Vehicle requirements in the Gulf Cooperation Council are partly harmonized between its members, however, with national discrepancies. The GSO (Guld Standardization Organization) standards applicable in all GCC members, including Saudi Arabia, are:
GSO | Year | Technical Regulation |
34 | 2007 | Lead-Acid Starter Batteries Used for Motor Cars & Internal Combustion Engines |
35 | 2007 | Methods of Test for Lead-Acid Starter Batteries Used for Motor Cars & Internal Combustion Engines |
36 | 2005 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Test for Impact Strength – Part 1: Frontal Impact |
37 | 2012 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Test for Impact Strength – Part 2: Rear Impact |
38 | 2005 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Test for Impact Strength – Part 3A: Side Impact |
39 | 2005 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Test for Impact Strength – Part 4: Roof Strength |
40 | 2011 | Motor Vehicles – Impact Strength |
41 | 2007 | Motor Vehicles: Front and Rear Exterior Protection Devices for Passenger Cars (Bumpers etc) and its Methods of Test |
42 | 2015 | Motor Vehicles: General Requirements |
48 | 1984 | Motor Vehicles: Conformity Certificates |
51 | 2007 | Passenger Car Tyres – Part 1: Nomenclature, Designation, Dimensions, Load Capacities and Inflation Pressures |
52 | 2007 | Passenger Car Tyres – Part 2: General Requirements |
53 | 2007 | Passenger Car Tyres – Part 3: Methods of Test |
96 | 1988 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Testing of Safety Belt |
97 | 1988 | Motor Vehicles – Safety Belts |
98 | 1988 | Motor Vehicles – Flammability of Interior Materials and Testing Methods |
99 | 1988 | Road Vehicles – Sound Signaling Devices – Technical Specifications |
135 | 2007 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Test for Engine Radiator |
136 | 2007 | Motor Vehicles – Engine Radiator |
144 | 1991 | Motor Vehicles – Allowable Limits of Pollutants Emitted to the Atmosphere from Heavy Duty Diesel Engined Vehicles |
145 | 1991 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Testing for Pollutants Emitted from Heavy Duty Diesel Engined Vehicles – Part 1: Determination of Exhaust Gaseous Pollutants |
146 | 1991 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Testing for Pollutants Emitted from Heavy Duty Diesel Engined Vehicles – Part 2: Determination of Smoke |
153 | 1993 | Motor Vehicles – Conformity Certificates for Vehicles Manufactured in Multi-Stages |
159 | 1993 | Motor Vehicles – Dimensions and Weights |
290 | 1994 | Instruction Manual for Appliances Instruments and Equipment |
419 | 1994 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Testing for Door Locks and Door Hinges |
420 | 1994 | Motor Vehicles – Door Locks and Door Hinges |
421 | 2005 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Testing of Rear-view Mirrors |
422 | 2005 | Motor Vehicles – Rear-view Mirrors |
645 | 2005 | Multi-Purpose Vehicles, Trucks, Buses and Trailers Tyres – Part 1: Nomenclature, Designation, Dimensions, Load Capacities and Inflation Pressures |
646 | 1996 | Multi-Purpose Vehicles, Trucks, Buses and Trailers Tyres: Part 2: Method of Test |
647 | 1996 | Multi-Purpose Vehicles, Trucks, Buses and Trailers Tyres: Part 3: General Requirements |
963* | 1997 | Motor Vehicles – General Requirements for Ambulances |
1040 | 2000 | Motor Vehicles – Allowable Limits of Pollutants Emitted to the Atmosphere from Light Duty Diesel Engined Vehicles |
1041 | 2000 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Testing for Pollutants Emitted from Light Duty Diesel Engined Vehicles – Part 1: Determination of Exhaust Gaseous Pollutants |
1042 | 2000 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Testing for Pollutants Emitted from Light Duty Diesel Engined Vehicles – Part 2: Determination of Smoke |
1052 * | 2000 | Motor Vehicles Tyres – Temporary Use Spare Wheel/Tyres and Their Methods of Test |
1053 | 2000 | Motor Vehicles – Protection Against Theft |
1503 | 2010 | Motor Vehicle – Head Lamps Safety Requirements. |
1598 | 2002 | Motor Vehicles – Head Restraints and Their Methods of Test |
1624 | 2002 | Motor Vehicles – Noise Emissions |
1625 * | 2002 | Motor Vehicles – Speed Limiters – Part 2: Technical Requirements |
1626 * | 2002 | Motor Vehicles – Speed Limiters – Part 3: Methods of Test |
1677 | 2003 | Motor Vehicles – Laminated Safety Glass |
1680 | 2003 | Motor Vehicles – Allowable Limits of Gaseous Pollutants Emitted to the atmosphere from Unleaded Gasoline Vehicles |
1681 | 2003 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Test for Gaseous Pollutants Emitted from Unleaded Gasoline Engined Vehicles – Part 1: Determination of Exhaust Gaseous Pollutants After a Cold Start |
1682 | 2003 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Test for Gaseous Pollutants Emitted from Unleaded Gasoline Engined Vehicles – Part 2: Determination of Exhaust Carbon Monoxide Concentration |
1683 | 2003 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Test for Gaseous Pollutants Emitted from Unleaded Gasoline Engined Vehicles – Part 3: Determination of Evaporative Emissions (Hydro- carbons) from the Fuel System Using the Enclosure Method |
1684 | 2003 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Test for Gaseous Pollutants Emitted from Unleaded Gasoline Engined Vehicles – Part 4: Determination of Gaseous Pollutants Emitted from Engine Crankcase |
1685 | 2003 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Test for Gaseous Pollutants Emitted from Unleaded Gasoline Engined Vehicles – Part 5: Determination of Durability of Pollution Control Equipment |
1707 | 2005 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Test for Impact Strength – Part 3B: Moving Barrier Side Impact (In accordance with US standards) |
1708 | 2005 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Test for Impact Strength – Part 3C: Moving Barrier Side Impact (In accordance with European standards) |
1709 * | 2005 | Motor Vehicles – Child Restraint Systems |
1710 * | 2005 | Motor Vehicles – Methods of Testing of Child Restraint |
1711 * | 2005 | Motor vehicles – Speed Limiters – Part 1: General requirements, Equipment Inspection, Certification, and type approval |
1780 | 2010 | Motor Vehicles – Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – Requirements |
1781 | 2006 | Motor Vehicles – World Manufacturer Identifier |
1782 | 2008 | Motor Vehicles – Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – Location and attachment |
1783 | 2006 | Passenger Car Tyres – Treadwear, Traction and Temperature-Resistance Grading |
1784 | 2006 | Passenger Car Tyres – Method of Testing of Tyre Temperature Resistance Grading |
GSO ISO 1585 |
2008 | Road Vehicles – Engine Test Code – Net Power |
GSO ISO 3537 |
2008 | Motor Vehicles – Safety Glazing Materials – Mechanical Tests |
GSO ISO 3538 |
1997 | Road Vehicles – Safety Glasses – Test Methods for Optical Properties. |
GSO-ECE-13H | 2012 | Motor Vehicles: Braking System of Passenger Cars and Multi-Purpose Vehicles |
GSO-ECE-13H-1 | 2012 | Motor Vehicles: Methods of Test for Braking System – Part 1: Braking Performance |
GSO-ECE-13H-2 | 2012 | Motor Vehicles: Methods of Test for Braking System – Part 2: Determination of Capacity of Energy Storage Devices |
GSO-ECE-13H-3 | 2012 | Motor Vehicles: Methods of Test for Braking System – Part 3: Determination of Distribution of Braking among the Axles of Vehicles |
GSO-ECE-13H-4 | 2012 | Motor Vehicles: Methods of Test for Braking System – Part 4: Determination of Function of Anti-Lock Systems |
GSO-ECE-13H-5 | 2012 | Motor Vehicles: Methods of Test for Braking System – Part 5: Determination of Performance of Brake Lining Using Inertia Dynamometer |
GSO-ECE-13H-6 | 2012 | Motor Vehicles: Methods of Test for Braking System – Part 6: Determination of Coefficient of Adhesion |
* Applicable for certification if provided or the vehicle is designed for.
For Gasoline Engine:
The limits of pollutants emitted from motor vehicles should comply with Euro 5 for Saudi Arabia.
For Diesel Engine:
The limits of pollutants emitted from motor vehicles should comply with Euro 5 for Saudi Arabia.
SASO No. | Name of Standard |
SASO 2946:2020 SASO 2946:2020/AMD1:2022 |
Buses – Requirements of Construction |
SASO 2847:2017 SASO 2847:2017/Amd1:2018 |
Fuel Economy Labelling Requirements for New Light Duty Vehicles |
SASO 2857:2016 | Vehicle tires rolling resistance and wet grip requirements |
SASO 2864:2022 | Saudi Arabia corporate average fuel economy standard (SAUDI CAFE) for incoming light duty vehicles (2024- 2028) |
SASO 2951:2021 | School buses – General requirements |
SASO 3008:2022 | School buses – Pedestrian safety devices |
SASO 3009:2022 | School buses – Roof strength |
SASO 3010:2022 | School buses – Body joint strength |
SASO 3011:2022 | School buses – Rear crash test using moving barrier |
SASO 469:2022 | Motor Vehicles – Dimensions and Weight |
SASO IEC 60095-1:2019 | Lead-acid starter batteries – Part 1: General requirements and methods of test |
SASO IEC 60095-2:2019 | Lead-acid starter batteries – Part 2: Dimensions of batteries and dimensions and marking of terminals |
SASO CITC RI 121:2021 * |
Specification for Radio Broadcasting Equipment |
SASO CITC RI 054:2021 * |
Specification for Short Range Devices (SRO) |
SASO CITC RI 117:2021 * |
Specification for Data Communication Equipment operating in License-Exempt Frequency Bands |
SASO CITC RI 049:2019 * |
Specification for Road Transport, Traffic Telematics and Intelligent Transport Systems |
SASO CITC GEN002:2021 * |
Requirements for specific ICT Equipment |
Allowable limits of pollutants emitted from motor vehicles:
– For Light Duty Diesel/Gasoline engine should comply with Euro 5 for Saudi Arabia that have in their markets suitable fuel:
According to ECE No 83 (Rev.5) “Uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles with regard to the emission of pollutants according to engine fuel requirements”.
– For Heavy Duty Diesel engine should comply with Euro V for Saudi Arabia that have in their markets suitable fuel:
According to ECE 49 (Rev.7) “Uniform provisions concerning the measures to be taken against the emission of gaseous and particulate pollutants from compressing ignition Engines and positive ignitions engines for use in vehicles”.
Implementation of Terrestrial Radio Receiver Specifications for AM/FM/T-DAB+:
Must comply with SASO 2938:2019: Technical specifications of the radio, digital and analog broadcasting receiver for (AM/FM/T- DAB+).
SABER / SALEEM program
In recent years, the Saudi Standards Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has undertaken measures to align its procedures for product clearance and entry with global standards. As part of this initiative, SASO introduced the SABER online platform on January 1, 2019, to administer its product certification program for imported consumer goods. Alongside the launch of SABER, SASO also introduced the Saudi Product Safety Program (SALEEM). The changes introduced by SASO in conjunction with the SABER online portal have implications for the automotive industry.
SALEEM is based on a series of technical regulations issued by SASO to oversee adherence to SASO standards for various products. The current list of regulations is available on the SASO website. However, this series is not exhaustive, as SASO continues to develop regulations for different products. Notably, not all products are governed by SASO standards, as the establishment of such standards is an ongoing process. Without applicable standards and regulations, SALEEM does not apply.
For stakeholders in the automotive industry, the SALEEM list includes SASO Regulations for Auto Spare Parts (02-04-17-162). These regulations subject all spare parts, whether imported or domestically manufactured, to conformity assessment and testing. The regulations differentiate between two types of conformity processes: certification of conformity and declaration of conformity. Spare parts are classified as either classified or unclassified, determining the applicable conformity process. Classified spare parts require certification of conformity, while unclassified spare parts require a declaration of conformity. The process and required documents for each type of conformity are outlined on the SABER platform according to SASO Regulations.
One of SABER’s objectives is to curb the influx of counterfeit products that pose risks to consumer safety. The SASO Auto Spare Part Regulations hold importers accountable for sourcing spare parts from licensed factories in the country of origin to prevent the importation of counterfeit parts bearing false marks or misleading indications.
Furthermore, the extensive conformity process for regulated products should significantly deter the importation of counterfeit spare parts. Counterfeit parts typically fail to meet the quality standards and criteria established by the SASO Auto Spare Part Regulations. However, the regulations differentiate between genuine parts and commercial parts, which are generally cheaper. Genuine parts are designed and manufactured according to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications, while commercial parts comply with international or origin country standards and meet performance requirements outlined in SASO GSO 1712.
The full legal definitions of genuine and commercial parts are:
“Genuine spare parts are parts, which have been designed and manufactured in accordance with the standards and specifications of the manufacturer of the vehicle for the performance of a function that the vehicle manufacturer has specified or that the spare part manufacture has specified according to the standards, specifications and quality assurance system of the vehicle manufacturer.”
“Commercial parts are auto spare parts, which have been manufactured in accordance with any international, European, country of origin standards, or the standards of the spare parts manufacturer and which meet the performance requirements of the vehicle manufacturer in accordance with the standards set out in SASO GSO 1712.”
SASO’s efforts to harmonize its product clearance procedures with international standards are enhancing the regulatory framework in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). These efforts, facilitated by modern technical tools like SABER and SALEEM, are particularly beneficial to the automotive industry. While opportunities for improvement remain, SASO’s endeavors are effectively reducing the circulation of counterfeit auto spare parts and safeguarding consumer safety.