The Saudi Quality Mark is a certificate owned by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). It is applied to a number of products categories, mandatory for some and optional for others.
The Saudi Quality Mark is required for the products that fall under its scope and are intended for display in the Saudi market whether they are locally manufactured or imported from another country.
Categories within the Saudi quality mark (sqm) scope
The Saudi Quality Mark can be granted to the following categories of products:
- Construction and Building Products
- Mechanical Products
- Chemical Products
- Electrical Products
- Food Products
The Saudi Quality Mark mandatory scope
The following products are mandatory to obtain the Saudi quality Mark or will not be allowed to access the Saudi market:
- Cement
- Ready-mix Concrete
- Ceramic Tiles/ Porcelain Tiles
- Iron Plate
- Steel Bars
- Gas Appliances and Accessories
- Plugs, Switches, and Sockets
- Electrical Extension Cords
- Aluminum Composite Panel for External Cladding and Internal Finish
- The material used for dissolving plastic (in spite of belonging to the chemicals category)
Saudi Quality Mark Certificate
In order to obtain the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM), the manufacturer or the importer should choose one of SASO notified bodies to carry out the conformity assessment that includes conducting the technical study and factory audits and submit a recommendation to SASO to grant the Mark if the technical file is found complete, the product conforms to the requirement, and the facility applies a quality management system.
Advantages of the Saudi Quality Mark
Obtaining the Saudi Quality Mark is mandatory for a number of products, but it can be obtained for other products optionally, the question here is why to obtain it for some products if it is not obligatory?
The answer is the several competitive advantages ensured to a product bearing the SQM, as the Saudi market is very competitive in addition to the rising consumer awareness of the importance of quality and safety that affect the purchasing decision.
The products obtaining the Quality Mark are more trusted for the consumer as it is ensured by the granting authority to meet the highest standards, which makes the SQM label marketing tool for the product that participates in raising its sales.
On the other hand, the SQM requires applying a quality system in the facility which effectively enhances its reputation on the local and international levels and qualifies it to win awards and international accreditations.
The Saudi Quality Mark has a long expiration period as it is valid for three years, which reduces the cost and efforts needed to obtain it, as well as many granted advantages for a long time with fewer procedures.