Here's what you want to know about SASO RoHS

In 2018, Saudi Arabia launched the Product Safety Programme (SALEEM), a comprehensive system of technical regulations, systems and controls managed and implemented by the Saudi Authority for Standards, Metrology and Quality (SASO).

To date, SALEEM covers more than 50 technical regulations for products such as low-voltage electrical and electronic equipment, gas appliances and accessories, mechanical products, toys, chemicals and construction.

Overall Saudi Arabia's certification requirements

1. Certification certificate

a. Product Conformity Certificate COC

b. GC Mark Certification GC-Mark

c. Saudi Quality Mark Certification SQM

d. SASO IECEE Certificate of Approval

e. SASO Energy Efficiency Registration Certificate EER

The above certificates will not be expanded, interested parties can refer to the previous article, it should be noted that the scope of the 2020 SQM certificate has added rowing, converters, plugs and sockets and wall switches, relevant buyers should pay attention to the supplier's certificate acquisition when purchasing.

2. SABER, the electronic conformity registration system

In conjunction with the launch of the Saudi Product Safety Programme (SALEEM), SASO has developed an electronic registration system for product conformity - SABER.

SABER is a system for registering products and obtaining certificates of conformity prior to entry into the Saudi market, to ensure that products meet the requirements of Saudi technical regulations and standards prior to entry into the country and to protect the health and safety of Saudi consumers.

Saudi Arabia Conformity Certification Process (PC&SC)

Stage 1: Register the product on SABER - Submit an application for a Product Conformity Certificate (PCOC/PC) - Select a certification body to review the application - Provide certification information Assessment to certification body - Offline payment of certification body assessment fee and online payment of SABER fee - Approval of PCOC/PC by certification body on SABER

Stage 2: Submit an application for shipment conformity certificate (SCOC/SC) - Certification body confirms shipping invoice information, RoHS compliance (if applicable) - Certification body approves certificate on SABER, the importer pays system fee, downloads certificate for customs clearance.

The electrical and electronic equipment to which the Code applies consists of equipment, devices and tools that rely on electric currents and electromagnetic fields for their proper functioning, as well as equipment for generating, transmitting and measuring these currents and magnetic fields, and which are designed for use with a rated voltage of not more than 1000 volts AC and not more than 1500 volts DC.

The regulation has been implemented in phases from 4 July 2022. The product scope and the latest mandatory timeline are as follows.

a. Household appliances

Small appliances - 4 July 2022

Large appliances - 2 October 2022

b. Communication and information technology equipment?- 31 December 2022

c. Lighting equipment?- 31 March 2023

d. Electrical and electronic equipment and tools?- 29 June 2023

e. Gaming, entertainment and sports equipment?- 27 September 2023

f. Surveillance equipment?- 26 December 2023

How does SASO RoHS work?

1. Conformity assessment form and technical documentation requirements

Conformity assessment based on test results for all electrical and electronic components of the product.

Conformity assessment based on test results for at least three key electrical and electronic components.

Conformity assessment based on the results of raw material testing

2. RoHS test report audit requirements

Audit of the validity period, which is long term, except for changes in products and components that affect compliance.

Audit of the issuing body, an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory, the scope of accreditation includes the relevant test standards.

Products and models tested, need to be consistent with the products and models for which certification is sought.

For the content of the report, attention needs to be paid to whether the version of the standard is correct and whether the test is a full item.

3. Conformity assessment process

Saber platform registration + application - provide technical documentation to certification body for review - technical documentation meets regulatory requirements - have all technical documentation required by other technical regulations Issue PC - Apply for a shipment certificate SC - Place the product on the market

Requirements for renewal of product certificates

When there are no changes to the product components or materials, then a statement certifying that all materials and components of the product remain unchanged is all that is required. When there is a change in product components or materials, a description of the change, an updated risk assessment and proof that the new components are not critical are required. When there are changes to product components or materials that affect critical components, a description of the changes, an updated risk assessment, a test report for the new critical component and an updated declaration of conformity are required.

In particular, it should be noted that SASO RoHS does not have a separate certificate and conformity is assessed at the PC application stage of the Product Conformity Certificate, which is valid for one year.