To import tiles to Saudi Arabia from India, the factory first needs a SASO Quality Mark for the tile type, and you then need SABER product and shipment certificates of conformity for each consignment. Shipments without them can be refused clearance at Saudi customs.
This is the main thing that separates Saudi Arabia from other Gulf markets. The conformity work happens before the container sails, not at the port.
How does the SASO and SABER flow work?
Ceramic tiles fall under SASO's technical regulation for building materials, covering bricks, tiles, ceramics and sanitary ware. Certification bodies report that the Quality Mark became mandatory for ceramic and porcelain tiles from 13 September 2019. The steps run in this order:
- The manufacturer applies for the Quality Mark through SASO's portal, supported by test reports and a factory assessment.
- Once the mark is granted, a Product Certificate of Conformity is issued through the SABER platform.
- For each shipment, a Shipment Certificate of Conformity is requested on SABER before the goods leave India.
- The certificate number is quoted on the shipping documents and checked at the Saudi port.
What can go wrong?
The common failures are on the factory side. A plant may hold a Quality Mark for one tile type but ship another, or may use a different company name on the invoice from the one on the certificate. Either mismatch can hold a container.
Certification bodies also note that the mark has a limited validity of around three years and that the exact regulation reference has been cited differently by different sources. Treat our summary as a map, and confirm the current rules with SASO or an accredited certifier before you order. Our article on SASO and G-Mark for tiles goes through the marks in more detail.
Before you shortlist a factory, ask for the Quality Mark certificate number and the list of tile types and sizes it covers, and check the scope against your order line by line. Check that the certificate holder and the exporter are the same legal entity, since a trading company shipping a factory's product may need separate paperwork arrangements. How to tell a trader from a manufacturer explains why you should know who holds the certificate.
What shipment checks and documents do you need?
Your clearing agent in Saudi Arabia will ask for the standard export pack plus the conformity paperwork. The documents needed for tile exports from India lists the base set. Check these items for Saudi specifically:
- The SABER shipment certificate number on the invoice and bill of lading.
- A laboratory test report that matches the declared tile type, including water absorption.
- Cartons marked in the way your agent confirms, including the country of origin.
- A certificate of origin, since the origin affects duty and the rate applied.
What about duty?
Saudi Arabia is one of the six GCC states, so the common external tariff and the GCC anti-dumping duty on ceramic and porcelain tiles from India apply. The duty has been in force since June 2020 and was extended in 2026, with rates set by exporter. Read import duties on Indian tiles and confirm the rate for your factory with your customs broker.
Next step
We ask each factory for its Quality Mark, exporter name and duty rate in writing before it goes on your shortlist, and we check the documents against the cargo at loading. To plan a Saudi order, book a free sourcing review.