أخطاء شائعة تؤخر تخليص الجمارك في سابر

Common mistakes that delay customs clearance at Saber

Byashaheenco

In this article, we will review the common mistakes that delay customs clearance in SABER, and how to avoid them to speed up procedures and ensure the safe and smooth entry of goods. We will also discuss the role of Abdullah Shaheen Customs Clearance Company in helping individuals and companies overcome these issues in a professional and reliable manner.

The SABER system is one of the electronic systems launched by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization to facilitate the process of importing goods into the Kingdom and to ensure their compliance with approved Saudi standards. Although the goal of SABER is to speed up customs clearance procedures and ensure product quality, many individuals and importers still face repeated delays in clearing their goods through customs, often due to simple mistakes that can be avoided.

First: What is the SABER system?

The SABER system is an electronic platform that allows importers and manufacturers to register products and issue certificates of conformity for them before entering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The goal of the system is to ensure that every product introduced into the local market complies with Saudi standard specifications and is safe and suitable for use.

Registration in SABER is an essential step for any import process, as no shipment can be customs cleared without a certificate of conformity issued through the system.

 

Second: How does the registration and clearance process work through SABER?

To understand the errors that occur, it is important to know the basic steps in the system.
 The process includes the following:

  1. Logging in to the SABER system through the importer’s or company’s account. 
  2. Entering product data (name, category, country of origin, manufacturer, etc.). 
  3. Selecting an approved conformity assessment body to conduct inspection and issue the certificate of conformity. 
  4. Uploading the required documents such as the invoice, certificate of origin, inspection results, etc. 
  5. Obtaining the Product Certificate of Conformity (Product Certificate). 
  6. Issuing the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (Shipment Certificate). 
  7. Submitting the certificate to customs to complete clearance. 

Each of these steps requires accuracy in data and clarity in documents, and any simple mistake may lead to a delay in the customs clearance process or even rejection of the shipment entirely.

 

Third: The most common mistakes that delay customs clearance in SABER

1. Entering inaccurate product data

One of the most common mistakes is entering incorrect or incomplete information about the product, such as:

  • The trade name does not match what is written on the packaging. 
  • The country of origin differs from the actual data. 
  • Unclear product category or classification. 

These errors cause the Standards Authority to delay reviewing the application or request amendments multiple times, which leads to postponing the issuance of the certificate of conformity and consequently delaying customs clearance.

 

2. Choosing an unapproved or unsuitable conformity assessment body

In the SABER system, an approved conformity assessment body must be selected according to the type of product.
 However, many importers choose a body that is not recognized or does not have the required accreditation for the relevant category, which leads to rejection of the application and restarting the process from the beginning.

Therefore, it is always important to ensure that the selected body is officially accredited by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO).

 

3. Delay in uploading required documents

Another recurring mistake is delaying the upload of documents such as:

  • The original commercial invoice. 
  • The bill of lading. 
  • The certificate of origin. 
  • Inspection results from an approved laboratory. 

Every day of delay in uploading these documents means a delay in their review and approval within the system, which directly affects the time of goods release.

 

4. Mismatch between the actual shipment and what is registered in the system

In some cases, the data registered in SABER differs from the actual contents of the shipment, whether in quantity, weight, or product type.
 This leads to remarks from customs officers, and they may request additional inspection or resubmission of the certificate, causing significant delays in clearance.

 

5. Expiry of certificates of conformity

Certificates of conformity have a specific validity period, and if they expire before the shipment arrives at customs, the procedure is suspended until they are renewed or a new certificate is issued.
 This mistake is very common, especially among importers with multiple consecutive shipments.

 

6. Incorrect HS Code

The customs code or HS Code is the basis for classifying goods, determining customs duties, and identifying the required specifications for each product type.
 Entering an inaccurate or incorrect code leads to data discrepancies between the two systems (SABER and customs), causing delays in matching between the parties.

 

7. Uploading documents in an unacceptable format or quality

Many users upload documents with low quality or in an unapproved format such as unclear images or incomplete files.
 System staff may reject the application and request re-uploading in a clear, signed PDF format, which prolongs the procedures.

 

8. Failure to review invoices before submission

Some importers rush to upload invoices without ensuring that the information recorded matches the SABER data.
 Any discrepancy between the invoice and the certificate of conformity (such as price, quantity, or product number) leads to returning the application for review and delaying clearance.

 

9. Ignoring system messages and notifications

The SABER system sends notifications to importers regarding remarks or amendment requests, but some users do not regularly monitor their accounts, which delays responses and leads to freezing the process.

 

10. Not cooperating with an approved customs broker

Many individuals attempt to complete procedures on their own without seeking the help of a professional customs broker.
 Although the system is electronic, clearance requires practical experience in dealing with government entities and customs systems.
 A mistake in one step may lead to long delays and additional costs, especially if ground or storage fees are incurred.

 

Fourth: How can you avoid customs clearance mistakes?

1. Verify data before registration

Carefully review all product information before entering it into the system and ensure it matches the invoices and labels on the products.

2. Use only approved conformity assessment bodies

Always choose a conformity body recognized by the Standards Authority and do not rely on untrusted entities.

3. Adhere to original and clear documents

Ensure that all documents are clear, updated, and official, and do not upload unofficial images or incomplete files.

4. Continuously monitor certificate validity

Create a plan to track certificate expiry dates and renew them before it is too late.

5. Seek assistance from a customs clearance expert

Dealing with a specialized company such as ashaheenco company saves you time and effort and ensures speed in dealing with the system.

 

Fifth: Why choose Abdullah Shaheen Customs Clearance Company?

The ashaheenco company is considered one of the leading companies in the field of customs services within the Kingdom and is distinguished by extensive experience in dealing with the SABER system and all related government platforms.

Advantages of dealing with the company:

  1. Technical expertise in the SABER system
     The company includes a team trained to use the electronic system accurately, which reduces the rate of common errors. 
  2. Speeding up clearance procedures
     Thanks to full knowledge of the steps and required customs clearance documents, waiting time is reduced and goods are released quickly. 
  3. Continuous follow-up service
     The team follows up on the request from the moment it is registered until the final certificate is received and communicates with the relevant authorities when needed. 
  4. Handling all types of goods
     Whether food, electronic, or industrial products, the company has experience with each category and its specific requirements. 
  5. Saving the importer’s time and effort
     Instead of handling technical details yourself, the company manages all steps on your behalf, avoiding delays and fines. 

 

Sixth: Golden tips to speed up customs clearance in SABER

  1. Ensure accurate data entry from the start. 
  2. Regularly monitor emails and system notifications. 
  3. Do not wait for the shipment to arrive to start SABER procedures; begin before shipping. 
  4. Use only approved laboratories and conformity bodies. 
  5. Deal with an experienced and approved customs broker. 
  6. Ensure all original documents are available (invoice, certificate of origin, bill of lading). 
  7. Keep electronic copies of all documents in clear PDF format. 

 

Seventh: What happens if the shipment is rejected or suspended?

If you face an issue such as rejection of the certificate of conformity or suspension of the shipment at customs, the following steps are necessary:

  1. Review the reason for rejection through your SABER account. 
  2. Correct the data or re-upload the required documents. 
  3. Contact the relevant conformity body to address the remarks. 
  4. In complex cases, it is recommended to seek the assistance of a professional customs clearance company to speed up the solution. 

Abdullah Shaheen Company has experience in resolving pending issues within SABER and maintains strong relationships with the relevant authorities that help accelerate procedures even in complex cases.

 

Eighth: Conclusion

The mistakes that delay customs clearance in SABER are often simple administrative or organizational issues, but they consume significant time and effort.
 Accuracy in data entry, document follow-up, selecting approved bodies, and relying on a professional customs broker are the keys to speeding up the process.

If you are looking for a reliable entity to help you complete all your customs procedures quickly and safely, then ashaheenco company is the ideal choice, with its long experience and high professionalism in dealing with the SABER system and Saudi customs.

📞 Contact us now to receive full technical and procedural support from the first product registration until it safely reaches your warehouse.

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