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International Type Approval and Safety Approval
June 2022
Authorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enhance the security of the radiocommunication sector at the private level. Regulation limiting the import of private wireless communications devices to its authorized agents and proscribes individuals to import and license wireless communications devices by themselves after the enforcement date of the Regulation on May 25, 2022. Contact CSIA if you have questions on how this could impact your future Global Market Access in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
March 2022
The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) has published a new version of the WLAN regulation, which adds the 6 GHz band and updates the conditions of use.
February 2022
The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) of Saudi Arabia has updated its standards for WLAN equipment and devices that operate in non-licensed frequency bands (Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.). Devices that operate in the non-licensed bands will be expected to meet the requirements and standards outlined in the document going forward. The document outlines the operating ranges for the various frequencies, and the related test standards that they are required to adhere to (and thus, the associated test reports/data that will be required). Contact CSIA for more information on this subject.
December 2021
The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) of Saudi Arabia announced that the 5925-7125 MHz (6 GHz) frequency band will be opened for license-exempt use. CITC is working to implement the decision through the use of regulations, technical specifications, and a WLAN regulatory document. CITC has not yet published regulatory documents related to license-exempt use in the 6 GHz band. Devices that use the 6 GHz band for license-exempt use, like Wi-Fi 6E, are unable to be type approved until such regulatory documents are published as statements.
November 2021
The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) released a list of new products requiring mandatory SASO IECEE/IECEX Recognition Certificate. Starting November 1, 2021, the following products require the Recognition Certificate:
IECEE (Electro-technical Devices and Components)
- Circuit Breakers
- Mobile Phone Charging Cables
- Electric Shavers
- Desktop Computers (PCs)
IECEX (Equipment and Devices Intended for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres)
- Junction Box (Electrical Wire Intersection) with Cable Connection Points
- Control Box with Cable Connection Points
- Gas Detectors and Sensors
- Gas Detection Systems
- Electrical Plugs and Other Connecting Devices
- Electric Pumps
- Linear (Fixed) Lighting
November 2021
On 9 July 2021, the Saudi Arabian Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO) issued a Technical Regulation for Saudi Arabia RoHS. The Regulation aims to restrict the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, and to define conformity assessment procedures to which suppliers must adhere. Relevant parties are given until 5 January 2022 (180 days after publication in the official gazette) to meet the provisions of this Regulation. Non-compliant products can be circulated in the market for a maximum period of one year after publication.
RoHs requirement is combined in the conformity assessment of SASO PC, which means RoHs conformity is the precondition of SASO PC. TÜV SÜD Middle East is notified body for RoHs assessment.
For detailed product list please contact CSIA.
September 2021
Saudi Arabia has expanded the list of products that require SASO IECEE Recognition CertificateIn Saudi Arabia.
Some categories of products require SIRC to obtain the Product CoC and Shipment CoC for clearance of the shipment at the KSA Customs. Contact CSIA for more information on this change and how it may affect your products entry into The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
August 2020
These officially went into effect on July 20, 2021 and include the following details.
Product categories subject to the updated CITC regulations include:
Mobile phones, tablets, and mobile computers
Mobile routers and customer premises equipment (CPEs)
Cellular IoT devices
Mobile phones, tablets, and mobile computers must support at least LTE (4G) technology, however devices are recommended to also support 5G NR technology and WiFi 6/WiFi 6e, and equipped with eSIM. Specifically the devices must support B1, B3, B8, B20, B28, B40 and B41 (2540-2640MHz) LTE frequency bands. Starting in July 1, 2022 devices must also support the following 5G frequencies to obtain certification for the Saudi Arabia market. Those 5G frequencies are: 5G NR: n1, n3, n8, n28, n40, n71, n77. All handsets must support the Cell Broadcast Service (CBS) and starting October 1, 2021 they should also meet requirements for the Advanced Mobile Location (AML) emergency communication service.
For mobile routers and customer premises equipment (CPEs) the devices must support at least LTE (4G) technology, and starting July 1, 2022 must also support WiFi6 technology.. It is recommended that these devices also support 5G NR and WiFi 6e (5.925 – 7.125 GHz) technologies when entering the Saudi Arabia market. Additionally, devices should operate in the following LTE bands: B1, B3, B8, B20, B28, B40 and B41 (2540-2640MHz) and starting from July 1, 2022 devices must also support 5G NR: n1, n3, n8, n28, n40, n71, n77 frequencies to get access to the Saudi Arabia market.
Cellular IoT devices should support at least LTE (4G), NB-IoT, or LTE-M technologies and operate in B3, B8, B20, and B28 frequency bands. The CITC also recommends for such devices to be able to operate on LTE/NB-IoT/LTE-M: B71 frequency band. Contact CSIA for more information on these changes and how they affect your Global Market Access in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
January 2020
Starting January 15, 2020 the list of products that require mandatory registration on SABER has been updated.
The SABER allows traders to issue the required conformity certificates and shipment certificates of conformity for products that enter the Saudi Arabia marketplace.
This updated list affects many products and is going to be the method used by KSA customs to clear products for importation. It is important to know if your product is on the list as your product may have previously been exempt.
With the update, many products that entered into Saudi Arabia using SASO CoC can no longer be imported without going through the process of SABER approval.
Should your product be un-regulated, not on the new regulated list, your importer can upload a self declaration of conformity showing the compliance of the product with the KSA standard and take responsibility for importing the product.
Please, remember if the product is the regulated one, the shipment first must be verified by the Certification body. If a valid CoC is confirmed a Shipment Certificate of Conformity is also issued online on SABER and valid for that specific shipment only.
Any shipment orders that are not issued by SABER will be deceased except for those that have a CoC issued before the validity date of the TR for the specific product.
Please contact CSIA for more information on these regulatory updates and your Global Market Access needs.
March 2019
The kingdom must abide by the technical Body specification (RI056) "Specifications of the global system for mobile Communications (UMTS) (3g) and (LTE) (4g) and its attached devices ", which included that the devices must support the fourth generation as a minimum and the electronic poster should be applied to it. Therefore, the peripheral devices within the scope of this specification that do not meet the requirements of the above specification will not be opened or approved, and the authority has cancelled the certificates of conformity for non-4g devices that were approved prior to the issuance of the above-mentioned specification.
The new regulations specifically state "All mobile phones and tablets must contain CITC E-label and complies with CITC broadcast alert procedure in disaster and emergency situation.
Additionally, all mobile phones, tablets, routers and modems must support 4G as a requirement for equipment approval and customs clearance."
This means only cellular products that support 4G will be approved and allowed entry into Saudi Arabia.
Note that in August of 2019 CSIA consulted with CITC regarding cellular products that were approved under technical specifications other than RI056. We were informed that although the regulations specifically mention technical standard RI056 no cellular product that does not utilize LTE will be approved in Saudi Arabia.
Specification for UMTS (3G) and LTE (4G) Handsets and Related Equipment requires tracking devices and machine-to-machine communication devices to support 4G technology. Testing should be done to ensure compliance with the following specifications:
EN 301 908-1
EN 301 908-2
EN 301 908-6
EN 301 908-13
EN 301 489-1
EN 301 489-24In addition, products must also comply with Specification GEN001, and mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, and laptops must possess a CITC e-label.
CIT approval in Saudi Arabia refers to the certification issued by the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC). This approval is essential for telecommunications equipment and devices to ensure they comply with national standards, technical specifications, and regulatory requirements.
CIT approval covers a wide range of products, including mobile phones, networking equipment, and other telecommunications devices. The certification process typically involves testing for safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and performance standards. Obtaining CIT approval is necessary for manufacturers and importers to market and sell their products in Saudi Arabia, ensuring that they meet local regulations and protect consumer interests.
SASO approval in Saudi Arabia refers to the certification issued by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). This approval is crucial for products being imported or sold in the Saudi market to ensure they comply with
national standards for safety, quality, and performance.
SASO approval applies to a wide range of products, including electronics, appliances, construction
materials, and automotive parts. The certification process typically involves testing and evaluation to
verify that products meet the required specifications and safety standards. Obtaining SASO approval
is essential for manufacturers and importers, as it ensures consumer safety and facilitates smoother
entry into the Saudi market.
CIT Certification:
- CIT Certification requires acceptable CE reports.
- All terminal equipment that use mobile networks (SIM) are required to have 4G. If the product is not an IT or Telecommunications product then modular certification is required. This means all test reports and associated documents must reflect the Make and Model of the module. The certificate will be issued in the name of the module. Should you use a "chip" instead of a stand alone module CSIA will provide further explanation on how to proceed.
- DoC with company stamp and signature required.
- DoC signed and stamped by an ILAC lab required. If client cannot provide this a RED type certification certificate can be supplied instead. Should the client not have a source for this CSIA can provide this service.
- SASO or CoC import inspection may be required. CSIA can provide contact information for this service.
- CST stated that Foreign SIM Cards are allowed for calls using the roaming, but for IoT applications and other applications rather than calls they allow using only Saudi SIM Cards.
- New standards for ethernet equipment are in place and new regulations for IoT are under review but not yet published.
- A sample may be required for mobile phones being certified.
- Lead time is approximately 3-4 weeks from the time all document have been collected.
- Certificate is valid for 2 years.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia CIT label requirements:
Country of origin.
Applicable ratings.
(The applicable ratings are the Electric rated Voltage (V) and Frequency (Hertz): for Saudi Arabia the acceptable ratings are: 220/230 V and 60 Hz only)
Symbol for nature of supply, for d.c. only.
(The symbol for power source for DC (Direct Current).)
[Description: Image result for dc power supply symbol]
Manufacturer’s name, trademark or identification mark.
Manufacturer’s model or type reference.
The instructions for use and shall be given in the official language(s) of the country in which the product will be sold. (i.e. Arabic).
Frequencies allowed in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
CSIA can provide supporting services should your company not be able to meet
country specific requirements such as a local representative, local certificate holder, translating documents into the native language, etc.
Contact one of our friendly associates today, they are happy to assist you!
CSIA also offers FCC Certifications, CE Certifications, ISED Canada.
Contact CSIA at (503) 482 9289 or quotes@csiassoc.com
The listed frequencies above are not a complete listing and some products/technology have restrictions so it is important to contact CSIA for more details regarding the Saudi Arabia frequency plan.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia SASO label requirements:
Country of origin
The country of origin (COO) must be indicated in Arabic or English on all imported goods. The format should be "Made in xxx" or "Manufactured in xxx".
Warnings and safety instructions
All markings for warnings and safety instructions must be in Arabic or Arabic and English.
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Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia Regulatory Approval Overview
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is located in the Middle East
The current population of Saudi Arabia as of 2024 is 33,962,757
The official language of Saudi Arabia is Arabic. The three main regional variants are: Najdi Arabic, Hejazi Arabic - also known as Hijazi Arabic & West Arabian Arabic.
Regulatory Updates for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia cellphone E-Label requirements:
The E-label must be accessible to the user and show the certificate number issued by the CITC