Saudi Arabia has been transforming its regulatory frameworks in alignment with Vision 2030, prioritizing digital transformation, economic diversification, and streamlined trade processes. One of the most significant regulatory shifts in recent years has been the migration of product registration for CITC-regulated products to the SABER platform.
This change impacts manufacturers, distributors, and importers of telecommunications, ICT, and electronic equipment. Businesses that once registered directly with the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST, previously CITC) must now comply with the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) requirements under SABER.
For many international companies, these changes can appear complex and time-sensitive. This is where The Saudi Gate becomes your trusted partner. We specialize in guiding businesses through regulatory transitions, managing licensing, handling product registrations, ensuring full compliance, and acting as your Importer of Record (IOR) in Saudi Arabia.
In this service page, we will explain:
- The transition from CITC registration to SABER.
- Why this migration matters for businesses operating in Saudi Arabia.
- The role of The Saudi Gate in ensuring a smooth compliance journey.
- How our services—from licensing to product registration and importation—help companies enter the Saudi market efficiently and successfully.
Understanding the Transition: From CITC to SABER
What Was CITC Registration?
The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC)—now renamed the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST)—was historically responsible for regulating ICT and telecommunication equipment in Saudi Arabia.
Businesses importing or distributing devices such as:
- Mobile phones and tablets
- Network equipment (routers, switches, modems)
- Wireless devices and IoT equipment
- Broadcasting and satellite communication devices
- Smart electronics with radiofrequency features
had to obtain regulatory approvals and certificates directly through the CITC system.
What Is SABER?
SABER is an online conformity assessment platform operated by SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization). It was developed to centralize and standardize the registration and certification of imported and locally manufactured products in Saudi Arabia.
Under SABER, every regulated product must:
- Be registered by a Saudi-based importer or local representative.
- Obtain a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) confirming compliance with relevant Saudi standards.
- Obtain a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) before clearance at customs.
SABER is not limited to telecommunications—it covers all regulated products, from electronics and chemicals to building materials, textiles, and household goods.
Why Was CITC Registration Migrated to SABER?
The migration was driven by the Kingdom’s efforts to:
- Unify regulatory processes under one digital platform.
- Ensure that all imported products meet Saudi standards.
- Simplify trade, reduce paperwork, and improve transparency.
- Strengthen consumer protection and guarantee product quality.
For companies, this means that all CITC-regulated products—previously registered with CITC—must now be registered through SABER under SASO oversight.
What This Migration Means for Businesses
The transition from CITC to SABER has several direct implications for companies:
- Re-registration Requirement: Existing CITC certificates may no longer suffice. Products must be re-registered under SABER to maintain compliance.
- New Standards Application: Products must comply with SASO technical regulations, which may differ from previous CITC requirements.
- Local Importer Requirement: SABER requires a Saudi-based entity—either the local distributor, subsidiary, or an appointed Importer of Record (IOR)—to handle registrations.
- Customs Clearance Dependence: Products without proper SABER certification cannot pass through Saudi Customs.
- Ongoing Compliance Management: Unlike the old system, SABER requires constant updates, renewals, and shipment-level approvals.
For global manufacturers, these challenges may slow down operations, increase costs, and create regulatory risks if not managed correctly.
The Saudi Gate: Your Partner in CITC to SABER Migration
At The Saudi Gate, we provide end-to-end services to help businesses transition from CITC to SABER seamlessly. Our team understands the regulatory framework, the challenges foreign companies face, and the opportunities within the Saudi market.
We offer expertise across four critical areas:
- Licensing Management
- Product Registration in SABER
- Compliance and Certification Support
- Importer of Record (IOR) Services
1. Licensing Management
Before registering products in SABER, companies may need regulatory licenses and permits depending on the nature of their equipment.
Our Licensing Services Include:
- Reviewing product categories and identifying required licenses.
- Facilitating CST (formerly CITC) licensing where necessary.
- Managing SASO-related licensing processes.
- Ensuring all company activities are properly licensed to avoid compliance risks.
With The Saudi Gate, you can trust that your licensing foundation is fully compliant, giving your business a strong starting point in Saudi Arabia.
2. Product Registration in SABER
The heart of the migration lies in product registration within SABER.
Our Registration Process Includes:
- Product Classification: We determine if your products fall under CITC-regulated categories, SASO technical regulations, or other controlled classifications.
- SABER Account Setup: Assisting in creating and managing your company’s SABER profile.
- Documentation Support: Preparing technical files, test reports, and declarations of conformity.
- Certification Procurement: Securing Product Certificates of Conformity (PCoC) and Shipment Certificates of Conformity (SCoC) for smooth customs clearance.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Managing renewals, updates, and compliance monitoring.
Our expertise ensures that your products move from CITC to SABER without delays or costly mistakes.
3. Compliance and Certification Support
Saudi Arabia enforces strict compliance requirements under SABER, including adherence to SASO Technical Regulations.
We Provide:
- Gap Analysis: Reviewing your existing CITC certifications against SASO standards.
- Testing Coordination: Connecting you with approved laboratories for necessary product testing.
- Labeling and Documentation Guidance: Ensuring products meet Saudi labeling requirements in Arabic and English.
- Certification Management: Tracking validity and renewals to prevent disruptions.
With The Saudi Gate, your business remains compliant not only at the time of registration but throughout the entire product lifecycle in Saudi Arabia.
4. Importer of Record (IOR) Services
One of the biggest hurdles for foreign companies is the requirement of a local importer or representative.
If you do not have a subsidiary or distributor in Saudi Arabia, The Saudi Gate acts as your Importer of Record (IOR).
Our IOR Services Include:
- Representing your company legally in Saudi Arabia for product registration.
- Managing all import documentation and customs clearance.
- Ensuring your products are properly registered in SABER.
- Allowing your business to focus on sales and distribution, while we handle compliance and logistics.
By working with us as your IOR, you gain immediate market access without the need to establish a full local presence.
Why Choose The Saudi Gate?
1. Deep Knowledge of CITC and SABER
We understand both the old CITC system and the new SABER requirements, making us uniquely positioned to guide companies through this transition.
2. End-to-End Services
From licensing to compliance, product registration, and importation—we manage the entire process for you.
3. Local Representation
As your IOR, we provide the local presence required to legally register and import products into Saudi Arabia.
4. Proven Track Record
We have assisted global manufacturers, distributors, and technology companies in navigating Saudi regulatory frameworks successfully.
5. Business-Focused Approach
We don’t just provide compliance—we provide market entry strategies that align with your business goals in Saudi Arabia.
Industries Impacted by CITC to SABER Migration
The shift affects a wide range of industries, including:
- Telecommunications & ICT: Smartphones, routers, modems, network devices.
- Electronics & Consumer Devices: Smart home devices, wearables, IoT equipment.
- Broadcast & Satellite: Radios, satellite receivers, communication systems.
- Enterprise Technology: Servers, data center hardware, cybersecurity devices.
If your business deals with telecom, ICT, or smart technology equipment, SABER registration is no longer optional—it is mandatory.
The Risks of Non-Compliance
Failing to migrate from CITC to SABER can lead to:
- Delays at Customs – Products may be held or rejected.
- Financial Penalties – Non-compliance may incur fines.
- Market Entry Barriers – Without certification, your products cannot be sold in Saudi Arabia.
- Reputational Damage – Non-compliance risks relationships with local distributors and clients.
Partnering with The Saudi Gate ensures that you avoid these costly mistakes and maintain uninterrupted access to the Saudi market.
How The Saudi Gate Simplifies the Migration Process
We follow a structured process that makes your transition smooth and efficient:
- Assessment – We review your existing CITC certifications and identify requirements under SABER.
- Strategy – We create a tailored registration and compliance plan.
- Execution – We handle licensing, documentation, registration, and certification.
- Representation – We act as your local Importer of Record for SABER compliance.
- Ongoing Support – We monitor renewals, regulatory updates, and ensure continuous compliance.
Contact The Saudi Gate Today
Saudi Arabia’s regulatory environment is evolving, and businesses must adapt quickly to stay competitive. The migration from CITC registration to SABER is not just a procedural change—it represents a new era of standardized compliance, digital transformation, and global trade facilitation in the Kingdom.
At The Saudi Gate, we ensure your products meet every requirement—from licensing to registration, certification, and importation. Whether you are a global technology manufacturer, a telecom equipment distributor, or a smart device company, we are here to simplify the process and help you succeed in Saudi Arabia.