Saudi Aramco runs one of the largest supply chains on earth. Getting on it requires one thing above all others: 9 com approval.
For manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and EPC contractors targeting Saudi Arabia’s energy sector, 9 com qualification is the entry point to Aramco’s procurement system. Without a 9 com number, your company simply does not appear in Aramco’s e-Marketplace, and Aramco’s procurement teams will never find you.
What Is the Aramco 9 Com List?
The 9 com list is Aramco’s official classification system for approved commodity suppliers. Once your 9 com approval is complete, you receive a unique number and are added to the much sought after Aramco Approved Vendor List (AVL), making you eligible to receive direct requests for quotation (rfqs) on major projects across the Kingdom.
The range of companies that need 9 com qualification is broad: manufacturers of piping, valves, electrical components, mechanical equipment, and structural materials, as well as equipment agents and EPC contractors working on Saudi projects.
Importantly, companies that already hold an Aramco vendor code still need a separate 9 com number to qualify for commodity-based procurement.
How Does the 9 Com Approval Process Work?
The 9 com approval process follows five stages. First, you submit an application through Aramco’s e-Marketplace platform.
Second, Aramco reviews your documentation against the relevant commodity category code, known as the 9CAT.
Third, a technical readiness review takes place, and in many cases this includes a physical site inspection of your manufacturing facility.
Fourth, once all checks are complete, your 9 com number is issued and you appear on the AVL.
Successful 9 com approval completion usually takes between three and six months, depending on category complexity and how complete your documents are at the time of submission.
Core documentation requirements include ISO 9001 certification, product-specific certifications, factory registration documents, and financial records. Requirements vary by commodity category.
What Does 9 Com Have to Do with Local Content?
The connection between 9 com approval and local content is direct and commercially significant. Local content, Aramco’s in-kingdom total value add program, measures how much of a supplier’s activity contributes to Saudi Arabia’s domestic economy.
In February 2026, Aramco announced it had reached its 70% local content target, up from just 35% in 2015, and has now set a new target of 75% by 2030. Suppliers with strong local content scores and Saudi manufacturing presence are given priority in procurement cycles.
If you plan your 9 com application with local content scoring in mind from the start, you improve both your chances of approval and your long-term commercial position.
The local content program has contributed more than $280 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP since its launch and has attracted investments from 35 countries in new in-kingdom manufacturing facilities.
EPS support provides end-to-end 9 com consultancy, from initial readiness assessments and 9cat selection to site inspection preparation and post-submission follow-up. If you want 9 com approval help before you apply, contact us at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Saudi Aramco 9 com approval take?
The process usually takes three to six months, depending on your commodity category and document completeness. Missing or expired certificates are the most common cause of delays.
What certifications do I need for 9 com qualification?
Core requirements include ISO 9001, product-specific certifications, factory registration documents, and financial records. Exact requirements vary by 9CAT code.
If I already have an Aramco vendor code, do I still need 9 com approval?
Yes. A vendor code and a 9 com number are separate. Companies with an existing vendor code still need 9 com qualification to access commodity-based procurement on Aramco’s e-Marketplace.
What is a 9CAT code and why does it matter for my 9 com application?
A 9CAT code is the commodity category code your 9 com application is evaluated under. Selecting the wrong code is one of the most common reasons for failed 9 com applications, because your documentation must match that specific category.
Does Aramco 9 com approval also qualify me for SABIC procurement?
No. SABIC runs a completely separate qualification process, and Aramco 9 com approval does not carry over automatically.
