Quick answer
Servers, network equipment and IT hardware for Saudi data centres are certified on SABER under the SASO Communications and IT Devices regulation (the COC-CST route, covering lines such as 8471 and 8517), with CST's licensing rules still applying; computers and power supplies may need IECEE recognition. CST bans the import or sale of unapproved devices. Safe Hands handles your SABER certification end to end, clears as a licensed customs broker and stages hardware in locked cage bays.
Data Centre & IT Hardware
Servers, switches, routers and storage arrays sit on the tariff lines covered by SASO's Communications and IT Devices regulation, so their certificates are issued on SABER through the COC-CST route, with CST's licensing rules still applying. Computers and power supplies may need IECEE recognition. We handle your SABER registration and certification end to end, clear as a licensed customs broker and stage racks in locked cage bays before delivery to the hall.
Which Saudi approvals apply to Data Centre & IT Hardware?
| Product line | Approval | Who applies / our role |
|---|---|---|
| Servers, switches, routers, storage (e.g. HS 8471, 8517) | SASO Communications and IT Devices technical regulation; certificate on SABER (COC-CST route) Source | We handle your SABER registration and certification end to end |
| Telecom and IT equipment licensing | CST regulations for licensing of telecommunications and IT equipment (Decision 532/1445) Source | The licence holder applies; we prepare the documents with you |
| PCs, power supplies, UPS and cables | IECEE national recognition on SABER where the line is listed Source | We handle your SABER registration and certification end to end |
| Every shipment | SABER shipment certificate (SCoC) before the customs declaration, required for every import since 1 October 2025 Source | We handle your SABER registration and certification end to end |
| Customs declaration | FASAH declaration at least 48 hours before arrival Source | Filed on FASAH by Safe Hands as a licensed customs broker |
What do official sources say about Data Centre & IT Hardware?
- The SASO Communications and IT Devices technical regulation lets the manufacturer, its Saudi agent or the importer act as supplier; Annex 1-B lists 119 categories including 8471, 8517, 8525 and 8526. (Source, checked 13 Oct 2026)
- CST Decision 532/1445 sets the conditions for import, clearance and the CST conformity certificate; certificates are issued on SABER. (Source, checked 13 Oct 2026)
- IECEE national recognition covers PCs, phones, power banks, TVs, cables and similar products, with CB test reports and certificates. (Source, checked 13 Oct 2026)
Where do Data Centre & IT Hardware shipments usually come from?
Data-centre hardware ships from the USA, China, Germany, the UK and the UAE; the SASO Communications and IT Devices regulation accepts the manufacturer, its Saudi agent or the importer as supplier, so a vendor from any of these origins can be certified. (Source, checked 13 Oct 2026)
Which freight modes and clearance apply to Data Centre & IT Hardware?
Data-centre builds use commercial air for critical-path racks and spares and full containers for volume hardware, cabling and power equipment; servers, switches and routers clear on SABER through the COC-CST route, and CST bans the import or sale of unapproved devices. (Source, checked 13 Oct 2026)
Choose the request that fits
Importer of Record for Data Centre & IT Hardware
Foreign hardware vendors with no Saudi entity deliver DDP to data-centre projects through Safe Hands as Importer of Record.
Storage for Data Centre & IT Hardware
Hardware sits in locked cage bays with ESD-safe handling and serial/IMEI capture at receiving.
Frequently Asked Questions
QDo servers and switches need CST approval?
Their certificate is issued on SABER under the SASO Communications and IT Devices regulation (COC-CST route), and CST's licensing rules still apply. We handle your SABER registration and certification end to end and confirm by HS code.
QWhat happens to hardware without an approval?
CST bans the import or sale of unapproved devices, so non-conforming stock waits in bond until its certificate is issued.
QWho can be the supplier on the certificate?
The SASO regulation accepts the manufacturer, its Saudi agent or the importer as supplier, so a foreign vendor shipping through an Importer of Record can still be certified.
QHow is data-centre hardware handled before installation?
In locked cage bays with ESD-safe handling and serial and IMEI capture at receiving, then delivered rack by rack to the data hall.
QAir or sea for a data-centre build?
Commercial air for critical path racks and spares, full container for volume hardware, cabling and power equipment.
QDoes every shipment need a SABER shipment certificate?
Yes. Since 1 October 2025 a SABER shipment certificate (SCoC) is required before the customs declaration for every import, regulated or not. We handle your SABER registration and certification end to end. For servers and switches, the product certificate itself is issued on SABER through the COC-CST route.
QWhen is the customs declaration filed?
Safe Hands, a licensed customs broker, files the FASAH declaration at least 48 hours before arrival, so cargo is released on discharge rather than waiting on documents. For data-centre hardware, a line without its certificate waits in bond until it is issued, because CST bans the import of unapproved devices.
QHow do I get a quote?
Request an Import Quote with the product family attached to your request, or message us on WhatsApp; we reply within minutes on WhatsApp. For data-centre hardware, list the HS codes (for example 8471 or 8517) so the COC-CST certificate position can be checked.
Our credentials
- Licensed customs broker
- ZATCA customs clearance
- TGA Freight Forwarder & Broker Licence
- 42/00008120
- ISO certification
- ISO 9001:2015 AMER300621 · ISO 45001:2018 AMER300622
- Verify · Certification body's certificate check
- Head office · Warehouse
- 7273 Fatimah Al Zahraa Rd, Riyadh 12837 · Al Sulay industrial district, Riyadh
Safe Hands Shipping Line is the trade name of شركة الايدي الامينة (Al Aidi Al Amina Company). All credentials →
Other industries we ship for
- Hospitality & FF&E
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- Fit-out Contractors
- Industrial Exporters
- High-Value Electronics
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