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Energy Efficiency Label

SASO energy efficiency labelling is a regulatory requirement for many electrical and electronic products imported into Saudi Arabia.

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Key takeaways

The SASO Energy Efficiency Label is a mandatory requirement for many electrical and electronic products imported into Saudi Arabia.
It is regulated by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO) and declares a product’s energy consumption and efficiency rating.
Products cannot be declared through the SABER system or clear customs without a valid label, so goods without it are barred from the Saudi market.
The label must be obtained after passing tests in a SASO-accredited laboratory.
Covered categories include air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, lighting products and water heaters.
The scheme supports Saudi Vision 2030 goals of sustainability and reduced energy consumption.

Overview

What is a SASO Energy Efficiency Label?

SASO energy efficiency labelling is a regulatory requirement for many electrical and electronic products imported into Saudi Arabia. The label demonstrates the level of energy consumption and efficiency of a product, which helps consumers make informed buying decisions.

In Saudi Arabia the labelling system is controlled by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO), which issues the technical regulations that govern product quality, safety and energy efficiency. It is an officially marked label affixed to regulated domestic and electrical appliances sold in the market.

Compliance is essential for importers, exporters and manufacturers. Without the label, products cannot be released through customs clearance via the SABER system.

The primary goals of the label

Reduce national energy consumption.
Promote energy-efficient appliances.
Increase consumer awareness.
Standardise how product energy performance is evaluated.
Support environmental sustainability policies.

The scheme supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, with its focus on sustainability, less dependence on hydrocarbon fuel sources and greater energy efficiency across all sectors.

Why it matters

Why the SASO label is important

The significance of the label does not lie in compliance alone. It directly influences market access and business success in the Kingdom.

Legal requirement

Products without the label cannot be imported or sold legally in Saudi Arabia.

Market access

Customs clearance depends on SASO compliance. Without approval, shipments are rejected at the border.

Consumer trust

Energy-rated products are preferred by buyers because they offer transparency about electricity consumption.

Environmental benefits

Efficient products reduce electricity demand and lower carbon emissions.

Energy savings

Lower energy consumption results in reduced operational costs for end users.

Scope

Products covered and who needs it

Products covered under the label

Product category	Label required
Air conditioners	Yes
Refrigerators	Yes
Washing machines	Yes
Lighting products	Yes
Water heaters	Yes

Additional products may be included based on updated SASO technical regulations.

Who needs the label

Manufacturers producing regulated appliances.
Exporters shipping to Saudi Arabia.
Importers bringing foreign products into the Saudi market.
Brand owners selling under private labels.
OEM companies supplying appliances for third-party brands.

Any entity involved in supply chain entry into Saudi Arabia must comply.

Products exempted from the SASO label

Industrial machinery.
Specialised commercial equipment.
Non-regulated electrical items.
Certain temporary import goods.

Exemption depends on the latest SASO classification updates.

How it works

The registration process step by step

The system follows a structured compliance chain. Each step must be completed before the product can enter the market.

Product testing
Products are tested for energy performance in accredited laboratories.
Technical documentation
Manufacturers prepare detailed technical files for the product.
SABER registration
The product is registered on the SABER platform.
Upload test reports
Energy efficiency reports are submitted for verification.
SASO review
The authorities assess compliance with the applicable technical regulations.
Label issuance
Approved products receive an energy efficiency label.
Shipment clearance
Products are cleared for export and customs entry into Saudi Arabia.

Paperwork and testing

Documents, testing and label content

Documents required

Accredited test report.
Product specifications sheet.
User manual.
Product images.
Commercial invoice.
Manufacturer declaration.
Technical file.
Label artwork.

Missing documents can delay approval significantly.

Testing requirements

Energy performance testing.
Safety compliance testing.
Efficiency measurement testing.
Verification under SASO technical standards.
Testing in accredited laboratories only.

Unauthorised laboratory reports are not accepted.

What the label must include

Arabic language information.
Model number.
Brand name.
Energy efficiency rating.
Annual energy consumption.
QR code, where applicable.
Product category details.

Incorrect label formatting can result in rejection.

Watch out

Common rejections and manufacturer challenges

Common reasons for rejection

Incorrect or incomplete test reports.
Expired laboratory reports.
Improper label design format.
Missing technical documentation.
Non-compliant energy performance.

Most rejections occur because of documentation errors.

Challenges faced by manufacturers

Complex documentation requirements.
Strict laboratory testing standards.
Arabic labelling compliance.
SABER system navigation.
Frequent regulation updates.
Product re-testing requirements.

Compare and plan

Label vs certificate, cost and validity

Aspect	SASO Energy Label	SASO Certificate
Purpose	Energy rating	Product compliance approval
Focus	Energy efficiency	Safety and technical standards
Coverage	Specific appliances	Broad product categories
Output	Label sticker	Certificate of conformity
Usage	Consumer awareness	Market authorisation

Cost, timeline and validity

Cost	Timeline	Validity
Depends on the product category, testing requirements, documentation effort and compliance charges, including laboratory evaluation and registration via the SABER platform.	Depends on product complexity, laboratory scheduling, documentation readiness and the review process at SASO.	Generally linked to the product model lifecycle and remains valid as long as product specifications and regulatory standards stay unchanged.
May include testing charges, technical file preparation and compliance processing costs.	Includes testing, documentation preparation, registration submission, review and approval stages.	Requires renewal or re-evaluation if the product design changes or updated regulations are introduced.
Can vary based on consultant support and the certification scope.	Processing time varies with laboratory availability and regulatory workload.	May require fresh testing if product modifications affect energy performance or compliance.

Why choose us

Support from Diligence Certifications

Compliance with the SASO Energy Efficiency Label is a key requirement for the smooth export of electrical appliances to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Diligence Certifications provides structured, end-to-end assistance for SASO approvals so shipments are not delayed or held at customs.

Expert consultation on requirements.
Documentation preparation support.
Coordination with accredited laboratories.
SABER registration assistance.
End-to-end compliance management.
Faster approval guidance.

We advise manufacturers and exporters to start early to reduce approval delays and rejection risks. Talk to our team to map your compliance path.

Ready to label your products for Saudi Arabia?

Tell us about your appliances and target categories, and we will map the exact testing, documents and SABER registration steps for your firm.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Explain the concept of an energy efficiency label.

It is a classification system that gives information about the energy consumption of a product and allows users to compare energy efficiency ratings before they buy.

Define energy efficiency rating labels.

They are product labels that classify appliances according to their energy consumption rating and environmental performance.

Define the energy efficiency labelling system.

It is a regulatory process that measures and displays the energy consumption of appliances in order to encourage efficient energy use.

How do you read the energy efficiency label?

The label shows the energy rating, the energy consumption level and the efficiency class, which makes it possible to select efficient and environmentally friendly products.

Which specific products need the SASO Energy Efficiency Label?

Products such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, lighting products and water heaters require SASO energy efficiency labelling.

How do SASO, SABER and SALEEM differ from each other?

SASO sets the standards, SABER is the compliance system, and SALEEM is the conformity system for product safety and quality.

How long is the SASO EER certificate valid, and can it be renewed?

Validity depends on the lifecycle of the product. It can be renewed or re-evaluated when there is a change in the product itself or in the regulation.

Where should the testing take place, in Saudi Arabia or the exporter’s home country?

Testing can be carried out in any laboratory outside Saudi Arabia, provided that laboratory is accredited with SASO.

What happens if a shipment reaches Saudi Arabia without an EER label?

It will lead to detention or rejection of the product at customs.

Why was the SASO Energy Efficiency Label created?

The primary aim behind its creation was to decrease energy use and raise the efficiency standards of products sold in the market.

Who regulates the SASO Energy Efficiency Label?

The label is regulated by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO), which issues the technical regulations governing product quality, safety and energy efficiency.

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