What is SASO and Why Does It Matter?
The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) is Saudi Arabia's national standards body. It sets mandatory technical regulations (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Authority — SMQO) that all electrical equipment imported into the Kingdom must comply with before being cleared through customs.
Failure to comply means shipments are rejected at the port, goods are destroyed, or companies face financial penalties. For procurement engineers and EPC contractors working on Saudi Aramco, SABIC, NEOM and Vision 2030 projects, understanding SASO certification is critical.
Key SASO Standards for Electrical Equipment
Low-Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear (IEC 60947 Series)
SASO adopts the IEC 60947 series for low-voltage switchgear including contactors, circuit breakers, motor starters and disconnectors. Imported equipment must carry a valid SASO certificate of conformity (CoC) issued by a SASO-approved certification body.
The test reports must reference:
- IEC 60947-1 (General rules)
- IEC 60947-2 (Circuit breakers)
- IEC 60947-3 (Switches, disconnectors)
- IEC 60947-4 (Contactors and motor starters)
Power Cables and Wiring
Cables for use in Saudi Arabia must comply with:
- IEC 60227 (PVC-insulated cables)
- IEC 60245 (Rubber-insulated cables)
- IEC 60502 (Extruded solid dielectric insulated power cables)
Cables with flame-retardant and low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) ratings are increasingly required on Aramco and SABIC project specifications (SAES-P-100 and derivatives).
Motors and Variable Speed Drives
Electric motors imported into KSA must meet IEC 60034 series efficiency requirements. Since 2023, SASO has aligned with IE3 minimum efficiency class for motors above 0.75 kW — buying IE2 motors for new Saudi projects is now non-compliant.
Variable speed drives (VSDs/VFDs) must comply with IEC 61800 series and carry CE/SASO certification.
MV Switchgear (IEC 62271 Series)
Medium-voltage switchgear and gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) for Saudi utility and industrial applications must comply with IEC 62271. Projects for SEC (Saudi Electricity Company), Marafiq, and NEOM typically call out IEC 62271-200 and IEC 62271-100 compliance explicitly.
The SASO Certificate of Conformity (CoC) Process
All controlled electrical products imported into Saudi Arabia require a CoC from a SASO-accredited conformity assessment body (CAB). The process:
1. **Product testing** — At a SASO-approved lab (e.g. Intertek, Bureau Veritas, TÜV SÜD)
2. **Technical file review** — Factory inspection or document audit
3. **Certificate issuance** — Valid CoC linked to the product model and HS code
4. **Customs declaration** — CoC number declared on the import manifest (SFDA/ZATCA system)
5. **Market surveillance** — SASO conducts post-market checks; non-compliant products face recall
For major brands (ABB, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Eaton), the manufacturer typically holds the CoC and it transfers to the authorized distributor. **Always request the current CoC from your supplier before ordering** — certificates expire and model lines change.
Practical Checklist for Procurement Engineers
Before placing an order for electrical equipment destined for KSA:
- [ ] Confirm the product has a valid SASO CoC covering the specific model
- [ ] Check the CoC expiry date — re-certification is typically annual or biennial
- [ ] Verify the HS code on the CoC matches your import declaration
- [ ] For motors, confirm IE3 efficiency class compliance
- [ ] For cables, confirm LSZH/flame-retardant rating if required by project spec
- [ ] Request the original IEC test reports, not just the certificate
- [ ] Confirm the authorized distributor is named on or can supply the CoC
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
**Mistake 1: Buying grey-market products without CoC.**
Grey-market electrical equipment (re-exported from UAE, India or China without SASO registration) is frequently detained at Jeddah or Dammam ports. Always source from authorized distributors who can provide the original manufacturer's CoC.
**Mistake 2: Assuming CE marking equals SASO compliance.**
CE marking demonstrates EU Directive compliance but does NOT automatically satisfy SASO requirements. SASO certificates must be obtained separately through a SASO-approved CAB.
**Mistake 3: Outdated certificates.**
SASO updates its reference standards periodically. A certificate issued against a 2019 edition of an IEC standard may not be valid for a 2026 import. Always check the edition year cited in the CoC.
How Razz Middle East Supports SASO Compliance
As an authorized distributor of ABB, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Eaton and 15+ other electrical brands in Saudi Arabia, Razz Middle East supplies genuine products with full SASO compliance documentation including:
- Current CoC for every product line
- Original IEC test reports from accredited labs
- Product datasheets with Saudi-market model numbers
- SASO mark (where applicable) on product labels
For technical compliance questions on your next project, [submit an RFQ](/en/rfq) or contact our team directly.
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