Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) Certification – Overview

The Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) program requires certain regulated products to obtain a license confirming compliance with Saudi standards before being placed on the market.

The SQM plays a key role in ensuring product quality and safety in Saudi Arabia. By requiring manufacturers to undergo product testing, factory audits, and ongoing compliance verification, Saudi authorities can confirm that products consistently meet national and international standards.

For manufacturers and exporters, understanding SQM requirements and completing the necessary certification steps is essential to ensure market access and avoid regulatory issues.

1. Purpose and Scope

Saudi Arabia operates the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) program to ensure that regulated products comply with applicable technical regulations and standards.

The SQM is a conformity mark issued for products that demonstrate compliance with Saudi standards and are manufactured under an effective quality management system.

The program supports:

• Verification of compliance with Saudi and international standards

• Ongoing assurance of product quality through factory controls

• Market access for compliant products

The SQM scheme may be mandatory for specific regulated products, while remaining voluntary for others.

2. Government Authority

The SQM program is administered by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization.

SASO is responsible for:

• Developing national standards and technical regulations

• Granting licenses to use the Saudi Quality Mark

• Overseeing compliance and surveillance

SASO appoints approved certification bodies to conduct audits, testing, and evaluation activities on its behalf.

3. Saudi Quality Mark (SQM)

The Saudi Quality Mark is a certification mark placed on products to demonstrate compliance with applicable standards and regulatory requirements.

The SQM confirms that:

• The product complies with Saudi standards

• The manufacturing facility operates an effective quality management system

• Ongoing production maintains consistent compliance

A license is granted by SASO after successful evaluation, allowing the manufacturer to use the mark on approved products.

The SQM is typically valid for three years, subject to ongoing surveillance audits.

4. Products Subject to SQM Certification

The SQM applies to a range of regulated product categories, particularly in construction, industrial, and electrical sectors.

Examples include:

• Gas appliances and accessories

• Steel and iron products (e.g. reinforcement bars, flat steel)

• Cement and ready-mix concrete

• Ceramic tiles

• Aluminium composite panels

• Electrical accessories (e.g. plugs, switches, extension cords)

• Oxo-biodegradable plastic additives

For some products, SQM certification is mandatory, while for others it may be applied voluntarily to demonstrate quality.

5. Conformity Assessment Process

To obtain the Saudi Quality Mark, manufacturers must complete a comprehensive certification process.

Step 1 – Application Submission

Application is submitted through the SASO system.

Step 2 – Document Review

Assessment of:

• Test reports

• Technical documentation

• Quality management system documents (e.g. ISO certifications)

Step 3 – Factory Audit

On-site audit of the manufacturing facility to verify:

• Production processes

• Quality management system

• Consistency of manufacturing

Step 4 – Corrective Actions

Any identified non-conformities must be addressed.

Step 5 – Approval and Licensing

SASO grants approval and issues a license to use the Saudi Quality Mark.

Step 6 – Surveillance Audits

Ongoing audits are conducted to ensure continued compliance.

6. Special Requirements and Certification Conditions

The SQM differs from shipment-based certification schemes (such as CoC programs) in that it focuses on ongoing production compliance rather than individual consignments.

Key characteristics include:

• Certification is linked to the manufacturer and production facility

• Requires implementation of a quality management system

• Includes initial and periodic surveillance audits

• Demonstrates continuous compliance rather than one-time verification

7. Objectives of the Program

The Saudi Quality Mark program aims to achieve several regulatory objectives:

• Consumer protection – ensuring products meet safety and quality standards

• Quality assurance – maintaining consistent product performance

• Market confidence – increasing trust in certified products

• Regulatory compliance – enforcing Saudi technical regulations

• Trade facilitation – supporting smoother market access for compliant goods

How SANTIQ Can Help

SANTIQ supports manufacturers and exporters throughout the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) certification process. Through our network of approved certification bodies and technical experts, we assist with documentation preparation, coordination of product testing and factory audits, and implementation of quality management system requirements.

Our services are designed to streamline certification, ensure full compliance with SASO regulations, and support successful approval for the Saudi Quality Mark, enabling businesses to access the Saudi market with confidence.