SABER Certificate for Paints
Paints need a SABER Product Certificate, and every shipment needs a SABER Shipment Certificate.
Overview
This page covers solvent-based paints, enamels and varnishes, including fire-resistant paints.
Paints fall under the Technical Regulation for Paints (Pigments) and Varnishes. Before the first shipment, an approved certification body reviews your test reports and issues a SABER Product Certificate. Each shipment then needs its own SABER Shipment Certificate before it can clear Saudi customs. Since 18 June 2026, your Saudi importer also needs an approved MIM Product Declaration for these codes before the shipment certificate can be issued. SABER also lists an environmental performance certificate for these codes.
Documents required
SABER certificate type: Type 3 (type approval plus production assurance). After type approval, your factory needs a certified product safety management system. The certification body visits the factory before approval, which lasts three years, and then carries out periodic and unannounced audits.
- Test reports for your paints
- Declaration of conformity
- Product details
- Photos of the product and labels
- Factory inspection documents
- MIM Product Declaration form
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
This is our default preparation list. Actual requirements depend on the product, HS Code, applicable regulation, certification route and shipment details. We verify the list for your product before proceeding.
The market
Saudi Arabia imported US$180 million of solvent-based paints and varnishes in 2024. US$1.6 million came from India.
Source: UN Comtrade, HS 3208.10 to 3208.90, 2024
Find your HS code
Solvent-based paints are coded by their base polymer, then by type: varnish, fire-resistant paint or other paint.
How it works
Step 1
Confirm your product and code
Send us the product details and test reports. We confirm the right HS code and requirements.
Step 2
Get the product certificate
We help prepare the SABER product certificate application and the documents asked for.
Step 3
Ship with a certificate
For each shipment, we help with the SABER Shipment Certificate and your importer's declaration.
Request a quote
Tell us about your paints. You can review the prepared request and send it through WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Do water-based paints use these codes?
No. Water-based paints fall under heading 3209.
Do my paints need the MIM Product Declaration?
Yes. These codes are on the MIM list, so your importer's declaration must be approved before the shipment certificate is issued.
Is the product certificate the same as the shipment certificate?
No. The product certificate covers your paints. The shipment certificate covers one shipment, so you need a new one each time you ship.
Do you provide the certificate?
Yes*. We help you get the certificates your product needs, from preparing the documents to the final approval.
Sources
- SABER HS code list (Technical Regulation for Paints (Pigments) and Varnishes) (opens in a new tab)
- SASO Technical Regulation for Paints (Dyes) and Varnishes, Version 2 (03-03-16-155), Art. 6/1, 6/3, 7: conformity assessment procedure (opens in a new tab)
- MIM circular on Product Declarations, 18 June 2026 (No public link; we hold an English translation.)