Key Takeaways:
- The GCC Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs held its 12th meeting October 6-8, 2026 in Bahrain, pushing to unify regulations and standards across all six member states.
- Saudi Arabia's 2026 HS Code update now uses 12-digit codes, and SABER automatically rejects any Product Certificate registered under old codes.
- From October 1, 2026, every product shipped to Saudi Arabia must display the supplier name and CR (Commercial Registration) number on packaging.
- SASO issued multiple new technical notices this month covering PPE, smart lighting, and textiles — expanding mandatory compliance scope further.
This week, the GCC Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs wrapped up its 12th session in the Kingdom of Bahrain, bringing together ministers from all six Gulf states to discuss regulatory harmonization and trade facilitation. The meeting's timing could not be more significant for Chinese exporters: in the same month, Saudi Arabia enforced three major changes to import requirements that directly affect how goods clear customs across the Gulf.
The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has issued a wave of new technical notices throughout October 2026, covering product categories from safety gloves to smart street lighting. If you export from China to any GCC country — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, or Oman — these changes affect your next shipment. Here is what happened, what matters, and what to do about it.
What Is the 2026 HS Code Update and Why Is It Causing Delays?
The most significant operational change affecting Gulf imports this year came into force on January 1, 2026: Saudi customs adopted a new 12-digit tariff classification code system. Any product previously registered on the SABER platform under the old 8-digit or 10-digit codes now faces automatic rejection at the border. Industry reports confirm that the FASAH customs system now cross-checks the declared HS code against the SABER certificate in real time, and any mismatch triggers an automatic hold.
The categories most affected by this code reshuffling include textiles and garments, building materials (steel products and plastic pipes), electronic and electrical equipment, and industrial machinery — precisely the product categories that dominate Chinese exports to the Gulf region. Expert analysis from Saudi market consultants notes that even certificates still within their validity period are being rejected if their HS code does not match the 2026 version.
The immediate action required: log into SABER, verify every active Product Certificate (PCoC) against the new 12-digit HS code, and re-register any product where the code has changed.
How Does the SABER Automated System Work Now?
The SABER platform is no longer just an online form for ordering certificates. Since 2026, it is directly integrated with the FASAH Single Window customs system and performs automated real-time comparison between the certificate data and the customs declaration. According to compliance specialists, the system either releases the shipment or flags it for inspection — within seconds, not days.
In the previous system, a customs officer would manually review documents over 5-7 business days. Now, the comparison is instant. If there is a mismatch, the cargo is held. The costs accumulate quickly: port storage fees of $50-$150 per day, average delays of 14-21 business days, and in worst cases, the cargo may be re-exported or the destination port changed at additional expense.
| Document Status | Clearance Outcome | Estimated Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|
| All documents match 100% | Release within 24-48 hours | Standard duty + VAT only |
| Minor description discrepancy | Delay 3-5 business days | $50-$100/day storage |
| Missing SABER certificate | Detained 14-21 days | $700-$3,150 total |
| HS code mismatch | Rejected; re-certification required | New certificate + storage + possible re-shipment |
What Changed in October 2026: Supplier Labeling and Technical Notices
Beyond the HS code restructuring, October 2026 introduced new labeling requirements that affect every shipment entering Saudi Arabia. From October 1, 2026, all covered products must display the supplier name and Commercial Registration (CR) number on the outer packaging. Reporting from trade compliance sources confirms that the information must be legible, permanent, and consistent with SABER records. Goods arriving without this marking risk being held at the border.
Simultaneously, SASO issued several new technical notices throughout October, each adding compliance layers for specific product categories:
- Cut-resistant Kevlar gloves (SASO/TN-2026-041): Must carry an Arabic cut-resistance rating on both product and packaging, with a bilingual test report from an accredited laboratory.
- Smart street lighting systems (SASO/TN-LED-2026/07): IoT communication modules must integrate a SASO-authorized SIGMA security chip, with programming completed at a designated Riyadh laboratory.
- Technical textiles (QF-TEX-2026): Require an ISO 14067 carbon footprint declaration and bilingual test reports.
These notices represent an expansion of mandatory compliance scope, not a simplification. Chinese manufacturers must monitor them closely for any product shipped to the Saudi market.
How Do Customs Duties Compare Across the Six GCC Countries?
While each GCC country maintains its own customs authority, the GCC Common Customs Law establishes a baseline duty rate of 5% on CIF value for most goods. However, VAT rates and clearance procedures vary significantly between markets.
| Country | Customs Duty | VAT Rate | Clearance System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 5% of CIF | 15% | FASAH + SABER |
| UAE | 5% of CIF | 5% | TDRA / ECAS |
| Bahrain | 5% of CIF | 10% | National Customs |
| Qatar | 5% of CIF | 0% (for now) | Customs Portal |
| Kuwait | 5% of CIF | 0% | 12-digit Tariff (new) |
| Oman | 5% of CIF | 5% | Bayan Platform |
According to Bahrain's Ministry of Industry, this week's ministerial committee meeting focused on further harmonizing regulations and standards to support economic integration. While future harmonization may simplify the landscape, the current reality requires exporters to understand each country's specific requirements.
Practical Compliance Steps for Chinese Exporters to the Gulf
To ensure your next shipment clears Gulf customs without delays, follow these steps in order:
- Verify your HS code: Check ZATCA's website for the 2026 12-digit code for your product. Do not use any older version.
- Audit SABER registrations: Log into the SABER platform and confirm every active PCoC uses the updated code. If any code is outdated, re-register immediately.
- Complete product testing: If your product requires updated testing, schedule it at a SASO-accredited laboratory. Check the GSO portal for the current list of accredited facilities.
- Apply for PCoC: Submit technical documentation and test reports through SABER (fee: approximately SAR 575; validity: 1 year).
- Apply for SCoC per shipment: Before each shipment, submit the Shipment Certificate application with invoice and bill of lading (fee: approximately SAR 525).
- Prepare packaging and labels: Ensure every unit and outer carton includes Arabic-language information, supplier name, CR number, country of origin, and technical specifications.
- Unify all documents: HS code, product name, and quantity must be identical across all shipping documents.
- Start early: Begin the certification process 2-4 weeks before the planned shipment date. Missing documents = port detention.
Keerki's Tip: From our experience operating in Guangzhou, the most reliable way to avoid Gulf customs delays is to start preparing test reports and reviewing labels during production — not after goods are finished. When your products are ready and all certificates are prepared in parallel, you can apply for the Shipment Certificate 1-2 weeks before departure. The cargo arrives at port with all documents already in place. This approach eliminates weeks of avoidable delays, especially during the Gulf procurement peak season when port congestion adds further pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SABER certification and why is it mandatory?
SABER is Saudi Arabia's electronic product conformity assessment system operated by SASO. All regulated imported products must obtain a Product Certificate (PCoC) and Shipment Certificate (SCoC) before clearing customs. Since 2026, the system is integrated with customs and automatically detains any shipment with missing certificates or mismatched HS codes.
How long is a SABER Product Certificate (PCoC) valid?
A PCoC is typically valid for one year from the date of issuance. However, the critical requirement in 2026 is that the HS code registered on the certificate must match the current version. Since Saudi Arabia adopted the 12-digit HS code on January 1, 2026, certificates registered under old codes are flagged as non-compliant — even if the certificate itself has not expired.
What is the difference between GCC certification and SABER?
GCC certification (G-Mark) is issued by the Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) and applies across seven member states. SABER is specific to Saudi Arabia's product safety program. Many products require both: the GCC mark for general conformity and SABER certificates for Saudi-specific technical regulations.
What are the new labeling requirements for 2026?
From October 1, 2026, all products exported to Saudi Arabia must display the supplier name and Commercial Registration (CR) number on the outer packaging. The information must be clear, legible, and consistent with SABER system records. Products arriving without this marking may be detained at the border.
How do I find a SASO-accredited testing laboratory?
SASO publishes and regularly updates the list of accredited laboratories on its official website. Several laboratories in China hold current SASO accreditation, but the list changes periodically — in 2025, two Shenzhen laboratories were removed after failing annual audits. Always verify that your chosen lab appears on the current list before sending samples, as reports from delisted labs are invalidated.
Can I export to Saudi Arabia without SABER certificates?
No. Since 2025, the Shipment Certificate (SCoC) must be obtained before the cargo arrives at port. Goods arriving without a valid SCoC are automatically rejected and cannot be cleared retroactively. SABER certification is therefore a pre-shipment requirement, not something to handle after goods are on the water.
Conclusion
October 2026 marks one of the strictest enforcement periods in the history of Gulf import compliance. The combination of automated HS code cross-checking, mandatory supplier identification on packaging, and a wave of new SASO technical notices signals a clear direction: Gulf countries are moving from manual document review to system-driven automatic enforcement. Chinese exporters who prepare their documentation proactively and verify compliance before shipment will navigate these changes smoothly. Those who ignore the new requirements face costs in delays and detention that far exceed the price of preparation.
Keerki Limited is a China-based sourcing and commercial representation company headquartered in Guangzhou, helping businesses in the Gulf and the Arab world import from China safely for over 10 years. With a network of over 50,000 verified suppliers, we support supplier verification, factory audits, quality inspection, logistics coordination, and customs clearance across all GCC markets. Contact us today or via WhatsApp at +86 133 9212 7362.
