Getting on Saudi Aramco’s approved vendor list is one of the most important steps a manufacturer or supplier can take when entering the Saudi market. The 9COM list is Aramco’s official classification system for approved commodity suppliers. Once you are listed, you become eligible to receive direct requests for quotation (RFQs) on major projects across the Kingdom. Without it, your company is simply invisible to Aramco’s procurement teams.
Who Needs 9COM Approval?
If your company makes or supplies engineered equipment, industrial materials, or technical products, you likely need 9COM approval. This includes manufacturers of piping, valves, electrical components, mechanical equipment, and structural materials, as well as EPC contractors and equipment agents working on Saudi projects. Companies that already have a vendor code with Aramco still need a separate 9COM number to qualify for commodity-based procurement.
The Step-by-Step 9COM Registration Process
The process runs through Aramco’s e-Marketplace platform. Here is how it works:
Step 1: Supplier Profile Activation. Register and activate your company profile on the e-Marketplace. Make sure all company data, contacts, and documents are complete before moving forward.
Step 2: 9CAT Commodity Category Selection. Choose the correct commodity categories (9CAT codes) that match your products. Wrong selections are one of the most common reasons for rejection.
Step 3: Documentation Submission. Submit your technical and quality documents. This includes ISO 9001 certification or equivalent quality management system (QMS) evidence, product certifications, factory credentials, and financial standing documents.
Step 4: Technical Readiness Audit. Aramco will review your technical capability. In many cases, this includes a physical site inspection of your manufacturing facility. Being well-prepared for this audit is critical.
Step 5: Approval and Listing. Once all checks pass, your 9COM number is issued and you appear on the Approved Vendor List (AVL).
The full process typically takes between three and six months, depending on category complexity and document completeness.
Common Reasons Applications Are Rejected
The most frequent problems include: incomplete or expired certificates, selecting the wrong 9CAT codes, weak quality management documentation, and poor preparation for site inspections. A missing document that seems minor can delay the entire process by months.
9COM and IKTVA Compliance
9COM approval connects directly to Aramco’s IKTVA (In-Kingdom Total Value Add) program. Suppliers with strong local content scores and Saudi manufacturing presence are given priority in procurement cycles. Planning your 9COM application with IKTVA scoring in mind improves your chances and your long-term commercial position.
SABIC Vendor Qualification: Key Differences
SABIC runs its own separate vendor qualification process. While some documents overlap with Aramco requirements, the platforms, category codes, and audit criteria are different. A company approved by Aramco is not automatically approved by SABIC, and vice versa.
How EPS Manages the End-to-End Process
EPS Support Services works with manufacturers and suppliers to manage the entire 9COM process, from initial document review and 9CAT selection to site inspection support and post-submission follow-up. The team has direct experience with Aramco’s e-Marketplace system and knows what Aramco’s evaluators look for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do I check the Aramco Approved Vendor List?
The AVL is managed internally by Aramco. Approved vendors appear in the e-Marketplace system after their 9COM number is issued.
Q2. What is the difference between a vendor code and a 9COM number?
A vendor code registers your company with Aramco for general dealings. A 9COM number qualifies you to supply specific commodities and receive RFQs for those categories.
Q3. How long does Aramco 9COM approval take?
Typically three to six months, depending on the category and how ready your documents are at the time of submission.
Q4. What certificates are required for Aramco registration in 2026?
Core requirements include ISO 9001, product-specific certifications, factory registration documents, and financial records. Requirements vary by commodity category.
Q5. Is there an Aramco 9COM renewal process?
Yes. Approved vendors must renew their qualification at regular intervals and keep certificates and company information current on the platform.
Take the Next Step
Getting 9COM approval right the first time saves months of delays and protects your commercial position in the Saudi market. If you want to know where your company stands before you apply, the EPS team can walk you through a readiness assessment at no cost.
Reach out to EPS Support Services at [email protected] to get started.
