SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization) is Saudi Arabia’s official mandatory certification system; all imported goods must obtain certification before entering the Saudi market. FASAH is the electronic certification platform launched by the Saudi government in 2019. Effective January 2025, all mandatory certified products must apply for PCoC (Product Certificate of Conformity) and SCoC (Shipment Certificate of Conformity) via this platform, with paper certifications fully abolished.
Critical Note:Certification must be initiated by a locally registered Saudi company (importer) on the FASAH platform; exporters cannot apply directly.
1.Electrical & Electronic Products (Most Widely Mandated)
-Household Appliances: Air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, electric kettles, etc. (Must comply with SASO IEC 60335 safety standards and SASO 2663/2664 energy efficiency standards)
-IT & Communication Devices:
·Mobile phones, tablets (SAR radiation standards compliance required)
·Laptops, monitors, keyboards, mice (USB Type-C ports mandatory since August 2024)
·Routers, switches, communication base stations (added January 2025)
·Headphones (wireless headphones added 2025)
-Lighting Products: LED lamps, ballasts (luminous efficacy ≥90 lm/W, complying with SASO 2902:2023, mandatory starting June 1, 2025)
-Power Supply Products: Adapters, chargers (complying with SASO 2203:2018, Type G British standard plugs, 220V/60Hz), power banks (UN38.3 test report mandatory)
2.Children’s Products (High-Risk Control)
-All Toys: Must comply with ISO 8124 international safety standards, passing physical & mechanical, flammability, and chemical toxicity tests
-Baby & Parenting Products:
·Strollers, walkers and accessories
·Child safety seats (crash test required, dual control with automotive category)
·Baby cribs, feeding bottles, diapers (added April 2025)
3.Building Materials
·Metal Building Materials: Steel, aluminum (composition analysis report required)
·Sanitary & Ceramic Products: Ceramic tiles, toilets, bathtubs (lead and cadmium leaching test required)
·Electrical Building Materials: Cables, switches, sockets, PVC pipes (complying with SASO 1438 building standards)
·Doors, Windows & Glass: Construction glass (impact resistance test), aluminum alloy doors and windows
4.Automotive-Related Products
·Tires: Must be marked with Saudi seasonal labels (summer/winter), complying with GSO 42/2015 standards
·Automotive Batteries: Capacity and cold cranking current testing required, complying with SAE standards
·Safety Systems: Brake pads, safety glass, child safety seats (dual control)
·Complete Vehicles: All imported vehicles must obtain SASO certification; stricter testing for on-board electronic devices implemented 2025
5.Chemicals & Daily Necessities
-Cleaning & Personal Care:
·Detergents, disinfectants (MSDS safety data sheet required)
·Cosmetics (skin care products, hair dyes; prohibited from containing Saudi-restricted ingredients)
-Paints & Coatings: VOC content must be below Saudi limits (<400g/L)
-Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety helmets, goggles, protective gloves (added July 2025)
6.Food Contact Materials(Key Control 2025)
-Tableware & Kitchen Utensils: Ceramic bowls, stainless steel tableware (FDA or LFGB migration test required)
-Food Packaging: Plastic containers, cling film (heavy metal testing, migration <0.01mg/kg)
-Small Kitchen Appliances: Coffee makers, juicers (dual standards with electrical category)
7.Other High-Risk Products
·Gas Appliances: Gas stoves, water heaters (air tightness test required, high-risk Type 5 certification)
·Elevators & Lifting Equipment: Passenger elevators, escalators (load test report required)
·Power Tools: Electric drills, chainsaws, etc. (complying with SASO IEC 62368-1 safety standards)
·Medical Devices: Non-medical massagers, blood pressure monitors, etc. (Note: Medical-grade requires SFDA certification, not SASO)
2025 Latest Changes & Key Focuses
1.Newly Added Mandatory Certified Products
·Telecommunication Devices: Communication base stations, terminal equipment (effective January 21, 2025)
·Wireless Headphones: TWS headphones, Bluetooth headsets (added 2025)
·Paper & Cleaning Supplies: Cardboard, high-pressure laminates, baby diapers, detergents (effective April 2025)
·Personal Protective Equipment: Fully included in mandatory certification (effective July 24, 2025)
2.Key Technical Requirement Updates
-USB-C Mandate: Since August 1, 2024, all electronic devices applying for PCoC (mice, keyboards, speakers, etc.) must be equipped with USB Type-C ports; existing certificates must be updated by October 2024
-Energy Efficiency Standard Upgrade:
·Air conditioners: SASO 2663:2025 (SEER rating)
·Refrigerators: SASO 2664 (energy efficiency classes A+++ to G)
·LED lamps: SASO 2870 (luminous efficacy ≥90 lm/W)
-Label Revolution: All products must have Arabic labels including:
·Product name, specifications
·Production date/batch number
·Country of origin (must be marked as "Made in [Country]")
·Safety warnings (for high-risk products)
Certification Process & Notes：
Basic Certification Steps:
1.Product Testing: Safety, EMC, and energy efficiency tests conducted by SASO-accredited laboratories (e.g., SGS, TÜV)
2.FASAH Platform Registration:
·Importer creates an account, submits product data and test reports
·Obtains PCoC (Product Certificate, valid for 1 year)
·Applies for SCoC (Shipment Certificate, single-use) before each shipment
3.Customs Clearance Essentials: PCoC + SCoC + Arabic labels + energy efficiency labels (if applicable) – none can be missing
Special Reminders:
-Penalties for Non-Compliance: First-time uncertified products will be detained and fined 5,000 Saudi Riyals (approx. USD 1,330); repeat violations result in blacklisting and 1-year import suspension
-2025 New Inspection Standards:
·Electrical & Electronic Products: 30% random unpacking inspection, focusing on USB-C ports and labels
·High-risk products (medical devices, auto parts): 100% full inspection
Quick Check Guide: Which Products Need Certification?
Product Category Mandatory Certification Special Requirements
Mobile phones/Tablets Yes USB-C port (post-2024.8), SAR testing
Home appliances (AC/Fridge) Yes Energy efficiency label, SASO IEC 60335
Lamps (LED) Yes Luminous efficacy ≥90 lm/W, SASO 2902:2023
Toys Yes ISO 8124 safety standards, GCC certification
Tires/Auto parts Yes Saudi labels, GSO standards
Building materials (steel/pipes) Yes Composition analysis, SASO 1438
Food contact materials Yes FDA/LFGB migration test
PCs/Peripherals Yes USB-C port (post-2024.8)
Wireless headphones/TWS Yes (2025 New) SRRC wireless approval
Home medical devices Yes (partial) Non-medical grade; medical grade requires SFDA
Cosmetics Yes Prohibited ingredient testing, SFDA filing
Books/Publications No Exempt for cultural product
Fresh food No Requires SFDA and customs quarantine
Authoritative Information Sources
·Official SASO Website: www.saso.gov.sa (query latest TR technical regulations)
·FASAH Platform: fasah.sa (only official channel for certification application)
·Saudi Customs (ZATCA): query HS codes and tariff information
Summary:In 2025, SASO mandatory certified products cover 16 categories and hundreds of products, with electrical & electronic products, children’s products, building materials, and auto parts as key regulatory focuses. Exporters must plan certification 3-4 months in advance to ensure products meet the latest standards (especially USB-C ports, energy efficiency labels, and Arabic markings), and complete compliance via the FASAH platform. Failure to comply results in heavy fines or even market ban.
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