GCC textile standards come from two layers: regional standards published by the GCC Standardization Organization, and national rules in each member state. SASO textile requirements in Saudi Arabia are the most developed, and they work through an online conformity system called SABER, which needs a certificate before textile goods can clear customs.
This article describes how the system works in outline. It changes, and parts of what we found came from testing-body and seller summaries, not official text. Confirm every point on the SABER platform, with a Saudi-accredited certification body or with your customs broker before you ship.
What does Saudi Arabia require for textiles?
Saudi Arabia has a technical regulation for textile products. Testing-body summaries say it covers goods that are at least 80% textile fibre by weight, including clothing, and has been mandatory through SABER since December 2019. It sets basic requirements, such as safety and labelling, and the conformity procedure suppliers follow.
In practice the process, as described by testing bodies, has these parts:
- The product is registered on SABER and tested at an accredited laboratory against the relevant Saudi or GCC standards.
- A certification body reviews the reports and issues a product certificate of conformity.
- For each shipment, the importer obtains a shipment certificate of conformity, which customs checks.
Testing bodies also report that Saudi Arabia has applied a product safety programme named SALEEM to textiles. Ask your certification body how it relates to the SABER certificates for your product.
What about labels?
Summaries say consumer textiles need labels showing fibre content, size, care instructions and origin, with Arabic required and other languages allowed. The exact content depends on the product. Ask the certification body for the current labelling standard for your product, and have the factory sew compliant labels in from the start. Our guide on care labelling rules in the US, UK and EU describes the care symbols that may be used, though Gulf rules have their own text.
How do the other GCC states differ?
The UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain each run their own conformity and customs systems on top of GCC standards. Some use product registration or a conformity scheme for regulated goods, and some focus on customs checks and labelling. Do not assume that a Saudi certificate covers another state, or the reverse. Ask your clearing agent in each country what applies to your exact goods.
For tariff, India has a trade agreement with the UAE. Preference depends on origin proof. Read Indian fabric into the UAE and GCC and ask your broker about your commodity code.
What should Indian suppliers prepare?
A mill or factory that has shipped to the Gulf should be able to show previous test reports and certificates. Ask for them, and check the issuing body on its database, as in verifying a textile certificate. Also confirm that the sample tested is the same construction as the goods you buy. A certificate for a different fabric is no use.
The usual export papers still apply. See the document pack for exporting textiles and main export markets for Gujarat textiles. Allow time in the programme for testing and certification before the first shipment.
Next step
We find and audit mills and factories, check samples and documents, have lots tested, and supervise production and loading. Tell us your Gulf destination and product, and we will help you line up the tests and papers before you order. Book a free sourcing review.