Protective cases for Middle East / GCC (SA/UAE/QA/KW/BH/OM)

Do you need a local representative for Saudi Arabia?

We STRONGLY recommend a local Saudi importer/sponsor for: customs clearance (SABER system since 2019), government liaison (SASO, MOCI, SFDA for medical devices), local after-sales service and warranty handling. The sponsor must have a Saudi commercial registration and is responsible for compliance with local requirements. Kexin can connect you with vetted Saudi sponsors from our existing network.

How does SASO IECEE certification work for electrical components?

SASO IECEE (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Org. / International Electrotechnical Commission Scheme) certifies electrical components such as LED lighting, fans, power supplies. Procedure: (1) IECEE CB test report from accredited lab (TÜV/SGS/Intertek/DEKRA); (2) application to SASO with CB report + English-language product documentation; (3) SASO evaluation 8-12 weeks; (4) IECEE CoA (Certificate of Approval) + SASO mark on product. Cost: USD 5,000-10,000 per model. For pure passive protective cases (no electronics), SASO IECEE is NOT required — only standard CoO and SABER product safety registration.

What is SABER and how do I register products?

SABER is the Saudi Electronic Conformity Assessment Platform (mandatory since 2019 for all imported consumer goods). Procedure for protective cases: (1) importer creates SABER account and applies for Product Conformity Certificate (PCoC) per HS code; (2) SASO-accredited Conformity Assessment Body (e.g., SGS, TÜV, Intertek) reviews documentation + test reports if needed; (3) PCoC issued, valid 1 year; (4) each shipment: Shipment Certificate (SCoC) based on PCoC. Cost: PCoC USD 200-500, SCoC USD 100-200 per shipment.

What sea freight routes to Middle East?

FOB Shenzhen + container lines: (1) direct service via Indian Ocean: 18-22 days to Jebel Ali (UAE), 22-25 days to Dammam (Saudi), 25-28 days to Doha (Qatar); (2) transit service via Singapore: 22-25 days to Jebel Ali; (3) LCL consolidation for small orders (< 1 container): every 2 weeks from Shenzhen. Main carriers: Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, COSCO, ONE. For express shipment under 5 CBM we also recommend air freight (5-7 days), cost USD 4-7/kg depending on volume and routing.

Do you also ship to Israel?

Yes, Kexin exports to Israel (Haifa, Ashdod, Eilat). Lead time: 22-28 days sea freight via Suez Canal. Israeli standards: SI 900 (equivalent to IEC), SII certification for electrical components (comparable to SASO IECEE). Customs duties 0-12% depending on HS code, VAT 17%. No DDP. For defense/security orders: Israel export compliance and end-user certificate required.