Following the ‘Saudi Arabia Vision 2030’, the ‘Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization’ (SASO’ has set two strategic objectives, as part of the related ‘Saudi National Transformation Program 2020’:
► Build consumer confidence in product sold in the market.
► Guarantee the fair trade between the buyer and the seller.
Under this program, SASO, obtained the International Accreditation Certificate according to the requirements of ISO IEC 17065 2012 from the GCC Accreditation Center. This is in continuation of SASO’s efforts to enhance confidence in the Mark and to consolidate its role in enabling its products to compete in the local and international markets.
SASO emphasizes that this accreditation helps to facilitate the recognition of the Quality Mark internationally, thus supporting Saudi branded industries and products and expanding their horizons in the target markets.
The Saudi Quality Mark is part of a series of objectives aimed at enhancing the safety of products and consumer confidence in Saudi products, inside and outside Saudi Arabia, and raising competitiveness to achieve regional leadership.
The Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) is a conformity mark owned by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), based on the Registered Trademark registration number 1303/79. This mark is granted by SASO to be used on products that have demonstrated compliance with Saudi standards, manufactured in a facility that has an effective Management System to ensure continuous conformance to requirements.
The Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) is both a voluntary and a mandatory mark. If manufacturers would like to add consumer confidence in their products and the product is not subject to regulation by SASO, the SQM can be chosen as a voluntary mark.
The Saudi Quality Mark is required for products which are considered as high risk based on their nature, application, safety and performance aspects, with a focus on risks to consumers and the environment.
# | Products | Regulations | Date of Application |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Gas appliances and their accessories | Technical Regulation for Gas Appliances and their Accessories | 14-10-2016 |
2 | Steel | Technical Regulation for Building Materials - Part 1: Minerals and their alloys sectors for constructions and buildings | 26-06-2020 |
3 | Cement | Technical Regulation for Building Materials - Part 3: Hydraulic Connections and Related Products | 09-09-2019 |
4 | Ready mixed concrete | Building Materials Technical Regulations – Part 3: Hydraulic Connections and Related Products | 09-09-2019 |
5 | Ceramic tiles | Technical Regulation for Building Materials - Part 4: Bricks, Tiles, Ceramics, Sanitary Ware and Related Products | 13-09-2019 |
6 | Iron plate | Technical Regulation for Building Materials - Part 1: Metal and Alloy sectors for Constructions and Buildings | 26-06-2020 |
7 | Aluminum composite panels for cladding | Technical Regulation for Building Materials - Part 2: Insulation and Building Cladding Materials | 26-06-2020 |
8 | Plastic degradation auxiliaries | Technical Regulation for Biodegradable Plastic Products | 14-10-2016 |
9 | Power Strips | Gulf Technical Regulation for Low Voltage Electrical Equipment and Appliances: Second Issue | 07-08-2020 |
10 | Sockets | Gulf Technical Regulation for Low Voltage Electrical Equipment and Appliances: Second Issue | 07-02-2021
|
*Last updates: 13/02/2021
SASO clarified that this measure is a continuation of its efforts to enhance procedures for raising safety and quality rates in products traded in the Saudi market, noting that the commitment to the quality mark aims to raise the level of technical requirements for connections relating to combustion and ignition resistance, and refractive resistance, as well as heat tolerance in accordance with standard specifications approved in this regard.
Among the most essential requirements that should be met in the organization wishing to obtain a license for the use of the quality mark are the following:
Manufacturers who wish to export or distribute their products to KSA that require the mandatory SQM are obligated to register their Establishment and apply for the SQM through SASO’s JEEM1 portal. SASO then transfers the request to one of their authorized bodies for carrying out the evaluation process and provide their recommendations for granting the SQM License.
Technical experts review all the documents submitted in order to assess completeness and compliance of the product with the requirements.
Auditors visit the factory for initial assessment in order to ensure effective implementation of a Quality Management System and continuous compliance of product with the requirements.
Auditors may collect samples during the audit and subject to internal and/or independent laboratory testing as the need arises.
Applicant will be notified of any findings that need immediate corrective action.
Issuance of certificate and license to use the Saudi Quality Mark, the certificate and license have validity period of 3 years, and is subject to surveillance audits every 6 – 12 month, depending on the product.
►SABERSAUDI is expertly qualified to assist manufacturers to meet the essential requirements of Saudi legislation and can help customers interfacing with Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), as well as manage their application for the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM).
►Testing of the products and management certification issuance
►Issuance of supplementary certificates if needed. Ex: EER and IECEE
All enterprises that want to obtain the Saudi quality mark, upon availability of the standards, and the granting procedure of the product.
It takes from 70 to 90 working days to finish the certification and licensing process.
The Saudi Quality Mark is valid for 3 years, with a periodic inspection, at least once a year. Also the licensed entity must update SASO with any changes in the production line, otherwise there license will be canceled.
The license is auto renewed, unless the entity requested to cancel the license 60 days prior to the end date.
