As of October 2026, ceramic and porcelain tiles exported to Saudi Arabia need the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) from the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). The importer then needs a product certificate and a shipment certificate issued through SASO's SABER platform.
The G-Mark is a separate Gulf scheme for other product groups. It is not the route for tiles. Shipments without the right SASO and SABER certificates can be refused at Saudi customs.
The regulation behind it
Tiles fall under SASO's technical regulation for building materials, Part 4, which covers bricks, tiles, ceramics, sanitaryware and related products. The Saudi Quality Mark became mandatory for ceramic and porcelain tiles on 13 September 2019.
The Quality Mark is a product certification. The scheme is run through approved certification bodies and involves product testing against the Saudi standards for tiles. Ask the certification body or the factory for the current procedure, because steps and fees are set by SASO and can change.
The steps in order
- The manufacturer or exporter obtains the SASO Quality Mark certificate for the product, applying through SASO's JEEM portal.
- The importer registers the product on the SABER platform and applies for a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC), using the Quality Mark certificate.
- For each shipment, the importer applies on SABER for a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC).
- The shipment clears Saudi customs with the SABER certificates in place.
Who does what
The work is split between the two sides. The factory holds the Quality Mark. You, as importer, hold the SABER certificates. If the factory has no Quality Mark for your product, you cannot complete the SABER steps.
What G-Mark covers
The G-Mark is the Gulf Conformity Mark run by the GCC Standardization Organization. It applies to set product groups, mainly low-voltage electrical equipment and toys. We found no G-Mark requirement for ceramic tiles as of October 2026. If someone asks you for a G-Mark for tiles, ask which regulation they mean.
Sanitaryware is a different case. Water-using fittings fall under other Gulf and Saudi rules, so check those separately if you also import WCs or basins.
What to check with the factory
- Ask for the SASO Quality Mark certificate and check that it names the same company and plant as your exporter.
- Check that the certificate covers the product type, size and finish you are buying.
- Check that it is valid on your shipping date, and verify it with SASO or the issuing body.
- Agree in writing who arranges and pays for each certificate before you place the order.
Duties and changing rules
Certification is not the only rule for Saudi Arabia. The GCC applies anti-dumping duties to tiles from India, with exporter-specific rates. Our list of countries with anti-dumping duties on Indian tiles covers the GCC measure. For the wider list of certificates factories hold, see tile factory certifications.
Requirements change. Check the current position on SASO's SABER portal or with an approved certification body before each new product.
Next step
We check the factory's Saudi Quality Mark, match it to your products and line up the documents your broker needs. To plan a Saudi order, book a free sourcing review.