When trying to sell their goods in the market, several importers and local suppliers face numerous challenges and rejections because they wrongly think that the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) is only an optional certificate for products prepared for distribution and sale in the Saudi Kingdom market.
Getting the Saudi Quality Mark license is crucial for many of the factors that will be discussed here, which is a reality that shouldn’t be neglected. It is very important in addition to being mandatory for many products.
If you want to know how the Saudi Quality Mark benefits your product read this article
The Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) is the mandatory scope of products
The Saudi Quality Mark is an additional mandatory requirement imposed by The Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) for many products in accordance with the relevant technical regulations, even though the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) is the mandated certificate for all regulated products, whether locally produced or imported into the kingdom.
The following products are obligated to the Saudi Quality Mark:
- Ready-mix Concrete
- Cement
- Ceramic Tiles/ Porcelain Tiles
- Steel Bars
- Iron Plate
- Gas Appliances and Accessories
- Aluminum Composite Panel used for Internal Finish and External Cladding
- Electrical Extension Cords
- Plugs, Switches, and Sockets
* Material used to dissolve plastic is an exception since, despite falling under the chemical category, it needs the Saudi Quality Mark.
Any of these product importers or local manufacturers are required to get the Saudi Quality Mark in order for their goods to be cleared at customs ports if they are imported or sold on the market if they are produced locally.
These goods are unable to access the Saudi market if they don’t get the Saudi Quality Mark.
The Saudi Quality Mark’s contribution to increased product sales
Since obtaining the Saudi Quality Mark necessitates passing technical tests and factory audits to verify compliance with the necessary technical standards and regulations, it is typically applied to high-risk products that demand a high level of safety to prevent any harm to consumers or the environment as a result of manufacturing defects.
Since the Saudi Quality Mark is evidence that the product has been examined and found to comply with the highest safety standards, getting it and labeling it on your products will help them earn consumer confidence, which will increase sales and give you a larger market share.
Contribution of the Saudi Quality Mark to building up the reputation of your business
By obtaining the Saudi Quality Mark license, your business demonstrates that it has a quality management system that is successful and contributes to improving the business’ reputation among important local and international businesses and organizations.
A positive reputation for your business eventually results in increased product sales and more revenue.
The role of the notified body in obtaining the Saudi Quality Mark
The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has notified many certification bodies to perform the technical study and factory audits in addition to submitting the necessary paperwork to obtain the Saudi Quality Mark. This notification sounds like it would add more procedures, but in return, it offers more benefits. But these procedures could be processed easily and smoothly if you choose a trusted notified body with experience in the Saudi market.
The manufacturer or importer must select one of the SASO notified bodies to carry out the conformity assessment, which includes conducting the technical study and factory audits, in order to obtain the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM). If the technical file is found to be complete, the product complies with the requirement, and the facility employs a quality management system, SASO will recommend awarding the Mark.
