Driven by the rapid growth of the global new energy industry, Saudi Arabia has become one of the largest lithium battery consumption markets in the Middle East. The SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization) has enforced mandatory certification for lithium batteries. Products without valid compliance certificates will be detained by Saudi customs and barred from entering the local market. This article gives a full breakdown of SASO certification scope, core test items and application procedures.

1. Overview of SASO Certification

SASO is Saudi Arabia’s official authority responsible for national standards and mandatory compliance schemes. Lithium batteries and battery-equipped products are listed under the mandatory import certification catalogue. Products must obtain SASO certification and bear the compliance mark for legal market access.

Applicable Standards:

• SASO IEC 62133-2:2017 for portable lithium batteries
• SASO IEC 62619:2022 for lithium batteries used in energy storage systems

2. Comparison of SASO Certification Types

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3. Core Test Items per SASO IEC 62133-2

1. External short circuit: Temperature rise shall be lower than 170°C; test results shall be recorded for reference.
2. Abnormal overcharging: Charge at current of 2Iₜ/10; maximum temperature below 70°C, no fire or explosion allowed.
3. Forced discharge: Discharge at 0.2Iₜ down to 0V, then verify recharge recovery performance.
4. Compression test: Apply force up to 1.3 kN in specified directions; no fire or explosion permitted.
5. Drop test: Free fall from 1 meter height (center position); no leakage, fire or explosion.
6. Thermal abuse: Maintain at 130±2°C for 30 minutes.
7. Temperature cycling: Cycle between -40°C and +70°C for 5 times; no deformation or cracking after testing.
8. Vibration test: Frequency range 10–55 Hz, amplitude 0.8 mm, 90 minutes per axis.
9. High temperature storage: Store at 70±2°C for 24 hours, conduct repeated cycle verification.
10. Low air pressure test: Store at 11.6 kPa and 70°C for 6 hours (simulate air transportation conditions).

4. 6-Step SASO Certification Application Process

Step 1: Product classification Confirm the product HSN code and corresponding SASO standard, and determine whether to apply for standard CoC or factory-based certification.

Step 2: Select accredited testing body Choose an NCB-recognized SASO laboratory and arrange sample testing. Tests for single cells shall be performed by third-party accredited organizations.

Step 3: Full product testing Complete all tests in accordance with SASO IEC 62133-2:2017 or IEC 62619:2022. The regular testing cycle is 4–6 weeks.

Step 4: Prepare technical documents Compile test reports, factory audit forms (if required), material formulas and product layout drawings.

Step 5: Apply for CoC via SABER Platform Submit applications online through the official SABER platform, together with test reports and supporting documents.

Step 6: Certificate issuance & shipment After SASO approval, the CoC certificate will be issued. Affix the compliance mark on products before exporting to Saudi Arabia.

5. Acceleration Strategy with IECEE CB Certificates

Manufacturers holding valid IECEE CB certificates (IEC 62133-2:2017 or IEC 62619:2022) can reuse existing CB test data for SASO application. Since SASO standards are technically equivalent to the corresponding IEC versions, only a minimal number of supplementary tests are required, which greatly shortens the overall lead time.

6. Five Key Notes for Export to Saudi Arabia

1. Arabic labelling: Outer packaging and user manuals must include accurate Arabic translations for all critical safety information.
2. SABER Platform registration: Local importers shall complete pre-registration on the SABER platform. All certificate information must be consistent with cargo details.
3. Certificate validity management: CoC certificates are valid for 3 years. It is recommended to start renewal procedures 3 months prior to expiry.
4. Supporting UN 38.3 documents: Provide valid UN 38.3 transport test reports for sea and air shipments; apply for UN 38.3 certification in parallel for higher efficiency.
5. Factory inspection: For high-volume manufacturers or clients requiring factory-based certification, SASO auditors may conduct on-site or remote factory audits in China.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is SASO certification mandatory for lithium batteries imported into Saudi Arabia? A: Yes. Per the GSO mandatory certification catalogue, lithium batteries and related products require SASO certification. Uncertified goods will be detained by customs.

Q: Can existing CE certificates replace SASO certification? A: CE certification cannot be used directly for Saudi market access. CE follows EU directives, while SASO adopts dedicated local standards. A separate SASO CoC application is mandatory. However, test data from EN 62133-2 shares high similarity with SASO IEC 62133-2 and can be partially reused after assessment.

Q: What is the typical lead time for SASO certification? A: A brand-new full application including testing and platform registration generally takes 6–10 weeks.

Q: How long is a SASO certificate valid? A: Standard CoC certificates are valid for 3 years. Re-application is required if core components such as cells or BMS undergo major changes. Renewal shall be arranged 3 months before expiration.

Q: Can we apply for SASO, CE and KC certification together to cut costs? A: Combined application is feasible. Take the IEC 62133-2:2017 CB certificate as the foundation, then convert test data for CE (EN 62133-2), KC (supplementary tests) and SASO (full data reuse). Combined certification can reduce total testing costs by 30%–50%.

Feel free to contact Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd. for customized SASO compliance solutions.

Disclaimer This article is AI-assisted for reference only, and does not constitute certification commitment or legal advice. All operations shall comply with the latest official SASO regulations and standards.