SASO IECEE Certificate (CB)
For electrical and electronic products exported to Saudi Arabia, the SASO IECEE National Recognition Certificate (also known as SIRC) is a key market access permit. Examples of regulated products include mobile phones, laptops, chargers, and similar electronics.
To ensure accuracy, you should pay special attention to recent regulatory updates. In general, the certification process is based on internationally accepted CB Test Reports, supplemented by Saudi‑specific local requirements.
🔎 What is the Saudi IECEE Certificate?
The Saudi IECEE Certificate, officially called the SASO IECEE National Recognition Certificate (SIRC), is a mandatory compliance document issued by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). It applies to specific regulated electrical and electronic products. The certification combines international IEC test standards with Saudi national requirements (e.g., voltage 220V/60Hz, plug type – British standard BS1363 or SASO 2203 plug) to assess product safety and compliance. It is an essential step within the broader SABER platform digital certification process.
📋 Which products require the certificate?
Saudi Arabia has repeatedly expanded the list of products subject to mandatory IECEE certification. The table below summarises the key product categories you should pay attention to:
| Product Category | Typical Examples | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Communication & IT Equipment | Mobile phones, cordless phones, laptops, tablets, desktop computers, routers | Recently under heavy scrutiny |
| Accessories & Power Supplies | Chargers (wired/wireless/car), charging cables (data cables), power adapters, power banks, mobile phone batteries | High risk of non‑compliance |
| Household Appliances | Dishwashers, water pumps, kettles, coffee makers, electric deep fryers, electric shavers | Energy efficiency requirements apply |
| Audio, Video & Lighting | Televisions, monitors, various types of luminaires / lamps | Additional requirements may include energy efficiency and photobiological safety |
| Others | Smart watches / wristbands, wireless headphones / speakers, video game devices, cables, circuit breakers | The list is continuously expanding |
Please note: This list is not static. SASO regularly issues notices to expand the scope of controlled products. Before starting certification, always verify the latest requirements on the SABER platform or consult with a specialist.
📝 Detailed Certification Process
Obtaining the Saudi IECEE Certificate generally involves the following four steps:
- Obtain a CB Test Report
First, contact an accredited testing body (NCB – National Certification Body). Based on the product category, select the corresponding IEC standard to perform testing and obtain a valid CB Test Report and Certificate. This is the foundation of the entire process. Plan ahead and reserve sufficient time for this step. - Add Saudi National Differences
On the basis of the CB Report, you must supplement it with specific tests for Saudi Arabia. Common national differences include:- Voltage & Frequency: Confirm the product meets Saudi grid requirements 220V/60Hz. If your CB Report is based on other values, you will need additional testing.
- Plug Type: Ensure the product plug complies with Saudi requirements – typically British standard BS1363 3‑pin plug or SASO 2203 standard plug.
- Energy Efficiency Label: For certain products (e.g., lighting, air conditioners), you must also meet separate energy efficiency standards (such as SASO 2902, SASO 2870) and complete the Energy Efficiency Registration (EER).
- Submit to SASO for Approval & Obtain Certificate
Submit the complete CB Certificate, CB Report, national differences test reports, and other application documents (e.g., product manual, photos, importer information) to SASO for review. Upon approval, SASO issues the IECEE National Recognition Certificate. - Operate on the SABER Platform
After obtaining the IECEE Certificate, you must proceed on the Saudi SABER platform to obtain two further certificates:- Product Conformity Certificate (PCoC): Register the IECEE Certificate on the SABER platform to generate a PCoC, proving that this product model complies with Saudi requirements.
- Shipment Conformity Certificate (SCoC): For each shipment, apply for an SCoC using the PCoC. The SCoC is mandatory for customs clearance.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions & Important Considerations
There are some common misconceptions and details that deserve extra attention:
Having a CB certificate ≠ legal to sell in Saudi
Some mistakenly believe that once they have an IECEE CB Certificate, the product can be legally sold in Saudi Arabia. This is a major misunderstanding. A CB Certificate is typically valid for three years; it is only a “credit transfer” document proving the product has passed basic international standards. It must be “converted” via SASO recognition before being used for subsequent applications on the SABER platform.
Typical cost reference: Full testing including safety, EMC, national differences, etc., roughly between RMB 25,000 and 40,000 (exact cost depends on product complexity).
Watch for recent important regulatory updates (especially important!)
In addition to the normal process, the following new requirements from 2025‑2026 directly affect whether a certification is approved. Pay close attention:
- USB Type‑C port mandatory: Starting 1 January 2025, charging ports for electronic devices sold in Saudi Arabia such as mobile phones, laptops, etc., must be USB Type‑C. This requirement is being phased in; the second phase took effect on 1 April 2026, extending to laptops, etc. You must include testing for USB Type‑C ports compliant with IEC 62680 standards in your CB Report.
- Updated IEC standards: From 2026, many basic IEC standards (e.g., IEC 61347 series, IEC 62368-1) have new editions. When applying, you must use the latest version of the standards for testing. Older reports (e.g., IEC 62368-1:2018) will no longer be accepted for conversion.
- Aspect Certification Program (ACP mode): Since February 2025, for products incorporating laser or photobiological safety functions (e.g., LED lights, laser printers), certification must be done via the new ACP mode. Traditional CB reports cannot be used for this route.
Compliance points to avoid penalties
Correct product markings and documentation are essential parts of full compliance and are common sources of fines:
- Label marking requirements: Information on the product itself and its packaging must be exactly identical to the “consistent sample photos” submitted during certification. The IECEE mark must be at least 5 mm in diameter and permanently affixed (no stickers). Furthermore, all labels must be in Arabic or bilingual (Arabic + English).
- Real cost of oversight: In one case, a power bank was held at Jeddah port for 28 days and incurred an additional USD 12,000 in expedited testing fees simply because the CB Report omitted the Saudi voltage/frequency difference – a common penalty trigger.
Certificate Sample
