What is Saudi SASO Certification?

SASO Overview: 

SASO stands for Saudi Arabian Standards Organization, the standardization body of Saudi Arabia. Many SASO standards are based on international safety standards, such as those of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Similar to other countries, Saudi Arabia has incorporated specific requirements into these standards to reflect its national power systems, geographical and climatic conditions, as well as cultural and religious practices. SASO standards apply to both imported and domestically manufactured products to ensure consumer protection.

Basic certification Information:

1. Regulated Products: 

   - Process: Product Registration + PCoC (G-Mark, Type Approval, Q-Mark, IECEE RC) + SCoC 

2. Unregulated Products: 

   - Process: Product Registration + SCoC 

- Mandatory: Yes 

- Controlled Products: Products listed under the SABER certification scope. 

- Certificate Validity: 

  - PCoC: Valid for one year per certificate. 

  - SCoC: Valid for a single batch. 

JJR Testing Laboratory Authorization: 

JJR is recognized by SASO as an accredited testing laboratory. It is fully authorized to conduct energy efficiency tests for a wide range of lighting products, including household light bulbs, lamps, and streetlights. JJR provides testing and certification services for various lighting products, including general lighting, streetlights, tunnel lights, incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), LED lamps, and integrated and non-integrated luminaires, as well as control devices.

Recent SASO Standards for Lighting Products: 

1. SASO 2870/2018: 

   - An updated version of the previously mandatory SASO 2870/2015 standard. 

   - Introduces new energy efficiency label designs. 

   - Applicable products: Directional and non-directional light sources for general lighting with luminous flux between 60 lm and 12,000 lm, such as incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, compact fluorescent lamps with built-in ballasts, and LED lamps (incandescent or halogen replacements). 

2. SASO 2902/2018: 

   - A new energy efficiency standard for lighting products not covered under SASO 2870, such as incandescent lamps, halogen lamps, LEDs, CFLs, and integrated luminaires with luminous flux exceeding 12,000 lm. 

   - Effective Date: December 7, 2018. 

3. SASO 2927/2019: 

   - A standard specific to streetlight energy efficiency. 

   - As of February 15, 2020, streetlights can no longer be registered under SASO 2902. 

   - Transition Deadline: By June 1, 2020, all previously registered streetlights must comply with SASO 2927. 

Importance of SASO Certification: 

The Saudi Ministry of Industry and Commerce and SASO mandate that all products covered under SASO standards must possess SASO certification upon entry into Saudi customs. Products lacking SASO certification will be denied entry. 

For exports to Saudi Arabia, SASO certification is required for customs clearance. SASO technical personnel will verify the certificate. If the certificate is not provided, the product may be detained, tested in Saudi laboratories, or rejected outright. Non-compliance will result in the rejection of the shipment, and all related costs will be borne by the exporting company.