Policy Update｜SASO Urgent Reminder: Vehicles Without Compliance Certificate Will Be Sent Back

2025/7/11 14:27:46

Recently, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has issued a strict warning: All new and used vehicles imported into Saudi Arabia must obtain a SASO Certificate of Conformity (COC) before shipment, or they risk being sent back!

This urgent reminder comes after a recent incident where a large number of vehicles from a certain brand arrived at Saudi ports without the required certificate. As a result, customs clearance was blocked, causing high port fees and the risk of shipment being returned. SASO’s move aims to prevent such incidents and ensure all imported vehicles strictly comply with Saudi safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Key Points of the New Regulation:

· Expanded Coverage: Both new and used vehicles must have the SASO-COC certificate—no exceptions.

· Earlier Deadline: The certificate must be completed before the goods leave the port of origin.

· Severe Penalties: Vehicles without the certificate will be denied customs clearance and forced to return.

· Clear Responsibility:Importers, exporters, and logistics providers all share compliance responsibility.

Risks of Non-Compliance:

·High return shipping and port storage costs

·Supply chain interruptions and serious delivery delays

·Damage to company reputation and risk of losing access to the Saudi market

How to Avoid Risks?

·Plan Certification Early: Allow enough time for vehicle testing and document review.

·Choose Accredited Agencies: Work with SASO-approved certification bodies.

·Verify Certificate Validity: Make sure the certificate is officially issued and valid before shipment.

·Send Certificate with Shipment: Always ship the SASO-COC certificate together with the goods.

Recommended Certification Bodies:

ASTC-TI : http://saber.sa/Home/Details/1325

ASTC AS Test Certification Tech (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd:http://saber.sa/Home/Details/1231

"The door to the Saudi market is always open to compliant products. Any attempt to bypass the standards will come at a heavy price."

— SASO Official Spokesperson

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Policy Update｜SASO Urgent Reminder: Vehicles Without Compliance Certificate Will Be Sent Back

AS Test Certification Tech（Hangzhou）Co Ltd.