SASO Regulatory Update – September 2021

SASO recently announced an expansion of the products that will require the National Recognition Certificate for Electrotechnical Devices and Components (IECEE) as a prerequisite for entry to the Saudi market beginning September 1, 2021. The HS Codes for these products have been released – download the list here.

SASO recently announced an expansion of the products that will require the National Recognition Certificate for Electrotechnical Devices and Components (IECEE) as a prerequisite for entry to the Saudi market beginning November 1, 2021.

The following products will require IECEE Certificates as of November 1, 2021 are:

• Electrical circuit breakers

• Charging cables for mobile phones

• Electrical shaving devices

• Desktop computer devices

SASO recently announced that suppliers and manufacturers must obtain a National Recognition Certificate for equipment and devices intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The certificate, issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres, is a prerequisite for entry to the Saudi market beginning November 1, 2021.

The following products will require IECEx Certificates as of November 1, 2021:

• Junction box with cable glands

• Control box with cable glands

• Gas detectors & sensors and gas detection systems

• Electrical plugs and other connecting devices

• Electric pumps

• Fixed linear lighting

In July 2021, QIMA provided an update on the enforcement date for SASO 2663:2021. SASO has now released a full timeline on August 23, 2021 for air conditioner products to be certified to the new SASO standard - SASO 2663:2021 for Air Conditioners - Minimum Energy Performance, Labelling, and Testing Requirements for Low Capacity Window Type and Single-split.

January 1, 2022: Applications in the electronic system (SLS) will no longer be accepted using the previous standard (SASO 2663:2018)February 1, 2022Certificates of Conformity will no longer be issued in SABER using previous standard (SASO 2663:2018)

March 31, 2022: All Shipment Certificates issued through SABER to the previous standard (SASO 2663:2018) will be cancelledApril 1, 2022Start of the mandatory application of the updated standard (SASO 2663:2021) on local customs, ports, and factories

July 1, 2022: All products at local markets and warehouses must be certified to the updated standard (SASO 2663:2021)

On August 22 and 27 2021, SASO published a list of new, adopted and updated standards along with their implementation date in the Um El Qura newspaper.

Download the list here.

On August 15 2021, SASO released the new Technical Regulation for Paper and Cardboard in the official gazette.

Download the Technical Regulation here

On August 23 2021, the KSA Ministry of Commerce issued a recall for Electrolux Dryer Model #EDV805NQSA due to non-compliance with the Saudi Standard for Energy Efficiency. Consumers are encouraged to contact the company to arrange an appointment for a technician to remove the dryer and arrange for a refund.

For more information on this recall please visit https://recalls.sa/recall/search

On August 26 2021, the KSA Ministry of Commerce issued a recall for Birkenstock Sandals Model #MOGAMI due to risk of a plastic rivet that can detach from the sandal's ankle strap. This poses a choking hazard for young children. Consumers are encouraged to immediately stop using the product and return it to the point of sale for a full refund.

For more information on this recall please visit https://recalls.sa/recall/search