A shipment of 28 tons of aluminum profiles arrived at Dammam port last month. The vessel berthed Tuesday morning; by Friday, the container was still sitting on the dock with a “Customs Hold” tag. The cargo itself was perfectly fine — no damage, no weight issue. The hold came from a single mismatch in the **SABER certification for aluminum profiles in Saudi Arabia**: the “Product Model” field on the certificate said “Series 6000” instead of “6063-T5.”

That one small field difference triggered a full document review, a bank guarantee request, and three days of demurrage. The shipper lost $1,200 in storage charges and missed the delivery deadline with the end buyer. This is not an isolated case — it happens regularly with aluminum profiles and other building materials entering Saudi Arabia through Dammam.

![Freight image](https://zhongdong123.cn/image/A020.jpg)

### Problem 1: The “Model Number” Field on SABER Certificates

Many exporters fill the SABER application with generic descriptions like “Aluminum Profile” or “Profile 6000 Series.” Saudi Customs expects the exact product model as listed in the manufacturer’s technical data sheet. If the certificate says “Profile-AL-01” but the commercial invoice and packing list mention “6063-T5 Aluminum Profile,” the system flags a mismatch.

**Root cause:** The SABER certification for aluminum profiles in Saudi Arabia requires alignment between the certificate and the shipping documents. Even a difference in a hyphen or a space can trigger a hold.

**Solution:** Before submitting the SABER application, obtain the exact model number from the factory’s spec sheet. Include it in the certificate exactly as it will appear on the invoice and packing list. If the model has multiple variants (e.g., T5 vs T6), create separate certificates or specify both if allowed.

### Problem 2: Product Description vs. HS Code Consistency

Aluminum profiles fall under HS code 7604.21 or 7604.29 depending on shape and alloy. The SABER certificate must have the correct HS code at the 6-digit level and the description must match the customs tariff heading. Many shippers use code 7604.21 (“Hollow profiles”) for all profiles, even when the shipment includes solid rods or bars. Dammam customs officers cross-check the certificate description against the actual cargo.

**Root cause:** A mismatch between the SABER certificate’s HS code/description and the customs declaration leads to a hold. The system also checks if the product is correctly classified for SABER certification (many aluminum profiles require a supplier declaration of conformity, not a full product certificate).

**Solution:** Work with a customs consultant in Saudi Arabia to confirm the correct HS code for each profile shape. Ensure the SABER certificate description is exactly the same as the one on the customs declaration (usually in Arabic or English). If using a local representative, share both documents before shipment.

### Problem 3: Expired or Invalid Supplier Registration

SABER requires the Saudi importer to register the product under their account. If the importer’s commercial registration (CR) does not cover “aluminum profiles” or the product category is listed as “construction materials” instead of “metal products,” the SABER certificate will be rejected at the port. Dammam customs has stopped many containers because the importer’s CR had expired or didn’t include the correct activity code.

**Root cause:** The SABER system links the certificate to the importer’s valid CR. Any change in the importer’s license — even an address update — can invalidate the certificate if not reflected in SABER.

**Solution:** Ask the Saudi buyer to check their CR activity codes before applying for SABER. Advise them to keep the CR active and verify that the product description matches one of the activities listed. For new importers, the registration process takes 2–3 weeks — plan accordingly.

### Problem 4: The “Energy Efficiency” Requirement for Certain Profiles

Some aluminum profiles used in building facades or windows need an additional energy efficiency certification under Saudi Building Code (SBC) requirements. The SABER certificate alone is not enough. Dammam customs may hold the container if they see that the product is a “thermal break” profile without the corresponding SBC certificate.

**Root cause:** The SABER certification for aluminum profiles in Saudi Arabia does not automatically cover building energy performance requirements. If the profile is intended for exterior use, a separate test report from an accredited lab may be required.

**Solution:** Identify the final use of the aluminum profiles before shipping. If they are for windows, doors, or curtain walls, check with the importer if an SBC energy efficiency certificate is needed. Include this in the pre-shipment document checklist.

### Problem 5: Incorrect “Manufacturer” Name on the Certificate

Dammam customs sometimes cross-checks the manufacturer name on the SABER certificate with the factory registration in the Saudi “Facility Register.” If the name differs slightly — e.g., “Zhangjiagang Aluminium Co., Ltd.” Vs. “Zhangjiagang Aluminum Co., Ltd.” — the system flags it.

**Root cause:** A spelling inconsistency between the SABER certificate and the customs database for the manufacturer.

**Solution:** Use the exact legal name of the manufacturer as it appears on their business license. Avoid abbreviations. If the factory has multiple spellings (e.g., “Aluminum” vs. “Aluminium”), pick one and use it consistently across all documents.

**Key takeaway:** The SABER certification for aluminum profiles in Saudi Arabia is not just about getting a piece of paper. It’s a document that must match the commercial invoice, packing list, customs declaration, and manufacturer records to the letter. One small field — a model number, a hyphen, a space — can cost you days and thousands of dollars in Dammam demurrage.

### Actionable Checklist Before Booking a Dammam Shipment

- ☐ Confirm the importer’s CR is valid and includes the product activity code.
- ☐ Obtain the exact product model number from the factory spec sheet.
- ☐ Apply for SABER with the exact HS code (7604.21 or 7604.29) and product description.
- ☐ If profiles are for exterior use, check energy efficiency requirements.
- ☐ Share the SABER certificate with the forwarder for a pre-booking document review.
- ☐ Ask the forwarder to confirm the SI cut-off and any additional Dammam customs documentation needed (e.g., certificate of origin, bill of lading).

Before your next booking, request your freight forwarder to run a pre-clearance document check specifically for the SABER certificate against the invoice and packing list. This simple step can save you from the most common hold situations at Dammam.