Description

The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO; Arabic: الهيئة السعودية للمواصفات والمقاييس والجودة) is a technical government body in Saudi Arabia was established in 1972 and governs tasks related to standards, metrology, and quality.

Structure and Responsibilities

SASO is administrated by a board of directors headed by the Minister of Commerce and Investment and membership of sectors interested in standardization in the Kingdom.

The responsibilities of SASO is mainly focusing on designing and approving national standards for goods, products, and services. Its tasks also include the Issuance of regulations that ensure the assessment procedures of goods, products, and services under approved standards. Promoting awareness regarding standards and quality, conducting studies and research are also involved with the responsibilities of SASO.

Following the ‘Saudi Arabia Vision 2030’, the ‘Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization’ (SASO has set two strategic objectives, as part of the related ‘Saudi National Transformation Program 2020’:

1. Build consumer confidence in product sold in the market.
2. Guarantee the fair trade between the buyer and the seller.

To achieve those two strategic objectives, the “Launch of the Saudi Product Safety Program” (called “SALEEM” was initiated). Under this program, SASO will be issuing ‘Technical Regulations’ (TR) for the specific products, based on their nature, application, safety and performance aspects, with a focus on risks to consumers and the environment. The TRs include binding clauses which describe the Technical Requirements, Applicable Standards, and Conformity Assessment Procedures (CAPs) that shall be complied with. Compliant products to be placed on the Saudi market may be provided with a Product Certificate of Conformity (CoO), in preparation of Shipment Certificates of Conformity (CoC) required for Shipments of those certified products.

To successfully implement Saleem Program, SASO has introduced SABER System, a web-based portal for the issuance of Product COC and Shipment COCs.

The Certification process both of Products and Shipments starts with the Suppliers application via the SABER system. One of the following three Conformity Assessment Procedure (CAP) is defined in the applicable Technical Regulation:

1. Type 1a (Type test / ‘Attestation of Conformity’ applies to samples tested only)
2. Type 3 (Type test / Periodic testing of products from the point of production / Periodic assessment of the production process)
3. Type 5 – see ‘Saudi Quality Mark (SQM)’-scheme

The Shipment CoC of the registered Products, issued by a Recognized Conformity Assessment Body like TÜV Rheinland, indicates the quantity and further shipping information.