Auto spare parts shipments get stuck at Saudi ports due to missing labels, incorrect certificates, or misunderstanding SASO requirements. The SASO Auto Spare Parts Regulation is a set of guidelines that provide regulations regarding safety and quality standards for new vehicle spare parts sold or imported in Saudi Arabia.
The manufacturers, exporters, importers, and distributors in Saudi Arabia should be aware of this regulation, as it is important to them.
This guide covers:
- What the regulation includes
- Who needs to comply
- How spare parts are classified
- The role of Annex 1
- Relevant standards, such as SASO 2278
- Labelling and conformity requirements
- How compliance is checked before products enter the Saudi market
What Is the SASO Auto Spare Parts Regulation?
The SASO Auto Spare Parts Regulation is a mandatory technical regulation established by the SASO ( Saudi Arabia Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization). It includes regulations that are related to safety and performance requirements and regulations related to labeling, packaging, and conformity testing.
These regulations are applicable to auto spare parts that are manufactured in Saudi Arabia and auto spare parts that are imported from other countries.
Who Must Comply With the SASO Auto Spare Parts Regulation?
All parties involved in bringing automotive spare parts to the Saudi market must comply, this includes:
- Manufacturers (local and international)
- Exporters shipping to Saudi Arabia
- Authorized agents representing foreign manufacturers
- Importers and distributors
- Any company whose name or trademark appears on the product
Legal responsibility: Under SASO rules, a “supplier” is anyone whose name or trademark is on the product. It also includes the person who brings the product into the Saudi market. This party bears full legal responsibility for complying with regulations.
That means, If your company’s name is on the packaging or if you are importing a spare part into Saudi Arabia, you are considered the supplier by SASO. This means you have got the responsibility.
Scope of the SASO Auto Spare Parts Regulation
The SASO Auto Spare Parts Regulation covers only new vehicle spare parts listed in Annex 1.
Annex 1 outlines what the regulation covers. It specifies which automotive spare parts are included and which are not. If a spare part isn’t in Annex 1, it usually isn’t covered by this regulation. Instead, it might fall under the Supplier Declaration of Conformity or other SASO rules.
Suppliers should always check the latest version of the SASO Auto Spare Parts Regulation. This is important because Annex 1 may be updated by SASO. It helps determine if a spare part is covered by the regulation.
Reference: Annex 1 of the SASO Auto Spare Parts Regulation by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO).
What Is Annex 1 in the SASO Auto Spare Parts Regulation?
Annex 1 is your compliance roadmap. It’s the official appendix that specifies:
- Which vehicle spare parts are regulated under SASO
- Which technical standards apply to each spare part? For example, consider SASO 2278, GSO standards, and ECE regulations.
- Which conformity assessment route should be followed (Type 1a, Type 3, or Supplier Declaration)
Annex 1 Examples by Product Category
Annex 1 covers a wide range of safety critical and performance related spare parts. Common examples include:
- Safety systems
Seat belts and child restraint systems must meet standards like SASO 526 and SASO 2209.
- Braking components
Brake linings and related braking parts regulated under SASO GSO ECE 90.
- Glass and visibility components
Safety glass and mirrors that must meet standards such as SASO GSO 1677 and SASO 771.
- Lighting and signalling equipment
Headlamps, fog lamps, and signalling devices are regulated under standards like SASO 1490 and ECE 38.
- Engine and filtration components
Air, oil, and fuel filters assessed against standards such as ISO 5011 and ISO 4548, where applicable.
Note: The list is not exhaustive. For the complete list, please refer to the official Annex 1 document on the SASO website.
Spare Parts Excluded From the Regulation
Not all automotive products fall under this regulation. The following items are excluded because they have their own SASO rules or are seen as complete assemblies, not spare parts:
Excluded products:
- Tires (covered under separate SASO tire regulations)
- Vehicle batteries (separate SASO battery regulation)
- Safety barriers and road equipment
- Complete major assemblies: Full engines, complete chassis, entire gearboxes, complete differentials
Important distinction: Complete assemblies are excluded. But Individual replacement parts for these systems might still be regulated under Annex 1. For example:
- Complete engine = excluded
- Engine gaskets, filters, or pistons = may be regulated (check Annex 1)
Given these exclusions and the complexity of Annex 1, proper classification is critical.
What are the import requirements for automotive spare parts in Saudi Arabia?
In order to import auto spare parts in Saudi Arabia, the following requirements must be met:
- Ensure spare parts comply with applicable SASO or recognized standards
- Follow the correct conformity assessment route
- Obtain a valid Certificate of Conformity from a SASO notified body
- Register products through the SABER platform before shipment
- Apply compliant packaging and Arabic labeling prior to import
Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in delays or rejection at customs.
Meeting these requirements depends on understanding your role and responsibilities as a supplier.
Packaging and Labeling Requirements for Spare Parts in Saudi Arabia
The materials used in packaging should not contain any asbestos, lead, or any other hazardous heavy metals. If plastic is used in packaging, it should comply with the Technical Regulation on Degradable Plastics.
Labels should be clear, permanent, and not removable. Arabic labeling is required for information about the product. The following information should be included either on the package or the product itself:
- Name or trademark of the manufacturer
- Origin country
- Spare part name or identification number
- Quantity included in the package
- Compatible vehicle models
- Product specifications and safety/installation instructions
- Conformity marks
Product name, specifications, and country of origin should be written in Arabic. When the package cannot be used for labeling due to product size, the information should be marked directly on the product.
Conformity Assessment Routes for Auto Spare Parts
Understanding Type 1a vs Type 3 vs Supplier Declaration
There are three main conformity assessment routes for automotive spare parts under SASO:
Type 1a
- Applies to original OEM spare parts listed in Annex 1.
- Requires a Certificate of Conformity from a SASO notified body.
- Testing involves full type testing, and a factory audit is conducted initially and with ongoing surveillance.
- Typical timeline: 6–12 weeks.
For a detailed breakdown of the SASO certification process including testing and SABER registration see our step-by-step guide.
Type 3
- Applies to replacement or aftermarket spare parts listed in Annex 1.
- Requires a Certificate of Conformity from a SASO notified body.
- Testing involves batch testing or continuous surveillance, with periodic factory audits.
- Typical timeline: 4–8 weeks.
Supplier Declaration of Conformity (SDC)
- Applies to spare parts not listed in Annex 1.
- No third-party certificate is needed.
- Compliance is based on self-declaration using internal testing.
- No factory audit is required.
- Typical timeline: 1–2 weeks.
How to determine your conformity assessment route:
- Check Annex 1 – is your spare part listed?
If NO, use Supplier Declaration of Conformity. - If YES, is it an original OEM part?
If YES, use Type 1a. - If listed in Annex 1 but aftermarket or replacement, use Type 3.
SASO 2278 and Other Key Spare Parts Standards
SASO 2278 is a Saudi standard that outlines technical and safety requirements for specific automotive spare parts. It’s referenced in Annex 1 and defines compliance criteria for certain product categories.
H3: Other frequently applicable standards:
Saudi standards (SASO):
- SASO 526 – Seat belts
- SASO 2209 – Child restraint systems
- SASO 1490 – Vehicle lighting devices
- SASO 771 – Rear-view mirrors
GSO standards (Gulf Standardization Organization):
- SASO GSO 1677 – Safety glass
- SASO GSO ECE 90 – Brake linings
International standards (when Saudi/GSO not available):
- ISO 5011 – Air filter testing
- ISO 4548 – Oil filter performance
- ECE regulations (ECE 38, ECE 48, etc.) for lighting and signaling
If local SASO or GSO standards are not available, internationally recognized standards (ISO, ECE, SAE, JIS) may be accepted provided they ensure equivalent safety and performance. Document your justification in your technical file.
Understanding standards is only half the battle, here’s how compliance is monitored and enforced.
Enforcement, Violations, and Penalties
Authorities verify compliance at customs ports and through market surveillance. Random samples may be taken for testing at the supplier’s expense.
It is prohibited to manufacture, import, sell, or advertise non compliant spare parts. Violations can lead to serious results. These include product withdrawal, re-export, destruction, and cancellation of certificates. There may also be penalties under the Anti Commercial Fraud Law.
Non-compliance leads to more than just fines. It causes shipment delays, raises costs, and harms your reputation in the long run.
Practical Compliance Checklist
- Classify the spare parts according to Annex 1 of the regulations
- Ensure quality systems are in place at the manufacturing plants
- Standardize the compliant Arabic labels and packaging
- Ensure the conformity assessment is complete prior to shipping
- Ensure technical documentation is well-organized
- Ensure teams are well-trained regarding the compliance requirements
- Ensure procedures are in place regarding recalls and complaints
خاتمة
SASO Auto Spare Parts Regulation is a vital regulation that guards consumers and ensures product quality in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As an exporter, importer, or distributor, it is vital to comprehend Annex 1 of this regulation. It is essential that you use the right standard, like SASO 2278, and carry out conformity assessment using SABER, which will help you in your business.Being compliant is not just about avoiding fines.
It is also important because it will be beneficial to your long-term success in this crucial market.
نصيف عمر هو المؤسس والرئيس التنفيذي لشركة AutoSmart Technology، وهي منصة SaaS تعمل على رقمنة عمليات التدقيق لمصنعي المعدات الأصلية والموزعين وشبكات الوكلاء. بفضل خبرته السابقة في شركة تويوتا (عبد اللطيف جميل) وخبرته في مجال تكنولوجيا المعلومات والإدارة الصناعية، يكتب عن عمليات التدقيق والانضباط التشغيلي وتطوير منتجات SaaS للعملاء من الشركات في مختلف الأسواق.
