Saudi Water Efficiency Label
Saudi Water Efficiency Label is a mandatory certification scheme implemented by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) for certain water-using products, aimed at optimizing water resource utilization by setting energy efficiency and water consumption standards.
This scheme is an important part of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Water Strategy. It covers household appliances and sanitary ware products, with specific requirements varying by product category.
Key Dates & Latest Updates
| Product Category | Key Dates & Standards | Main Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Sanitary Ware | 1 Jan 2018: Water efficiency labeling mandatory. 1 Jan 2025: Water efficiency certification becomes a prerequisite for obtaining SABER PCoC/SCoC. From 2026: Water label updated to five levels, new product categories added (smart toilets, irrigation equipment, etc.). | Finer water efficiency grading, expanded scope, stricter enforcement for unregistered products. |
| Electric Washing Machines | Draft update of SASO 2885:2025. – Rated capacity: up to 25 kg. – Public consultation deadline: 12 May 2026. | Detailed requirements for washing efficiency, Energy Efficiency Index (EEI), Water Consumption Index (WCI); technical updates (distinct standards for top-load vs front-load, new test methods). |
Applicable Product Scope
The Saudi Water Efficiency Label mainly covers the following two categories:
- Sanitary ware: faucets, showerheads, water closets (toilets), squatting pans, urinals, bathtubs, bidets, water tanks, and associated components.
- Household appliances: electric washing machines and washer-dryers with rated capacity not exceeding 25 kg.
Certification Process
Obtaining the Saudi Water Efficiency Label typically involves the following basic steps. In practice, failure to affix the label before selling products in Saudi Arabia will result in customs clearance failure and penalties.
- Product & Lab Confirmation: Confirm the product is within scope and select a SASO-approved laboratory. (e.g., CVC (Foshan) in China is one such lab.)
- Sample Testing: Send samples to the lab for water efficiency and performance testing according to relevant Saudi national standards. For sanitary ware, test standard typically refers to SASO 2664/2018.
- Application Submission: Submit water efficiency label registration application via official online platforms such as SABER, along with the test report and technical documents. In some cases, a local Saudi company must be appointed as an authorized representative.
- Review & Certificate Issuance: After review and approval by SASO or an authorized body, a Water Efficiency Certificate (RWC certificate / WEL certificate) and label are issued, valid for one year.
- SABER Integration: After obtaining the water efficiency certificate (RWC), you can apply for PCoC and SCoC on the SABER platform for customs clearance.
- Label Affixing: Download the electronic water efficiency label and affix it to a conspicuous position on both the product and its outer packaging.
- Certificate Renewal: The water efficiency certificate must be renewed annually; it is recommended to prepare in advance.
Label Examples
The design and content of the Saudi Water Efficiency Label vary by product category.
Examples of main label styles:
- Sanitary ware: Typically uses a color-coded grading design, green = most efficient, red = least efficient, helping consumers intuitively assess water saving performance. From 2026, sanitary ware labels have been upgraded to five levels.Image placeholder: Saudi sanitary ware water efficiency label
- Electric washing machines: Label size approx. 100mm x 170mm, includes energy efficiency grade, electricity consumption, water consumption, model, QR code, etc.
- Energy efficiency grade: A to G (7 levels) based on Energy Efficiency Index (EEI).
- Water efficiency grade: A to G (7 levels) based on Water Consumption Index (WCI).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q1: Who needs to apply for the Saudi Water Efficiency Label?
- A: Manufacturers, importers, or their authorized representatives exporting regulated products (sanitary ware, appliances, etc.) to Saudi Arabia.
- Q2: What is the typical certification timeline and cost?
- A:
- Timeline: The whole process (testing + review + issuance) – recommend allowing at least 3 months. Testing takes about 5 working days, document review about 10-15 working days.
- Cost: Mainly testing fees (approx. 500-2000 USD) and registration fees (approx. 1000-3000 USD per year).
- A:
- Q3: What is the relationship between SABER and the Water Efficiency Label?
- A: From 1 January 2025, water efficiency certification (RWC) is a prerequisite for applying for the PCoC on the SABER platform. You must obtain the water efficiency certificate first, then apply for PCoC and SCoC on SABER for customs clearance.
- Q4: What is the difference between the 2026 refrigerator energy efficiency regulation and the washing machine water efficiency regulation?
- A: 2026 involves both a new washing machine water efficiency regulation (SASO 2885:2025) and a new refrigerator energy efficiency regulation (SASO 2892:2025). They cover different technical fields: the washing machine regulation covers both energy and water efficiency and washing performance, while the refrigerator regulation focuses on energy efficiency. However, both are part of SASO’s mandatory energy/water labeling system, and the process (registration via SABER) is similar.
