Amendments to mandatory standards SASO 2927:2019 and SASO 2663:2021

On 24 February 2023, Saudi Arabian Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO) published an Executive Committee Decision No. 40 to introduce amendments to two mandatory Saudi standards, SASO 2927:2019 and SASO 2663:2021

SASO 2927:2019 /A2:2023

The first amendment will take into effect once published in the official gazette. This amendment eliminates the previous requirement in Clause 10.2 of the Energy efficiency functionality and labelling requirements for lighting products – Part 3: Street lighting section. This amendment relates to statement of LED street lighting products and their requirement for a specific colour temperature range of 3000 – 6000 K.

SASO 2663:2021/A1:2023

Minimum energy performance, labelling and testing requirements for low-capacity window type and single-split type air conditioners. Some technical requirements of energy efficiency are indicated in the amendment. The main amendment part includes revisions of the declaration of the rated cooling capacity and heating capacity, acceptability criteria, market surveillance requirements, and some other modifications. This amendment will be implemented 6 months after publication in the official gazette.

SASO Energy Consumption Standard for Electrical & Electronic Equipment

Recently, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) released a notification about the final implementation dates for the new Technical Regulation of the Requirements for Standby, Off Mode Electric Power Consumption of Electrical and Electronic Equipment. Currently, its proposed date of adoption is April 6, 2023, with entry into force on July 1, 2024 for applicable parties.

This regulation aims to rationalize energy consumption in order to preserve resources and the national economy, by defining requirements for the standby and off modes for the electrical and electronic devices mentioned in Article (4), and specifying the conformity assessment procedures that suppliers must adhere to in order to ensure an increase in the energy efficiency of these products and to preserve the environment.

This regulation will affect importers and manufacturers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who handle any of the following products:

• Televisions or electronic screen displays
• Air conditioning units
• Clothes dryers
• Dishwashers
• Washing machines
• Microwaves
• Electric ovens

Manufacturers and importers will be required to submit a valid test report based on this SASO regulation reference test standard as well as the proper documentation supporting their application for the SASO Certificate of Conformity (CoC). This documentation must include additional testing to prove safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), energy efficiency, etc. of the equipment. 
Saudi Arabian importers and manufacturers who fail to meet these energy regulation requirements within their technical filings for CoC could be removed from the market if this regulation passes through this proposal stage successfully.