Saudi Arabia's Updated Electric Battery Safety Regulation
Country: Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of
Notification Date: 2026-03-02
Saudi Arabia has issued an addendum to its Technical Regulation for the General Safety of Electric Batteries. This notification, G/TBT/N/SAU/1078/Add.1, provides the aligned regulation and a comprehensive list of mandatory technical standards. The initiative aims to enhance public safety, health, and environmental protection by preventing the circulation of non-compliant battery products in the market.
Key Details- Country: Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of
- Document Symbol: G/TBT/N/SAU/1078/Add.1
- Notification Date: 2026-03-02
- Comment Deadline: Not specified (as an Addendum, previous comment periods may have closed)
- Effective Date: To be determined (the underlying Product Safety System Law is already in force)
This Addendum formalizes the list of approved Saudi, national, regional, and international standards for electric batteries. Compliance with these 71 specified standards (including SASO-IEC, SASO-ISO, SASO, IEC, and UNECE) serves as conclusive evidence of conformity to the essential requirements of the Technical Regulation for Electric Batteries. The scope is broad, covering primary (dry, lithium), secondary (Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, lithium-ion, lead-acid) batteries, as well as battery chargers and related interfaces for various applications.
The regulation confirms that manufacturers may propose alternative technical solutions for demonstrating conformity. Such proposals are subject to approval by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). The list of standards will undergo periodic review and updates to ensure alignment with technological advancements.
Impact Assessment- Affected products or sectors: The regulation impacts manufacturers and exporters of all types of electric batteries and battery chargers. This includes products for household appliances, portable devices, electric vehicles (mopeds, motorcycles, cars), maritime vessels, aircraft, and stationary applications.
- Potential impact on international trade: Exporters to Saudi Arabia must ensure their battery products meet these newly adopted standards. Non-compliance could result in market access barriers, product rejections, and trade disruptions, significantly affecting supply chains.
- Compliance requirements for exporters: Businesses must verify that their products comply with the specific technical standards listed in the addendum. This includes adherence to safety, performance, testing, and dimensional requirements.
- Market access implications: Proactive adaptation to these standards will be critical for maintaining and enhancing market access in Saudi Arabia. Companies that fail to comply may face severe challenges in exporting their products to the Kingdom.
- Recommended actions for affected companies: Thoroughly review the detailed list of 71 standards provided in the addendum. Assess current product lines for any compliance gaps and update testing and certification processes accordingly.
- Compliance timeline: Given that the underlying regulation is already established, businesses should take immediate steps to understand and prepare for full compliance. Regular monitoring of SASO's official channels for future updates to the standards list is essential.
- Resources or contacts for more information: Companies should engage directly with the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) for clarifications on specific standards or procedures for alternative solution approvals.
Saudi Arabia's updated technical regulation and comprehensive list of standards for electric batteries underscore its commitment to product safety and quality. For international businesses, proactive and thorough compliance with these technical requirements is not just a regulatory obligation but a strategic imperative. Ensuring adherence will facilitate continued market access and foster trust in products traded within the Kingdom.
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Official Notification: https://docs.wto.org/imrd/directdoc.asp?DDFDocuments/t/GTBTNSAU1078Add.1.docx
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