Imagine your LED lighting products finally arriving at a Saudi port after a long journey, only to be rejected by customs due to energy efficiency certification issues - rendering all your initial investments worthless. This is not an exaggeration but a real risk that cross-border e-commerce sellers must urgently address.
The Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) has implemented significant revisions to energy efficiency standard SASO 2902, directly impacting lighting products, particularly LED fixtures. The update centers on the implementation of the new SASO 2902:2018/AMD2:2023 standard and its accompanying certification requirements with strict deadlines. Any oversight could lead to product detention or forced returns.
Does Your Product Need Compliance Changes?
The new regulations adopt a differentiated approach rather than blanket requirements. Products that previously entered the Saudi market with exemption certificates (such as certain linear LED strip lights) but no longer qualify for exemptions under the new standard must immediately transition from exemption certificates to formal energy efficiency certification applications.
Conversely, if products remain on the new standard's exemption list, exporters must resubmit exemption certificate applications to ensure compliance with updated requirements. In essence, all exporters must reevaluate and update their certification status regardless of product category.
Crucial Deadlines and Enforcement Timelines
The transition window for updating energy efficiency labels for both compliant products and exempted products closed on May 31, 2025. Since that date, all non-compliant energy efficiency certificates and labels (including exemption certificates) have been invalidated by SASO, with IECEE certificate issuance also suspended.
Key enforcement dates include:
- Mandatory implementation of the new standard: March 31, 2025
- Customs and factory enforcement: June 1, 2025
- Market compliance for products already in Saudi Arabia: June 1, 2026
Exporters must strictly adhere to these deadlines to avoid operational disruptions.
Action Plan for Smooth Customs Clearance
To navigate these changes successfully, exporters should:
- Conduct immediate product assessments to determine new classification requirements
- Initiate certificate modification or reapplication processes with accredited agencies
- Monitor official SASO announcements for potential updates
Proactive compliance measures remain the only reliable strategy to maintain market access and capitalize on business opportunities in Saudi Arabia's growing lighting market.