Saudi IECEE Certification for Mobile Phone Devices
Mobile Phone Equipment – Saudi IECEE Certification
Mobile phones exported to Saudi Arabia must obtain the SASO IECEE Recognition Certificate. This is a mandatory requirement for customs clearance and a prerequisite for applying for the SABER PCoC (Product Conformity Certificate).
Below is the complete guide to applying for this certification.
1. Overview
- Issuing Body: Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO)
- Mandatory Scope: Mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and various electronic/electrical products such as chargers, batteries, smartwatches, etc.
- Key Prerequisite: Must be based on a valid IECEE CB Test Report and Certificate.
- Certificate Validity: Typically 1 year.
2. Certification Process
- Obtain CB Certificate & Report: Contact a qualified NCB (National Certification Body) to perform testing and obtain a valid CB certificate and report. The report is usually valid for 3 years.
- Prepare National Differences Testing: Perform tests for Saudi national differences, such as voltage/frequency of 220V / 60Hz and plug type must be BS1363 (British standard) or compliant with SASO 2203.
- Submit IECEE Application: Apply on the SASO digital services platform. Upload documents and pay fees. Upon approval, receive the SASO IECEE Recognition Certificate.
- Apply for SABER Certificates: Using the IECEE certificate, apply on the SABER platform to obtain the PCoC (Product Conformity Certificate) and SC (Shipment Certificate) required for customs clearance.
3. Required Documents
The following key documents must be submitted when applying for the IECEE certificate on the SASO platform:
| Document Category | Specific Requirements |
|---|---|
| Applicant / Manufacturer Documents | Manufacturer’s industrial license, Saudi importer’s Commercial Registration (CR), business licenses of both parties |
| Technical Documents | CB test report, CB test certificate, product photos and measurement results |
| National Differences Test Report | Report covering Saudi national differences (plug, voltage/frequency, etc.) |
| Declarations of Conformity | Supplier/manufacturer’s undertaking and confirmation form, product Declaration of Conformity (DoC) |
| Instruction Manual | User manual in Arabic or Arabic + English |
| Special Documents | For devices with SIM card: CST certificate; for energy efficiency requirements: energy efficiency certificate |
Regarding the plug requirement in the documents: Saudi Arabia mandates the use of a British standard plug compliant with SASO 2203 or BS 1363. This must be strictly observed when preparing the CB report and national differences testing.
4. Technical Standards & Testing Requirements
For different types of mobile devices, the core standards involved in Saudi IECEE certification vary:
| Product Category | Main Applicable Standards | Key Test Points |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Phones | IEC 62368-1 or IEC 60950-1 | Electrical safety, radio frequency radiation, SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) |
| Batteries & Power Banks | IEC 62133-2 (Lithium batteries) | Overcharge, short circuit, forced discharge, and other safety tests |
| Chargers | Product standard (e.g., IEC 62368-1) + SASO 2203 | Safety, electromagnetic compatibility, plug construction, rating (220V/60Hz) |
In addition to the above safety standards, products must also comply with other Saudi market access requirements, such as:
- USB Type-C Regulation: Saudi Arabia has mandated the use of a USB Type-C charging interface for mobile phones and other electronic devices. As of January 1, 2025, mobile phones that do not comply with this requirement will not be eligible for IECEE certification.
- Wireless / Communication Requirements: If the product includes wireless functions such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular networks, additional radio test reports or certificates issued by SASO‑designated conformity assessment bodies may be required.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the relationship between SASO IECEE and SABER?
- A: The SASO IECEE certificate is the recognition certificate required before customs clearance. SABER is an online platform used to apply for the Shipment Certificate (SC). The process is: first obtain the IECEE certificate, then use it on the SABER platform to apply for the SC to complete customs clearance.
- Q: What if my CB certificate has expired?
- A: It cannot be used. SASO requires that the CB certificate used for application be valid for no more than 3 years. If expired, you must retest the product to obtain a new valid CB certificate.
