Saudi QM Overview
What is QM Certification?
QM (Quality Mark) is a product quality mark certification implemented by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). Products within the scope must complete conformity assessment through SASO‑authorized third‑party certification bodies, obtain a certificate issued by SASO, and affix the mark on the product to prove compliance with relevant technical regulations and standards published by SASO.
Purpose of Certification
To protect the safety of Saudi consumers, ensure product quality and performance meet Saudi standards, simplify market access procedures through unified certification requirements, and enhance the confidence and recognition of government regulators, purchasers, and consumers in product quality.
Cannot Clear Customs
High‑risk products without QM certificate are detained by Saudi Customs and cannot enter the market
Heavy Fines & Removal
Faced with heavy fines from SASO, forced product removal, and blacklisting
Loss of Major Clients
Saudi Aramco, government projects, and major retailers require QM certificate as a bidding prerequisite
Mandatory + Voluntary
Mandatory for high‑risk products, voluntary for others
Dual Certification Requirement
Plugs, sockets, adapters, extension cords must first obtain G‑Mark certification
Factory Inspection
High‑risk products require factory inspection (we provide pre‑audit service)
Continuous Surveillance
Annual surveillance audit + market sampling after certification
Product Scope
Electrical Products
- Plugs, sockets
- Adapters, extension cords
- Wall switches, electronic switches
- Cable reels
Gas Appliances
- Gas equipment
- Gas equipment accessories
Building Materials
- Steel bars, cement
- Ready‑mixed concrete, ceramic tiles
- Flat steel, aluminum‑plastic composite panels for exterior walls
Chemicals & Food
- Biodegradable plastic products
- Plastic degradation additives
Voluntary QM Benefits
Fast Market Access
Simplified customs clearance process, reduced probability of inspection
Increased Trust
Saudi consumers and buyers trust QM‑marked products more
Simplified Clearance
Green channel for SABER registration
Market Competitiveness
Major retailers like Carrefour, Lulu prioritize stocking QM products
Certification Models
Processing time
4-6 weeks
Cost characteristics
One‑time audit, certificate valid for 3 years, no annual surveillance (but market sampling may occur)
Applicable scenarios
Testing market response, short‑term projects, low annual export volume
Certificate validity
3 years, annual surveillance audit
Cost advantage
Annual audit fees much lower than recertification, saving on average 40% per year
Additional services
We proactively remind you of annual audit, assist with document preparation, ensure continuous validity
Required Documents
| Document Type | Specific Requirements | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Application form | Fully completed and signed | Must be in English or Arabic |
| Business license | Must be valid | Requires notarization and legalization (we can assist) |
| Industry license | Production license, etc. | If applicable |
| Product barcode registration certificate | If applicable | - |
| Factory organizational chart | Detailed organizational structure | - |
| Factory quality manual | Complete version | Template available, we can assist in establishing |
| Quality control plan | Detailed quality control procedures | Template available |
| Factory quality system certificate | e.g., ISO 9001 | If available (bonus, not mandatory) |
| Third‑party laboratory test report | Issued by SASO‑approved laboratory | Usually valid for 1 year; we can arrange testing |
| Declaration of conformity | Statement that product meets Saudi standards | Signed and stamped |
| Factory location map | Geographic location of factory | - |
Document requirements & our assistance
- All documents must be provided in English or Arabic — We provide translation services
- Legal documents such as business licenses require notarization and legalization — We can handle notarization, translation and apostille
- Test reports must be issued by SASO‑approved laboratories — We work with multiple accredited labs and can arrange testing quickly
- Mandatory product label requirements: Must be bilingual (Arabic + English), include country of origin, model, rated parameters, warnings, etc. — We provide standard label templates
Certification Process
Document preparation
Prepare complete application materials according to checklist
Product evaluation
Verify product compliance with applicable SASO standards and technical regulations
Factory inspection
SASO authorized body performs factory inspection and sample testing
Issue communication
Communicate non‑conformities with client, develop corrective action plan
Corrective action verification
After applicant implements corrections, verify results
Certification recommendation
When requirements are met, recommend to SASO for Saudi Quality Mark
Certificate issuance
SASO authorized personnel issue Saudi Quality Mark license (QM license)
Affix the mark
Affix QM mark on product (we provide mark design and affixing guidance)
Total timeline & influencing factors
The entire certification process typically takes 4-8 weeks, depending on:
Our commitment: Pre‑audit service, 98%+ first‑time pass rate for formal audits, significantly shortened timeline.
How We Help
Before the formal audit, we send experts to conduct a mock audit, rectify in advance, ensure first‑time pass
Free assessment of existing reports, arrange retesting or supplementary testing with SASO‑accredited lab
Arabic+English, including mandatory information such as country of origin, model, warnings – 100% compliant
Remind 3 months in advance, assist with annual audit documents, coordinate audit schedule, avoid certificate lapse
One‑stop service, saving 30% time and cost, no need for client to figure it out themselves
Why GTC
Full handling
From document preparation to factory inspection, client only provides basic information; we handle the rest
Pre‑audit guarantee
Mock audit before formal audit, 98% first‑time pass rate, avoid repeated corrections
Multi‑language support
Arabic/English document translation, label creation, notarization – all in one place
Success commitment
If certification fails due to our fault, full refund (see service agreement for details)
Qualifications & Partners
Certificate Samples
Mark Usage Requirements
The mark must be permanently affixed, in green or black, with a minimum height of 5 mm, and the certificate number must be marked next to it. We provide mark design and affixing guidance to ensure compliance with SASO regulations.
Permanent marking
Must be permanently affixed on the product
Color specification
The mark shall be green or black
Certificate number
The certificate number must be marked next to the mark
Design integrity
The mark design shall not be modified without authorization
Visibility
The mark shall be clearly visible
Clarity and durability
The mark shall be clear, legible and wear‑resistant
Maintenance & Audit
Certificate Validity
The QM certificate is valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
Annual Audit Requirements
- Factory inspection once a year (remote or on‑site)
- Product sample testing once a year
- Submit updated quality manual and change descriptions
Consequences of Missing Annual Audit
- Certificate suspended, product may no longer bear QM mark
- If not renewed within 6 months, certificate revoked, full recertification required
- Damages customer trust in Saudi, may lead to order loss
Our Annual Audit Facilitation Service
Proactively remind you 3 months in advance, assist with preparing annual audit documents, coordinate audit schedule, and ensure continuous certificate validity. Annual audit fees are much lower than recertification, saving on average 40% of costs.
Client Case
Client Situation
- Company: Electrical appliance manufacturer in Zhejiang
- Product: Plugs, sockets, adapter series
- Target market: Saudi Arabia
- Annual export value: USD 2 million
- Time pressure: Needed QM quickly to secure major client orders
- Challenge: No G‑Mark certification, insufficient experience with factory audits
Our Service
-
Within 2 weeks
Assisted in obtaining G‑Mark certification (prerequisite for QM)
-
Full document guidance
Prepared factory quality manual, test reports, etc. ensuring first‑time audit success
-
Factory audit support
Mock audit + rectification suggestions, formal audit passed on first attempt
-
Within 6 weeks
Obtained QM certificate and provided mark affixing guidance
Client Feedback
We fumbled for 3 months with no progress. You got it done in 6 weeks and even helped us improve our quality system. Now we've signed the big client order!
FAQ
What is the difference between QM and G‑Mark certification?
G‑Mark is a general safety certification for the Gulf region, focusing on electrical safety; QM is a Saudi‑specific quality mark certification, focusing more on product quality and factory quality management capability. Some products (e.g., plugs and sockets) must obtain G‑Mark before applying for QM. We can package both, saving time.
Is factory inspection mandatory for QM certification?
Yes, all QM applications require a factory inspection (including document review and on‑site inspection) to assess the manufacturer's quality assurance capability. We provide a pre‑audit service to help you rectify in advance, ensuring first‑time pass for the formal audit.
How long is the QM certificate valid? How to renew?
Typically 3 years, with annual surveillance audits (annual audit). For renewal, submit an application 3 months in advance and update test reports, factory audit documents, etc. We provide annual audit facilitation, proactively remind you and assist with preparation to avoid certificate expiry.
Can I apply for QM without ISO 9001?
Yes. Although ISO 9001 is a plus, it is not mandatory. We can help you establish quality system documents (quality manual, quality control plan, etc.) that meet SASO requirements to satisfy the factory audit.
What is the relationship between QM certification and SABER?
SABER is the product conformity certification system used for Saudi customs clearance (similar to COC), while QM is a product quality mark. Products that have obtained QM typically enjoy simplified procedures and reduced inspection frequency during SABER registration, facilitating fast customs clearance.
What is the approximate cost of QM certification?
The cost depends on product category, testing items, whether factory inspection is required, and whether you choose the single‑time or long‑term surveillance model. Please provide product name + model + estimated annual shipment volume, and we will provide a free quote evaluation with no hidden fees.