulation and Building Cladding Materials
  • Detergents
  • Glue and Adhesive Materials
  • Textile Products
  • Paper and Cardboard
  • Food Safety of Tools and Appliances used in the Kitchen
  • Low Voltage Equipment (LVE)

For Asia Region

  • The Sectors of Metals and their alloys for Buildings and Constructions

  • Insulation and Building Cladding Materials

  • Bricks, tiles, ceramics,sanitary ware and related products

  • Tubes, Pipes used in water,electricity and gas Networks
  • Detergents
  • Adhesive Materials, Tapes,Glue and Related Products
  • Footwear and Accessories

  • Textile Products
  • Auto Spare Parts

  • Food Contact Material (FCM)
  • Low Voltage Equipment (LVE)
What are your scopes under GSO?

GSO Technical Regulations

  • Low Voltage Electrical Equipment (LVE) and Appliances 

 

What is an ECAS Certificate?

ECAS stands for “Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme.” This is a Product Certification Scheme implemented by MoIAT (Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology) in UAE. The certificate remains valid for one year from the date of issuance, but only for the certified products. This certificate is mandatory for regulated products only and is crucial for clearing shipments through Ports and Customs Authorities.

What is an EQM Certificate?

EQM stands for ”Emirates Quality Mark” and serves as a conformity mark for a product for its quality and its compliance as per the UAE Scheme. It involves thorough auditing, testing, and inspection to ensure compliance. The Mark exclusively for certified products such as water, milk & dairy products, and juice & beverages.

What are the requirements to get an ECAS/EQM certificate?

Standard requirements:

  1. Valid UAE Trade License
  2. Registration certificate for Industrial Measurement System (optional so far)
  3. Test Report from accredited and recognized laboratory according to Gulf standard, as per Product Category and type
  4. Formula Declaration with ingredients and percentage issued by the manufacturer.
  5. For Imported Products: Free sale certificate on the manufacturer letterhead (Legalization is not mandatory and Third party certificate is accepted as well)

NOTE: “Other technical documents based from the product type and claims.” 

For complete requirements, please check this link. You will see the requirements for each products, click here.

 

What is PCoC?

Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) is a mandatory certificate only for regulated products issued by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). It serves to verify that your products have been registered within the SABER system and comply with the relevant Technical Regulations in Saudi Arabia.

The PCoC remains valid for one year from the date of issuance, and its purpose is to ensure that the products meet the required Saudi standards.

What is SCoC?

Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) is a key vital certificate administered by the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) for all shipments imported into Saudi Arabia, regardless of whether the products are regulated or non-regulated. Its purpose is to facilitate the customs clearance process at ports.

 The SCoC is specifically issued for product bulk, and it includes vital identification details such as serial number, batch number, and production date. This certificate serves as confirmation that the products meet the necessary standards and comply with the relevant technical regulations.

Difference of PCoC and SCoC

The Products Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) is granted by SASO-approved conformity assessment bodies. This certificate serves to validate a product’s compliance with the applicable technical regulations and SASO standards. It maintains its validity for a duration of one year from the date of issuance.

 On the other hand, the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) is specifically issued for each shipment imported into Saudi Arabia. It includes precise information such as bill details and the quantity of products within the shipment. The SCoC’s validity ceases once the shipment successfully completes the clearance process.

What is SQM?

Saudi Quality Mark (SQM), bearing the Registered Trademark registration number 1303/79, is the sole property of SASO. It is bestowed upon products that have successfully met Saudi standards and are manufactured in facilities with effective Management Systems ensuring consistent adherence to all requirements.

Mandatory Products of SQM:

  • Electric Gas Appliances
  • Flat steel and iron products
  • Steel bars
  • Cement
  • Ready-mix concrete
  • Ceramic tiles
  • Aluminum composite panels
  • Oxo-biodegradable additives
  • Electrical extension cords
  • Plugs, switches and sockets for household and general use

NOTE: “Voluntarily SQM cab be issued for all other products as well. “

What is GSO?

Gulf Standardization Organization for the Arab States (GSO) is a regional entity established by a decision of the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf during its 22nd session held in Muscat on 30-31 December 2001.

 This authority’s membership includes the countries of the Cooperation Council, namely the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, and the Republic of Yemen, which became a member in January 2010.

 

What is G-Mark?

The G-mark Certification is a quality mark that is awarded to products that meet the organization’s specified standards and requirements. It serves as a symbol of quality and safety assurance for consumers, businesses, and regulatory authorities in the Gulf region.

 ( Household and similar electrical appliances)

Items, Materials or Products

  • Household appliances, general requirements
  • Electrical Fans
  • Centrifugal clothes dryers and Clothes washing machines, including machines which both wash and dry
  • Electric smoothing irons and ironers
  • Domestic electric heating apparatus
  • Electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters
  • Hairdressing or hand-drying apparatus
  • Food grinders and mixers, fruit or vegetable juice extractors
  • Microwave ovens, Stationary cooking ranges, hobs, ovens and similar appliances
  • Toaster, Other ovens; cookers, cooking plates, boiling rings, grillers and roasters, cooking appliances and appliances for heating liquids (water kettle, coffee maker, rice cookers, steam cookers, etc.)
  • Household air conditioners
  • Plugs, Socket outlets, Adaptors, Cord Extension Sets and chargers

 

What is LVE?

Low Voltage Electrical Equipment (LVE) and Appliances is part of the Gulf Conformity Scheme, aiming to harmonize standardization efforts within the GCC. It promotes sector development, intraGCC trade, consumer protection, and environmental health.

Timeline for issuance of CoC’s?

The accepted Target days for MoIAT COC is 1.5 days only upon receiving compliance documents.

 For SASO PCOC, also 4-5 working days.

For SQM should be completed within 90 days.

Cost for obtaining CoC’s?

 The cost of obtaining CoC’s depend on the scope of the product and country of application

What is RoHS Certifiction? I have RoHS test report from an accredited laboratory, do I still need to apply for RoHS certification?

RoHS stands for Risk of Hazardous Substances. RoHS test report is different from RoHS certification. Based upon RoHS test report, we will issue RoHS certificate which will be applicable for the products falling under RoHS category in the UAE.

Can we change the Quality Certificate issuing company while our SASO application is ongoing?

No, once the application is submitted to a particular Certification Body you cannot change it. If you wish to change the Certification Body you will have to create a new application on the Saber portal.

What are the procedures for application?

The procedure for application is as follows:

1. Create an account on the MoIAT/Saber portal.
2. Select a Notified/Certification Body from the list provided on the portal.
3. Submit all required documents through the portal.

Alternatively, you can contact The Q directly for guidance on the application process.

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