The Saudi Quality Mark is a conformity mark in Saudi Arabia that represents a company’s commitment to meeting the highest international standards for quality, safety, and performance.
It’s crucial to understand that while obtaining the license may be optional for some products, it is a mandatory requirement for specific regulated items.
This article provides an overview of the Saudi Quality Mark, including clarifying the products that require the mark, the Saudi Quality Mark certification process, and other crucial information to help make the process as seamless as possible.
An Introduction to the Saudi Quality Mark
The Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) is a conformity assessment and certification mark in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Essentially, the certification represents a company’s commitment to meeting the highest international standards for quality, safety, and performance, and is separate from the SASO certification. The certification is based on the stringent requirements of ISO/IEC 17065 and is granted by the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) to factories with an efficient management system and consistently adheres to the relevant technical regulations in the Kingdom.
By obtaining the SQM, companies can differentiate themselves in the market and showcase their compliance with the internationally recognised ISO/IEC 17067 standard. Ultimately, the Saudi Quality Mark stands as a testament to a company’s commitment to providing superior products to their customers.
What Products Require the Saudi Quality Mark?
It’s crucial to understand that obtaining the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) is a voluntary process for most products in Saudi Arabia. However, certain products are regulated and require SQM certification to be sold in the market. The following is a list of such regulated products:
How to Get the Saudi Quality Mark
The Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) program is open to companies regardless of their product category and offers a three-year validity period. Let’s take a look at the general steps involved in the SQM application process:
Saudi Quality Mark Application Process
All businesses that wish to obtain the Saudi Quality Mark must go through an application process that includes conformity assessment activities, including:
- Submit an application in the SASO portal.
- Review of the technical files and test reports, e.g. ISO 9001, ISO 14001.
- Technical study and factory audits by the notified body.
- Corrective actions on recorded non-compliance cases.
- SASO will perform the final review and issue the conformity mark if approved.
It’s essential to keep in mind that the Saudi Quality Mark application process may vary depending on the product category and the corresponding technical requirements and standards.
Once the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) application process has been completed, the company may be subject to periodic surveillance audits to ensure continued compliance with the required standards. The frequency of these audits may vary, with some occurring every 6 to 12 months, depending on the product category.
How Long Does the Process of Obtaining the Saudi Quality Mark Take?
The time required to obtain the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) can vary based on several factors, including the size and complexity of the company, the level of maturity of its quality management system, and the product category. However, the process usually takes around 70 business days from submitting the application. For a more accurate estimate specific to your company, it is recommended to contact us at HQTS.
What Is the Cost of the SQM License?
The Saudi Quality Mark license cost may vary depending on your product type and the number of products. Contact us at HQTS to get a quotation on your particular case.
List of Saudi Quality Mark Certification Companies
It’s important to note that the conformity mark is owned by the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO). The companies can be selected as conformity assessment service providers for the application process, but the mark will be issued by SASO.
1. HQTS
HQTS is one of Asia’s leading quality control companies, with years of experience in the testing, inspection and certification industry. We at HQTS can provide conformity assessment services throughout the Saudi Quality Mark application process, from reviewing technical files to conducting on-site visits and performing technical studies to documenting and helping you rectify any cases of non-conformity.
What Are the Benefits of Obtaining the Saudi Quality Mark?
The Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) is mandatory for some regulated products, but obtaining the license can still provide benefits even if your product is not regulated. Benefits of obtaining the SQM license include:
- Improved competitiveness – The SQM license allows you to display the Quality Mark on your products, demonstrating your commitment to quality and excellence to potential customers and partners.
- Efficient customs process – The SQM license can help streamline the process of entering products through customs ports.
Overall, obtaining the SQM license can provide significant advantages and help your company differentiate itself in the market.
Conclusion: What Is the Saudi Quality Mark?
The Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) certification program in Saudi Arabia represents a company’s commitment to meeting international standards for quality, safety, and performance. The certification is granted by the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) and the conformity activities are undertaken by companies like HQTS.
At HQTS, we have an extensive expertise in managing conformity assessment programs worldwide. Contact us for a free consultation on how we can help you obtain the SQM license.
