ASTC - Saudi & Africa Compliance Services

ASTC - Saudi & Africa Compliance Services Global product certification, inspection and compliance services for Middle East and Africa markets.

ASTC is a global product certification, inspection, and compliance service provider, supporting manufacturers, exporters, and importers in accessing Middle East and African markets. We specialize in Saudi Arabia (SABER / SASO / SFDA), Kenya PVOC (KEBS – Zone-1 China), and regional compliance schemes across Africa, GCC, and international conformity programs. With on-ground technical coordination in

China, Saudi Arabia, and Africa, ASTC provides end-to-end support covering product testing, factory audit, document review, conformity assessment, and shipment clearance assistance. Our services are designed for:

Manufacturers exporting from China

Importers operating in Saudi Arabia and Africa

Trading companies handling multi-country compliance

Core services include:
• Saudi SABER & SASO conformity
• Kenya PVOC (KEBS Zone-1 China)
• Africa COC programs
• GCC & IECEE related conformity
• Factory Audit & Inspection

📩 Message us for case assessment
📲 WhatsApp available for business inquiries

ASTC 是一家全球性的产品认证、检测与合规服务机构，致力于协助制造商、出口商及进口商顺利进入中东及非洲市场。

我们专注于 沙特阿拉伯（SABER / SASO / SFDA）、肯尼亚 PVOC（KEBS 中国区 Zone-1），并覆盖 非洲各国 COC 项目、GCC 及国际合规体系。

ASTC 在 中国、沙特及非洲 均具备实际项目协调经验，可为客户提供从产品测试、工厂审核、文件审核，到合格评定及清关支持的一站式合规服务。

我们的服务对象包括：

中国出口型工厂

沙特及非洲进口商

涉及多国合规的贸易公司

核心服务范围：
• 沙特 SABER / SASO 认证
• 肯尼亚 PVOC（KEBS 中国 Zone-1）
• 非洲 COC 合规项目
• GCC / IECEE 相关合格评定
• 工厂审核与验货

📩 欢迎私信进行合规案例评估
📲 支持 WhatsApp 商务咨询

⚠️ Welding Machine Export to Saudi Arabia: One Requirement Many Factories MissRecently, we received an inquiry from a ma...
08/06/2026

⚠️ Welding Machine Export to Saudi Arabia: One Requirement Many Factories Miss

Recently, we received an inquiry from a manufacturer exporting welding machines to Saudi Arabia.

Many exporters assume welding machines follow the same SABER process as ordinary machinery. In practice, there is an important difference that is often overlooked.

For Saudi Arabia clearance, welding machines generally require:

✅ PCoC (Product Certificate of Conformity)

✅ SCoC (Shipment Certificate of Conformity)

A PCoC is typically valid for 1 year, while an SCoC is required for each shipment.

One common issue is the EMC report.

For many mechanical products, EMC is not a major concern. However, welding machines are electrical products and are often required to provide EMC testing documentation during the SABER certification process.

We frequently see cases where manufacturers have already prepared safety reports, but certification is delayed because an EMC report is missing.

Before starting a SABER application, it is recommended to confirm:

• HS Code

• Product photos

• Nameplate

• User manual

• Safety test reports

• EMC test reports

Requirements may vary depending on the product type and HS Code classification.

If your shipment schedule is tight, checking compliance documents early can help avoid delays during certification and customs clearance.

SONCAP PC2 Rejected? The Product Category May Be the Real ReasonMany exporters assume the only difference between SONCAP...
08/06/2026

SONCAP PC2 Rejected? The Product Category May Be the Real Reason

Many exporters assume the only difference between SONCAP PC1 and PC2 is validity.

PC1 = Single shipment
PC2 = Valid for one year

In practice, the first thing we check is often not the certificate type.

It is the HS Code.

Certain products fall under Nigeria's high-risk product category (PROTEM), which follows different certification requirements from ordinary products.

Common examples include:

• Inverters
• Chargers
• Batteries
• Solar Panels

When an exporter asks whether a product can be registered under PC2, the answer often depends on the product category rather than the application documents.

This is why HS Code verification is usually one of the first steps before discussing the SONCAP route.

Understanding the product classification early can save a lot of unnecessary back-and-forth during the certification process.

The Freight Forwarder Didn't Ask for a Test Report. Does That Mean I Don't Need Tanzania PVoC?I recently came across a d...
02/06/2026

The Freight Forwarder Didn't Ask for a Test Report. Does That Mean I Don't Need Tanzania PVoC?

I recently came across a discussion from a first-time exporter shipping goods to Tanzania.

The exporter was asked by the freight forwarder to provide:

• Application form
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List

Since production was not completed yet, only preliminary information was submitted.

Then the questions started:

Does my final Commercial Invoice need to match the documents used for the PVoC application?
Will the freight forwarder check all certification requirements for me?
If nobody asks for a test report, does that mean a test report is not required?

These are very common misunderstandings when exporting to African markets for the first time.

One important point many exporters overlook:

Freight forwarders handle logistics.
Certification bodies handle certificate assessment.

These are two completely different processes.

A freight forwarder may focus on:

✔ Shipping arrangements
✔ Export documentation
✔ Transportation requirements

While PVoC assessment may focus on:

✔ Product classification
✔ Test reports
✔ Product labels
✔ Product photos
✔ Consistency of supporting documents

Therefore:

A freight forwarder not requesting a test report does NOT automatically mean that a test report is unnecessary.

Whether testing is required depends on the product category and applicable certification requirements.

Another common issue occurs when exporters submit preliminary Commercial Invoices and Packing Lists during the application stage.

After production is completed, quantities, values, weights, or even model numbers may change.

If final shipment documents differ significantly from certification documents, additional review or document revisions may be required.

In many export projects, problems do not appear during production.

They appear right before shipment.

Understanding certification requirements early can help avoid delays, document revisions, and last-minute surprises.

For many exporters, logistics is only one part of the process.

Document consistency and certification preparation are often the areas where delays occur.





Morocco COC: What Many Exporters Only Realize Before ShipmentMany exporters assume Morocco COC is just another certifica...
24/05/2026

Morocco COC: What Many Exporters Only Realize Before Shipment

Many exporters assume Morocco COC is just another certificate process.

In reality, regulated products exported to Morocco may involve:

HS Code verification
Product testing
System registration
Inspection by notified body
Local authority review

One of the biggest challenges is that the wrong testing standard or inspection failure may lead to rejection.

Another important point:
Morocco currently relies heavily on local notified bodies for review and approval, which makes coordination and system experience very important.

In many cases, the process starts with:

Order entry in the system
Assignment of notified body
Product testing
Importer account registration
Inspection arrangement
COC issuance after approval

For many exporters, the difficulty is not only the certificate itself, but the coordination between testing, inspection, system registration and local review process.





Nigeria SONCAP. Many shipments get delayed because of Form M and HS Code issues.Many exporters think SONCAP is just “one...
10/05/2026

Nigeria SONCAP. Many shipments get delayed because of Form M and HS Code issues.

Many exporters think SONCAP is just “one certificate”.

But in actual Nigeria shipments, the most common problems are usually:

Form M number mismatch
HS Code inconsistency
PC and SC information not matching
Too many models under one shipment
Invoice, B/L and Form M details not aligned

A lot of factories only start asking about SONCAP after cargo is already ready to ship.

At that stage, timelines usually become very tight.

For Nigeria SONCAP process:

PC:
Usually application form + product photos

SC:
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Form M
Bill of Lading

Form M number must match with:

PC
Invoice
B/L

Many exporters also misunderstand the charging structure.

In most cases, it is not charged by quantity.
Usually it depends on:

HS Code
Product category
Model quantity

Especially for electrical products, machinery, lighting and industrial equipment, it is better to confirm SONCAP requirements before shipment.





Cosmetics Export to Saudi Arabia.Many Shipments Get Stuck Because SFDA Was Not Done Before ShippingMany exporters think ...
08/05/2026

Cosmetics Export to Saudi Arabia.

Many Shipments Get Stuck Because SFDA Was Not Done Before Shipping

Many exporters think cosmetic products can enter Saudi Arabia with only a test report.

Actually, this is one of the most common misunderstandings.

For most cosmetic shipments to Saudi Arabia today, products need to be registered in the Saudi Food and Drug Authority system before import clearance.

A lot of shipments only realize this after cargo arrives at the port.
Then the shipment gets delayed, additional documents are requested, or clearance is blocked.

In real operation, cosmetics compliance is not just “one certificate”.

The system may review:

Product information
Ingredients
Labels
Shipment documents
Inspection photos
Loading photos

Usually required documents include:

Application Form
Packing List
Invoice
Bill of Lading
Test Report
Full Ingredient Formula
Product Label Artwork
Inspection Photos
Container Loading Photos
CR of Importer

A few common issues:

Every shipment requires documentation again
It is not a one-time process forever.
The applicant on the test report
should match the exporter shown on the Bill of Lading.
Full container shipments
require a yellow seal during loading.
Do not ship all products out at once
Keep 1-2 samples for possible correction requests.

Another important point:

The importer's business license must contain cosmetic or perfume trading activities.

Otherwise, the GHAD account cannot be registered.

The registration process also requires:

Importer verification code
Arabic ID number
System approval process

Label compliance is also a high-frequency issue.

Product labels and packaging should include:

Product Name
Function / Instructions
Warning Information
Storage Instructions

These parts should be in both English and Arabic.

For international brands or famous brands,
brand authorization documents may also be requested during customs clearance.

Especially for:

Perfumes
Skincare products
Makeup products

Many suppliers only ask about compliance after:

Production is finished.
Container is loaded.
Shipment is ready.

At that stage, everything becomes much more passive.

Usually, it is safer to review the label artwork and ingredient formula before mass production.

Forklifts & Lifting Equipment Export to Saudi Arabia - Choosing the Right SABER PathAfter discussing simple machinery an...
04/05/2026

Forklifts & Lifting Equipment Export to Saudi Arabia - Choosing the Right SABER Path

After discussing simple machinery and heavy equipment,
lifting equipment (such as forklifts) is where most exporters face real confusion.

What falls under this category?

Typical examples:

Forklifts
Lifting platforms
Warehouse handling equipment
Two Possible Certification Paths

Under SABER, lifting equipment can follow two different pathways:

Path 1 - Commercial Path
Jeem1 registration
PCoC (Product Certificate)
SCoC (Shipment Certificate)

👉 This is the standard commercial route
👉 Equipment can be resold and circulated normally

Path 2 - Non-Commercial Path
On-site inspection
Inspection report issuance
Apply SCoC based on inspection report

👉 No full PCoC process
👉 Lower cost and simpler procedure

Why many exporters choose the non-commercial path
Lower cost
Faster process
Fewer documentation requirements
But here is the key restriction

Non-commercial pathway means:

The equipment is not intended for resale
No responsibility from certification bodies after clearance
Reality in the market

In practice, many shipments are cleared using the non-commercial pathway,
even when the equipment is intended for resale.

This creates a hidden risk after import.

Important clarification
Used lifting equipment → Only non-commercial pathway is allowed
New equipment → Can choose commercial or non-commercial pathway
Key Takeaway

For lifting equipment, the main issue is not certification itself,
but choosing the correct pathway from the beginning.

Once the wrong path is selected, it is difficult to change later.

If you are dealing with forklift or lifting equipment export to Saudi Arabia,
the decision should be based on how the equipment will be used after import.





Heavy Machinery Export to Saudi Arabia - Commercial vs Non-Commercial Path ExplainedFollowing the previous post on simpl...
03/05/2026

Heavy Machinery Export to Saudi Arabia - Commercial vs Non-Commercial Path Explained

Following the previous post on simple machinery,
heavy machinery (such as excavators and construction equipment) follows a different logic.

What is Heavy Machinery?

Typical examples include:

Excavators
Construction machinery
Large industrial equipment

These products are generally treated under specific regulatory consideration in Saudi Arabia.

Certification Path

Under SABER, heavy machinery can follow the standard process:

Inspection Report
PCoC (Product Certificate of Conformity)
SCoC (Shipment Certificate of Conformity)
Commercial vs Non-Commercial Path

Many exporters assume heavy machinery should be handled as “used equipment” under a non-commercial pathway.

In reality:

👉 For heavy machinery, commercial and non-commercial paths are very similar in process

Both typically require:

Inspection report
PCoC
SCoC
So which path should be used?

In most cases:

👉 Commercial pathway is the better choice

Because:

It allows normal resale and circulation
Avoids unnecessary restrictions
Key Risk of Non-Commercial Path

Non-commercial pathway means:

Equipment is not intended for resale
Certification bodies do not take responsibility after clearance

For clients planning to sell or distribute the machinery, this can create problems later.

Practical Insight

In actual projects, heavy machinery is often overcomplicated.

Many exporters try to use the “used equipment” approach,
but in most cases, it does not provide any real advantage.

Key Takeaway

For heavy machinery export to Saudi Arabia:

It is not about choosing a shortcut,
but about selecting the correct pathway based on the final use of the equipment.

If you are unsure whether your machinery should follow a commercial or non-commercial path,
it is important to evaluate the usage scenario before starting the certification process.





Simple Machinery Export to Saudi Arabia - SABER PCoC & SCoC Process ExplainedWhen exporting simple machinery to Saudi Ar...
02/05/2026

Simple Machinery Export to Saudi Arabia - SABER PCoC & SCoC Process Explained

When exporting simple machinery to Saudi Arabia, many exporters ask:
Do we need SABER certification?

The answer is:
Yes - but the process is usually straightforward if the product is correctly classified.

What is “Simple Machinery”?

This typically refers to:

Basic industrial equipment
Machinery without complex control systems
No high-risk or heavily regulated components
Required Certification Path

For most simple machinery, the standard process under SABER is:

PCoC (Product Certificate of Conformity)
SCoC (Shipment Certificate of Conformity)

Both are required for customs clearance.

Is Factory Inspection Required?

This is where many exporters get it wrong.

For simple machinery:
👉 Factory inspection is usually required as part of the PCoC process

It is not only about submitting documents.

The certification body will:

Review technical documents
Conduct factory inspection
Issue an inspection report
How the Process Works in Practice

A typical workflow includes:

Product classification
Factory inspection arrangement
Inspection report issuance
PCoC application
SCoC issuance per shipment
Common Mistakes
Incorrect HS code selection
Mismatch between product and documents
Assuming “documents only” is enough
Starting the process after shipment
Key Takeaway

Simple machinery is not difficult to certify,
but incorrect classification or missing inspection steps can delay the entire shipment.

If you are exporting machinery to Saudi Arabia and are unsure about the correct SABER path,
it is always better to confirm the classification and requirements before shipment.





Exporting Trailers to Saudi Arabia - SABER or Not? Key Compliance Path ExplainedWe recently handled a case involving tra...
26/04/2026

Exporting Trailers to Saudi Arabia - SABER or Not? Key Compliance Path Explained

We recently handled a case involving trailer export to Saudi Arabia.

The client kept asking one question:
Do trailers require SABER certification?

The short answer is:
Not in the way most exporters think.

Trailers (without truck head) are regulated under vehicle-related rules in Saudi Arabia, not typical consumer product certification.

According to Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, new trailers can be processed under a non-commercial pathway (treated similar to used equipment).

This means:
• No standard PCoC + SCoC process
• No typical commercial SABER certification workflow
• Customs clearance is still possible

However, there is a critical restriction:

This pathway is non-commercial.

The trailer:
• Cannot be resold in Saudi Arabia
• Is treated as personal or project-use equipment
• Comes with no liability from certification bodies after clearance

So how does the process actually work?

Trailers do NOT follow the standard SABER consumer goods certification route.

Instead, the key document is:

→ Inspection Report

This report is mandatory and is used by the importer to apply for the non-commercial Shipment Certificate (SC).

Without this report, the shipment will not proceed.

Cost and inspection arrangement:
• For 1 unit:
On-site inspection is required
Travel + meal expenses are borne by the client
Estimated around USD 200 (1-day trip)
• For multiple units:
Inspection can be consolidated
Cost is optimized and usually handled together

Important market reality:
• There is currently no certification body in China able to issue commercial pathway certificates for trailers
• Used vehicles can be processed under commercial pathways (resalable)
• Trailers can only go through non-commercial pathways

Common mistake:

Many exporters assume:
“No SABER = no regulation”

This is incorrect.

It is not about whether SABER is required -
It is about which regulatory path applies.

If your shipment is already prepared or shipped, the risk increases significantly if the wrong path was selected.

For exporters dealing with:
• Trailer export to Saudi Arabia
• SABER registration confusion
• Shipment Certificate (SC) application

Understanding the correct classification is the first step to avoid clearance issues.










Address

4264, Ibn Al Mawardi, Al Sulaimaniyah Dist
Riyadh
12242

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+966540487417

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when ASTC - Saudi & Africa Compliance Services posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to ASTC - Saudi & Africa Compliance Services:

Shortcuts

Share

Category