SQM, known as the Saudi Quality Mark, is a mark of conformity awarded by the Saudi Arabian National Standards Organization (SASO) to certify that a product complies with SASO standards and is manufactured in a factory with an effective management system to ensure continuous compliance. This certification is based on the ISO/IEC 17067 Type 5 certification system, and is used for imported and locally manufactured products. The Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) can only be awarded to products that comply with the relevant SASO standards, regional and/or international standards, and are manufactured by an organisation (i.e. factory/manufacturer) that has implemented an effective quality management system and ensures ongoing compliance. The process of applying for a certified Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) licence involves a thorough assessment of the product, manufacturer test and a quality system assessment of the production process. The SQM is valid for 3 years and is subject to an annual monitoring inspection.
From August 2020, the SQM has been mandatory for power strips products, and from February 2021, the SQM has been mandatory for sockets. This means that manufacturers must apply for SQM certification for these products as soon as possible, otherwise they will not be able to export extension sockets and switches to Saudi Arabia. And buyers of extension sockets and other wiring accessories must find and work with manufacturers who have SQM certification as soon as possible.
Almost a year after this requirement, few manufacturers have completed the SQM certification of their wall switches and sockets products. As a manufacturer, we have successfully obtained SQM license for our extension sockets and plate switches after a series of application processes (document verification, factory audit, sampling & laboratory testing) under the HomeBest trademark. You have no worries about the conformity of the factory, the quality of the product or the certification and customs clearance.
We know that the GCC (G-Mark) is an important certificate for the export of electrical products, such as extension sockets, and that the current GCC members are: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar , Saudi Arabia , United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
The SQM, which is a Quality Mark issued by the Saudi Arabian National Standards Organisation, has become indispensable for the export of products such as power strips and sockets to Saudi Arabia. By comparison , the SQM is of a higher rank or importance than the GCC. In addition to Saudi Arabia, importers in other countries or regions in the Middle East may wish to consider manufacturers and suppliers who have SQM when importing products such as extension sockets or plate switches, which can greatly simplify the customs clearance process. In addition, SQM is an important means of guiding customers through the process of understanding and acquiring products that meet the standards, making them satisfied with the products and thus increasing sales, as well as helping purchasers to gain local and international quality awards, reputation and visibility locally and internationally.