Saudi Regulatory Authority Expands Scope of SIRC Product Certification Program

The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has expanded the scope of its SASO IECEE Recognition Certificate (SIRC) program to include a wider range of consumer products starting in September and November 2021. SASO is the only certification body (CB) that issues the SIRC, which is required for market access in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for designated product categories and is the lone certification scheme available for such categories.

SIRC background and phased expansion

The SIRC is a recognition certificate in the KSA for products bearing a valid International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) scheme certificate and test reports prepared according to the latest valid IEC standards that are not older than three years. Prior testing and certification continues according to the IEC System of Conformity Assessment Schemes for Electrotechnical Equipment and Components (IECEE). The SIRC is valid for one year upon issuance.

Introduced in 2018, SASO has expanded its scope several times since. This is the range of products requiring the certificate for market access and their time of implementation:

• February 2018 – Mobile phones and tablets, mobile phone accessories, e.g., parts, batteries, chargers, and Bluetooth^® headsets
• August 2018 – Dishwashers, water pumps, smart watches and bands, laptop computers, televisions, monitors and display sets
• February 2019 – Lighting products and accessories
• January 2020 – Electronic smoking products and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems

September expansion of SIRC scope

Beginning September 1, 2021, SASO will begin expanding the scope of the SIRC program to include the following additional consumer product categories. 

• Coffee makers
• Water kettles
• Electric oil fryers
• Electrical cables
• Video game consoles and accessories
• All types of electric pumps providing five horsepower or less

November expansion of SIRC scope

SASO has announced for further expansion of the SIRC scope starting from November 1, 2021, which will bring the following product categories into the program’s scope:

• Shaving appliances
• Desktop computers
• Mobile device charger cables
• Electrical circuit breakers

Additional market access requirements

Although SIRC will be the only certification program available to secure market access for the above products, some types of goods feature additional requirements before a product can be sold in the KSA. Manufacturers of lighting products should complete the SASO Energy Efficiency program requirements before submitting an SIRC application. For plugs, manufacturers must demonstrate compliance with the standard SASO 2203:2018 Plugs and Socket-Outlets for Household and Similar Purposes.

For products manufactured outside the KSA, there is an additional step. Manufacturers need to complete the online SIRC application and, upon approval, provide the SASO IECEE number to the importer. The importer will then register the number using the SABER electronic platform and request a local product conformity certificate and product shipment certificate.

How UL can help with market access under the SIRC program

UL is a market leader in the IECEE CB scheme and maintains National Certification Body (NCB) and Certification Body Testing Laboratory (CBTL) entities around the world. Our testing service provide the CB test reports and certificates required before beginning an SIRC application, and our global facilities can test most of the product categories under the scope of the SIRC.

Our Global Market Access (GMA) services can facilitate your SIRC application by leveraging extensive regulatory experience and a local presence in the region to help streamline the process and help ensure you follow up-to-date regulatory requirements.