Saudi Arabia's SASO 2885: Key Updates for Washing Machine Exporters
Country: Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of
Notification Date: 2026-03-13
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has issued a new draft revision to its standard SASO 2885, titled "Electrical Clothes Washing Machines – Energy and Water Performance Requirements and Labelling." This updated draft, G/TBT/N/SAU/1387/Rev.2, incorporates revisions based on comments received for a previous version. It introduces refined Minimum Energy Performance Requirements (MEPS), alongside revised testing, calculation, and labelling procedures for a broad range of washing machines and washer-dryers.
Key Details- Country: Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of
- Document Symbol: G/TBT/N/SAU/1387/Rev.2
- Notification Date: 2026-03-13
- Comment Deadline: Not specified
- Proposed date of entry into force: The Proposed date of adoption and entry into force is 2 years after the date of publication in the official Gazette.
This draft revision to Saudi Standard SASO 2885 specifies MEPS, testing, calculation, and labelling procedures for electric mains-operated washing machines and washer-dryers with capacities up to 25 kg. This includes built-in units, multi-drum machines, and appliances that are mains-operated but can also be battery-powered. The standard applies to machines operating on AC single-phase circuits of 230V at 60 Hz and supersedes SASO 2885:2018. Specific revisions have been incorporated into clauses 2, 3.9, 3.11, 3.15, 3.17, 3.24, 4.1.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.3, 5.5, 6, A.3, and B.2.
Impact Assessment- Which products or sectors are affected: Manufacturers and exporters of electrical clothes washing machines and washer-dryers (up to 25 kg capacity), including front-load, top-load, twin-tub, built-in, and multi-drum units, targeting the Saudi Arabian market.
- Potential impact on international trade: Products must comply with new energy and water efficiency benchmarks, testing methods, and labelling mandates. This may require product modifications, re-certification, and potentially affect supply chains for international manufacturers seeking market access.
- Compliance requirements for exporters: Products must meet updated MEPS, water consumption limits, washing efficiency, and water extraction index limits. Mandatory testing according to referenced EN standards, new SASO-generated labels (100x170mm, on product and packaging, with QR code), comprehensive nameplate information, and dual-language (Arabic/English) instruction manuals are required.
- Market access implications: Mandatory product registration through SASO is essential. Businesses must ensure their products align with these revised technical specifications and labelling mandates to obtain market entry approval and avoid trade disruptions.
- Recommended actions for affected companies:
- Review the full draft SASO 2885:2025 to understand all changes and their implications on specific product lines.
- Assess current product designs and performance against the new MEPS and efficiency limits.
- Engage with accredited testing laboratories to ensure compliance with updated testing requirements (e.g., EN 60456:2016, EN IEC 62512:2020+A12:2023).
- Prepare for the new labelling requirements, ensuring label design, content, and placement adhere to SASO guidelines, including the mandatory QR code.
- Update product nameplate information and instruction manuals to include all required data in both Arabic and English.
- Familiarize with SASO’s mandatory product registration process.
- Compliance timeline: Monitor future WTO TBT notifications or official SASO announcements for the specific effective date.
- Resources or contacts for more information: Refer to the official Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) website for registration forms and further guidance. Consult with trade compliance experts.
Link to the draft standard: SASO 2885 EN
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