2025 Saudi Market LED Lighting Regulations: Latest SASO Certification Requirements
Saudi Arabia’s lighting market is undergoing a significant transformation as the Kingdom accelerates its “Vision 2030” initiative. With the SASO 2902:2018/AMD2:2023 standard now fully enforced and SABER certification requirements tightened, LED lighting exporters must navigate these complex regulations to access this lucrative $ 18.9 billion market. This comprehensive guide breaks down the 2025 regulatory landscape and provides actionable insights for manufacturers and exporters.
1. Saudi LED Lighting Market Overview
Saudi Arabia’s lighting market reached $ 18.906 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a 10.5% CAGR through 2030, reaching approximately $ 37.859 billion. This growth is fueled by:1
Massive infrastructure projects across 285 cities
Rapid urbanization and population growth
Government initiatives promoting energy efficiency
Major tourism and entertainment sector investments
The LED lighting segment dominates the market, with residential lighting applications holding the largest share (10.8% CAGR) and public lighting (12.5% CAGR) emerging as a high-growth area. As Saudi Arabia pushes toward its 2030 sustainability goals, energy-efficient LED products are becoming increasingly critical.
2. SASO 2902:2018/AMD2:2023 Standard: Key Updates
2.1 Implementation Timeline
March 31, 2025: Standard enforcement begins (no more old standard certificates)
June 1, 2025: Mandatory compliance for customs clearance and factory inspections
June 1, 2026: Full market compliance for all products and inventory1112
2.2 Major Technical Changes
Product Scope & Definitions
Removed toxic substance requirements: Deleted Appendix J’s toxic chemical parameters for lamps and controllers
New definitions: Added detailed specifications for “Scalable LED module” and “Pendant luminaire”
Scalable LED module: LED module designed per specific rules with characteristics proportional to a geometrical dimension
Pendant luminaire: Luminaire suspended via cord, chain, or tube from ceiling/wall1112
Linear LED Module Requirements
Power and luminous flux must be declared per 1 meter (even for products <1m)
Testing must use 50cm samples with explicit length documentation in reports1112
Exemption Categories
New exempt products: RGB/RGB/W fixtures, floor lamps, table lamps, wall lamps
All pendant lights exempt (except linear, panel, and suspended industrial lights)
Technical exemptions: Products >50kg, >2m length, <10° beam angle, IP65+ rated (excluding flood/road lights)1112
Packaging Requirements
IP rating must be displayed if IP65 or higher
Energy efficiency labels must include all required parameters per new standard.
3. SABER Certification System: PCoC & SCoC Requirements
3.1 2025 Regulatory Shift
Since January 1, 2025, all goods exported to Saudi Arabia must:
Obtain PCoC (Product Conformity Certificate) and SCoC (Shipment Conformity Certificate) via SABER system
No more “Undertaking Letters” for customs clearance
Certificates must be issued before goods arrive in Saudi Arabia (post-arrival applications invalid)23
3.2 Certificate Breakdown
PCoC (Product Conformity Certificate)
Validity: 1 year (renewable)
Purpose: Proves product compliance with Saudi technical regulations
Application: Required once per product model (not per shipment)
Process: Submit technical documents, test reports, and product specifications23
SCoC (Shipment Conformity Certificate)
Validity: Single shipment only
Purpose: Confirms shipment matches PCoC-certified product
Application: Required for every export batch to Saudi Arabia
Process: Submit invoice, packing list, and PCoC number; verification within 1-3 days23
3.3 Application Workflow
Product Registration: Importer submits product details via SABER platform
PCoC Application: Provide test reports, technical specs, and product images
SCoC Application: Submit per-shipment documents (invoice, packing list)
Customs Clearance: Present SCoC at Saudi ports34
4. LED Product Energy Efficiency & Testing Requirements
4.1 Applicable Standards
SASO 2902: Primary standard for LED lighting energy efficiency
SASO 2870: Covers luminous flux (60-12,000 lm) for light sources
IEC 60598 series: Safety requirements (adopted as SASO standards)56
4.2 Key Testing Parameters
Luminous efficacy: ≥ 80 lm/W (minimum requirement)
Power factor: ≥ 0.7 (low-power) or ≥ 0.9 (high-power)
Color temperature: 2700K-6500K range
Color rendering index (CRI): ≥ 80
Lumen maintenance: ≥ 80% after 6000 hours (LM-80/TM-21)6
4.3 Energy Label Requirements
Label size: Minimum 43mm × 75mm
Mandatory content:
Energy efficiency class (A-G)
Rated power, luminous flux, and color temperature
Saudi Energy Efficiency Registration Number (EER)
QR code linking to SASO database57
5. Strategic Recommendations for Exporters
5.1 Compliance Preparation
Verify product classification: Use SABER platform to confirm HS code and regulatory requirements
Update testing protocols: Ensure labs use SASO 2902:2018/AMD2:2023 standard for all new tests
Revise product labeling: Implement Arabic language labels and updated energy efficiency information38
5.2 Certification Process Optimization
Secure Saudi import partner: Foreign companies must work with Saudi-based importers for SABER registration
Prepare dual-language documents: English + Arabic technical manuals and safety instructions
Allocate sufficient lead time: PCoC applications take 5-15 days; SCoC takes 1-3 days39
5.3 Market Opportunity Identification
Focus on high-growth segments: Public lighting (12.5% CAGR), smart lighting systems
Develop desert-adapted products: High-temperature tolerance (50°C+) solutions
Leverage trade shows: Participate in 2025 Saudi Lighting & Technology Expo (Sept 17-19)110
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I still use my existing SASO certificate?
A: Certificates issued before March 31, 2025 remain valid until expiration, but no new certificates under old standard will be issued after this date.1112
Q2: What happens if I ship without SCoC?
A: Goods arriving without valid SCoC will be denied customs clearance, resulting in storage fees, demurrage, and potential return shipping costs.23
Q3: Are there any products exempt from SASO 2902?
A: Yes, products with luminous flux <60 lm, non-lighting purpose products, and those meeting specific technical exemption criteria.57
Q4: How do I verify if my product is exempt?
A: Consult official SASO 2902:2018/AMD2:2023 document or work with a Saudi-certified agent to confirm product classification.57
7. Conclusion
The 2025 SASO regulatory updates represent both a challenge and opportunity for LED lighting exporters. With the Saudi lighting market projected to reach $ 22 billion by 2034, companies that proactively adapt to these new requirements will gain a significant competitive edge. 13
Key takeaways:
SASO 2902:2018/AMD2:2023 is now fully enforced with strict compliance deadlines
SABER certification (PCoC + SCoC) is mandatory for all LED lighting exports
Linear LED modules have specific 1-meter declaration requirements
2026 deadline provides time to update inventory and labeling
By aligning product development, testing, and certification processes with these new regulations, manufacturers can ensure smooth market access and capitalize on Saudi Arabia’s growing demand for energy-efficient lighting solutions. Act now to review your product portfolio against the new SASO requirements and secure your position in this high-growth market.