July 2024

In response to the challenges reported by importers concerning USB Type-C charging port and to streamline the process for all suppliers in achieving optimal implementation of the updated requirements, SASO has decided to postpone the implementation date from August 1, 2024, to January 1, 2025.

This extension grants manufacturers, importers, and suppliers additional time to achieve compliance with the new requirements.

Key Points:

1. Notification Requirement:

   • The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has announced the mandatory implementation of the Type C charger cable standard for all smartphones and electronic devices. This initiative aligns with the European Union's efforts to standardize USB Type-C ports, aiming to streamline charging solutions and significantly reduce electronic waste.

   • Starting from 1^st of Jan 2025, all mobile phones and other electronics items list below must meet the updated standard specifications (SASO IEC 62680-1-2:2017, SASO IEC 62680-1-3:2017)

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) announces an update on the regulatory requirements for the clearance of cosmetic and food products. This update mandates Conformity Assessment Bodies and manufacturing companies to adhere strictly to the clearance requirements when issuing certificates of conformity. Particular attention must be paid to ensuring that all invoices include complete data as required, such as batch numbers and production dates. 1. Introduction: The SFDA is issuing this regulatory update to reinforce the importance of compliance with clearance requirements for cosmetic and food products. This announcement aims to ensure that all parties involved in the certification process adhere to the specified documentation standards.

2. Related Parties:

• Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs): Organizations responsible for evaluating and certifying products to ensure they meet regulatory standards.

• Manufacturing Companies: All entities engaged in the production of cosmetics and food products requiring certification.

3. Product Scope:

• Cosmetic Products: This includes, but is not limited to, skincare, haircare, makeup, and personal hygiene products.

• Food Products: Encompasses all consumable goods that necessitate certification for safety and compliance.

4. Required Actions:

• Commitment to Clearance Requirements: All related parties must commit to meeting the clearance requirements for cosmetic and food products. This includes a thorough review of all documentation to ensure compliance with the established standards.

• Accurate Documentation: Invoices must contain all the necessary information as specified by the clearance requirements. Key data points include, but are not limited to:

  • Batch Numbers: Unique identifiers for product batches.

  • Production Dates: The date on which the product was manufactured.

  • Expiration Dates: (If applicable) The date until which the product is expected to remain in optimal condition.

  • Other Relevant Information: Any additional data required by the SFDA for compliance verification.

5. Importance of Compliance: Adherence to these updated requirements is critical for several reasons:

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that products conform to the legal standards set forth by the SFDA.

• Product Safety: Accurate and complete documentation allows for effective traceability and verification of product safety and quality.

• Efficient Clearance Processes: Proper documentation facilitates smoother and quicker clearance processes, minimizing delays and potential issues at regulatory checkpoints.

6. Conclusion: The SFDA emphasizes the need for rigorous compliance with these updated clearance requirements. Conformity Assessment Bodies and manufacturing companies must work together to ensure that all necessary information is accurately recorded and included in the certification process. This collective effort is vital for maintaining high standards of product safety and regulatory compliance in the cosmetics and food sectors.

SASO has added new product line with some newly added standards to streamline the certification requirement and procedure of some products under this regulation. Also, SASO has amended and changed some standard with updated version.

Key Points:

1. Sunglasses are added to this Technical Regulation with the initial HS code 9004.

2. EN 443 standard has been removed for Firefighter Helmets

3. Below Standards are added in Protective Clothing for Firefighters:

• PPE Ensembles For Firefighters Undertaking Specific Rescue Activities — Part 1: General - ISO 18639-1

• PPE Ensembles For Firefighters Undertaking Specific Rescue Activities — Part 3: Clothing - ISO 18639-3

• PPE Ensembles For Firefighters Undertaking Specific Rescue Activities — Part 4: Gloves - ISO 18639-4

• PPE Ensembles For Firefighters Undertaking Specific Rescue Activities — Part 5: Helmet - ISO 18639-5

• PPE Ensembles For Firefighters Undertaking Specific Rescue Activities — Part 6: Footwear - ISO 18639-6

• Protective Gloves For Firefighters — Laboratory Test Methods And Performance Requirements - ISO 15383

• PPE For Firefighters — Test Methods And Requirements For PPE Used By Firefighters Who Are At Risk Of Exposure To High Levels Of Heat And /Or Flame While Fighting Fires Occurring In Structures — Part 1: General - ISO 11999-1

• PPE For Firefighters — Test Methods And Requirements For PPE Used By Firefighters Who Are At Risk Of Exposure To High Levels Of Heat And /Or Flame While Fighting Fires Occurring in Structures – Part 2: Compatibility - ISO/TS 11999-2

4. Below Standards are added in Eye Protection Equipment:

• Eye And Face Protection For Sports Use — Part 1: Requirements For Downhill Skiing And Snowboarding Goggles - ISO 18527-1

• Eye And Face Protection — Sunglasses And Related Eyewear — Part 1: Sunglasses For General Use – ISO 12312-1

• Eye And Face Protection — Sunglasses And Related Eyewear — Part 2: Filters For Direct Observation Of The Sun – ISO 12312-2

• Eye And Face Protection — Sunglasses And Related Eyewear — Part 3: Sunglasses For Running, Cycling And Similar Active Lifestyles – ISO 12312-3

5. Standard EN 388 for Protective Gloves Against Mechanical Risks has been changed to ISO 23388

6. Standard EN 407 for Gloves Providing Protection Against Thermal Risks has been changed to ISO 23407

7. Below standards are added in respiratory Protective Equipment:

• Respiratory Protective Devices — Performance Requirements — Part 1: General - ISO 17420-1

• Respiratory Protective Devices — Performance Requirements — Part 2: Requirements For Filtering RPD - ISO 17420-2

• Respiratory Protective Devices — Performance Requirements — Part 3: Thread Connection - ISO 17420-3

• Respiratory Protective Devices — Performance Requirements — Part 4: Requirements For Supplied Breathable Gas RPD - ISO 17420-4

• Respiratory Protective Devices — Performance Requirements — Part 5: Special Application Fire And Rescue Services - Supplied Breathable Gas RPD And Filtering RPD - ISO 17420-5

• Respiratory Protective Devices — Performance Requirements — Part 6: Special Application Escape - Filtering RPD And Supplied Breathable Gas RPD - ISO 17420-6

• Respiratory Protective Devices — Performance Requirements — Part 7: Special Application Marine, Mining, Welding, And Abrasive Blasting - Filtering RPD And Supplied Breathable Gas RPD - ISO 17420-7