Exporting Electricals to Saudi? – new SASO requirements from May for Plugs and Socket Outlets

SASO issues revised Standard for Plugs and Socket Outlets effective May 2016. The Saudi Standards, Quality and Metrology Organization (SASO) has published and issued a revised standard SASO 2203/2015-“Plugs and Socket-Outlets for Household and Similar Purpose”. This standard, in conjunction with supplementary standards GSO BS1363-1/2009 and GSO BS1363-2/2009, updates the requirements for verifying compliance of plugs and socket-outlets exported to KSA. GSO BS1363-1 and GSO BS1363-2 are similar to BS1363-1 and BS1363-2 with minor national deviations. SASO 2203/2015 shall supersede the standards SASO 2203/2003 and SASO 443/2003. Enforcement of this updated standard shall commence from the 8th May 2016. The major changes in the revised SASO 2203/2015 standard are: • The scope of the standard includes plugs and socket outlets rated up to and including 250V. • The SASO standard reference number on the plugs and socket outlets is no longer a mandatory requirement.

Exporters of Electricals to Saudi Arabia: Important Update on Energy Efficiency Requirements!

Update on Energy Efficiency Requirements of Exports of Electricals to Saudi Arabia. Energy Efficiency Requirements for Electric Motors and Exemption Procedure Following the previous circular issued by SASO which requires compliance of electrical motors to the energy efficiency requirements per SASO IEC 60034-30. Exporters should ensure that testing of electrical motors under the scope of the Energy Efficiency Requirements is performed by SASO approved laboratories. SASO also announced the exemption of Electric motors imported as integral components for manufacturing a final product locally in Saudi (e.g. air conditioners, pumps, etc.). Full details on this process and how to obtain an exemption visit www.intertek.com/government/regulatoryupdates/saudi-energy-efficiency/. Air Conditioners, Washing Machines, Freezers & Refrigerators All Exporters of Air-conditioners, Washing machines, Freezers and Refrigerators should meet the minimum star rating in addition to compliance with the respective SASO standards for Energy Efficiency Labelling. Details of the minimum star rating can be found at www.intertek.com/government/regulatoryupdates/saudi-energy-efficiency/. Lighting Products and Lamps SASO has recently approved a technical regulation regarding the energy efficiency requirements for imported and locally manufactured lighting products in Saudi. Compliance to the technical regulation will start on the second quarter of 2016. The scope covers lamps working with flashing lighting and halogen techniques, Compact Fluorescent lamps (CFLi) and light-emitting diode (LED) lamps.

Exports to Libya need a Certificate of Inspection.

The Central Bank of Libya recently issued an instruction which referred to Resolution by the Governor of the Central Bank of Libya which regulates the use of foreign exchange for opening documentary letters of credit (L/C) and collection against these LC's. With immediate effect all goods imported into Libya require a Certificate of Inspection issued by an international inspection company such as Intertek, to allow these shipments to be financed through a documentary letter of credit issued by a commercial bank. Intertek is the industry leader with over 38,000 people in 1,000 locations in over 100 countries and many years of experience in supporting importers and exporters in meeting the regulatory requirements of international trade. Intertek can issue the necessary Certificate of Inspection for Libya as your partner of choice.

New Regulations for Exports of Electricals to Qatar

The Qatar Ministry of Environment has made an announcement with regards to the import control and restriction of the following electrical products entering to the country.

1. Energy Saving Air conditioners (Window and Split type) Energy Saving Air conditioners should fulfill the EER labelling and requirements in compliance with QS 2663/2013 and shall be provided with evidence of conformity coming from an accredited body such as Intertek. The energy efficiency ratio (EER) should not be less than 8.5 Btu/hour in accordance with the test conditions (T1) of the standard.

2. Energy Saving Lamps Shipments of Energy Saving lamps shall be provided with evidence of conformity to prove compliance based on the Qatari Standards.

3. Incandescent Light Bulbs/Lamps. Import of incandescent light bulbs/lamps (Tungsten) shall be banned for their negative impact on electric energy consumption and the environment. First phase of the ban includes 100w and 75w incandescent bulbs/lamps.

The implementation of the new regulation shall be effective starting from January 1, 2014.

Reinforcement of testing, inspection and CoC requirements by KSA Authorities for the Export of Products into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

All exporters are informed of the following additional requirements for the export of their products to Saudi Arabia.
 
The KSA authorities have reinforced that shipments of the following product categories should be sampled for testing, inspected and issued with a Certificate of Conformity (CoC):

•      Toys
•      Electrical and Electronic Products
•      Cosmetics and Perfumes
•      Vehicles and Vehicle Spare Parts

The test requirements can be fulfilled by Intertek.

The successful Test Reports along with the shipment invoice, inspection report and CoC should be made available electronically to the KSA Customs. A hardcopy of the CoC should be submitted to KSA Customs as usual for the clearance of the shipment.

Shipments of products arriving in KSA that cannot be tested locally, nor accompanied with a CoC, will be returned back to its country of export

Exporters are kindly requested to comply with this requirement to avoid any complication at KSA ports and borders.

We bring to your attention that the KSA authorities have also indicated that they will now be reinforcing the requirements for Certificates of Conformity for additional products not currently included in the current scope of the KSA programme.

Further information on the above can be obtained from your nearest Intertek Country Office or email us at info.government@intertek.com, and will be made available as and when it is made known to us.

Change of Requirements for Certificate of Conformity for Exports to Saudi Arabia of Vehicle Spare Parts

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has issued instructions that with immediate effect the Certificate of Conformity issued for Vehicle Spare Parts should also be accompanied with test reports of the vehicle spare parts being shipped to KSA. 

Vehicle Spare Part shipments, and especially those for Brake pads and Filters, are to be mandatorily accompanied by test reports along with the CoC.

Update to Electrical Plug Requirements for Exports to the UAE

Changes to Electrical Plug Requirements for the UAE

ESMA has granted a 6-month extension period, where ESMA approved non-removable plug adaptors shall still be allowed until 30 June 2013, provided the adaptors are permanently installed with the product.  This in reference to the ESMA decision dated 2 January 2012, reference number C.A.D/14/2012 regarding the use of ESMA approved non-removable plug-adaptors. 

Satallite Navigation System Language Requirements for Saudi Arabia

Exporters of new vehicles to Saudi Arabia are reminded that vehicles equipped with Audio/Video Navigation Systems (GPS) should display all information in the Arabic language as a minimum with an option to display this information in the English language.

This requirement is in accordance with SASO 1438/2008 - Motor Vehicles - General Requirements standards. This requirement is mandatory for all automobiles equipped with GPS systems from model year 2013 onwards.

Regulatory update for Cosmetics Exports for Saudi Arabia and Qatar

Saudi Arabia: Product Classification

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has just published the final version of the Guidance for Product Classification: http://www.sfda.gov.sa/En/Drug/Topics/Regulations+-+Guidelines.htm

In this final version, most of the comments raised by the Industry and Intertek have been followed.

The status of products and ingredients are now in line with the EU directive and GSO 1943, except:

• Additional restriction/prohibition for the following ingredients: Triclosan, Vitamin A, Sulphur, Urea, Zinc oxide, AHA
• Alcohol Hand Sanitizers: these products are now classified as Health Products (guidelines also available on SFDA website). Registrations for such products should now be transferred to SFDA for Listing.

Qatar (QGOSM): New requirements for clearance of two types of cosmetic products

The Qatar General Organization for Standards and Metrology has recently decided to strengthen the control of conformity for these two types of cosmetic products:

• Shampoo
• Black henna

From the 1st June 2012, every shipment of Shampoo or Black Henna should be accompanied with evidence of conformity such as test reports issued by an independent accredited laboratory such as Intertek confirming compliance to the below stated requirements:
 

• Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) in henna (and hair dye products): maximum 6%
• 1,4 Dioxane: maximum 10 ppm in shampoo

Saudi Ban on 127 Volt Products and other Voltage Restrictions

Exporting to Saudi? Saudi Ban on 127 volt Products and Other Voltage Restrictions


The Saudi Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoCI) have notified the Saudi Customs through a circular that the following electrical products are to be banned and the individual dates of implementation of these bans:


All products with an operating voltage of 127V will be banned for import from 21st May 2012

All spare parts for products with an operating voltage of 127V will be banned for import from 10th November 2025

All products with dual voltage 127/220 volts will be banned from 28th February 2016. Only products rated 220V or 230V will be allowed into KSA after this period

To find out how these requirements may affect your shipments please contact your local Intertek office. For further details click here or email us at info.government@intertek.com

Vehicles Tyres and Spare Parts to Qatar now need a COC

The Government of the State of Qatar, through the Qatar Ministry of Business and Trade – Department of Consumer Protection and the Qatar General Organization for Standards and Metrology (QGOSM), has issued strict rules regulating the import and sales of Vehicle Spare Parts and Vehicle Tyres to prevent non-compliant/counterfeit versions of such products entering into the Qatari market.

The regulation is effective from 15th September 2011.

The Circular issued by the Authority states that “Customs authorities will not allow the import of the regulated products, unless they are accompanied by a CoC issued by an approved body from the country of origin. It also stated that, in case of non-compliance of these products to the applicable GSO standards, a heavy fine will be imposed on the importers.

The following products are covered by this new regulation:


Vehicle Tyres

Safety Belts

Wheel Rims

Brake Pads
Note that Vehicle Tyres are included in the programme, but currently do not require separate Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for Tyre shipments exported to Qatar, as the Qatari Customs and QGOSM will accept Gulf Standard Organization (GSO) conformity certificates instead of CoCs.

Intertek has been given the approval from QGOSM to participate in the programme and issue Certificates of Conformity (CoC) for shipments of the afore mentioned products.


For information on how Intertek can assist you in complying with the Qatari programme and how to obtain a Certificate of Conformity which will ensure smooth clearance of shipments at Qatari Customs contact your nearest Intertek Country Office, details of which can be found here or email us at info.government@intertek.com

INTERTEK SIGNS CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT AGREEMENT WITH THE SAUDI FOOD AND DRUG AUTHORITY

Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world, announced today that it has signed a Conformity Assessment Agreement with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) to provide Conformity Assessment services for the import of Cosmetics products into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agreement confirms Intertek as a provider of Conformity Assessment Services for exports of cosmetics products to the Kingdom and authorised to issue the Certificate of Conformity. The certificate is a mandatory requirement for Customs clearance.

David Gregory, Vice President of Intertek’s Government Services said: “Having worked within KSA and been the largest service provider for the Product Conformity Programme for more than 15 years, we are delighted that the SFDA have appointed us to provide this service as leaders in the field of cosmetics testing, clinical research, analysis and certification which enables us to bring a lot of added value through expertise to both the industry and the SFDA.
We are the largest Authorised Inspection Body for cosmetics being exported to the Kingdom having issued more than 85,000 certificates for cosmetic and perfume products since 1998, have registered thousands of manufacturers and are the only one to have a dedicated regulatory affairs centre based in the region, enabling us to offer exporters extensive expertise, the very latest news on regulations as well as first class service.”
Intertek has pioneered Product Conformity Programmes for Governments worldwide, helping them implement programmes to improve the quality and safety of their imports. Intertek continues to work with global exporters and manufacturers to ensure that they comply with these requirements and achieve Customs clearance.

Increased testing of textile shipments by Saudi Customs

Saudi Customs have intensified testing of samples from garments/apparels shipments arriving into Saudi ports without Certificate of Conformity (CoC).

Manufacturers/Exporters are required to carry out testing and obtain certification/CoC for their shipments prior to export into Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to avoid facing any unnecessary delay. Intertek can assist manufacturers/exporters with testing and certification of their garment/apparel shipments entering into Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through their accredited laboratories and offices.

7th December 2010 Deadline for COC's for New Vehicles to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Customs have reiterated to vehicle Importers that a CoC& demonstrating compliance to Saudi standards is mandatory for all new vehicles for the purpose of KSA Custom clearance in line with the Saudi Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) decree requirement.  

The CoC should be obtained by all vehicle Importers/ Exporters in their country of export/origin and this requirement will be mandatorily enforced from 7 December 2010 as per (CD-573A) Saudi Customs article published on their official website which can be viewed on following URL: 

http://www.customs.gov.sa/CustomsNew/news/newsview.aspx?newsid=3086 

Important Requirement for Exporting New Cars to Saudi Arabia

All shipments of new vehicles require a Certificate of Conformity.

Saudi Customs have recently confirmed that they will be reinforcing the requirement for the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) as per the MoCI decree 6386 for clearing shipments of new vehicles.

Exporters who have been previously issuing self Certificates of Conformity to clear their shipments will no longer be able to do so.   Instead it will be mandatory for exporters to obtain CoCs from Certification and Inspection bodies such as Intertek.

All new vehicles arriving in the Kingdom without a Certificate of Conformity issued by an inspection body could be subject to significant delays in the clearance of goods from Customs or possible penalties.

For further information please email info.government@intertek.com

Welcome

Welcome to Intertek's Government Services blog on Exporting to the Middle East.  Here you will find up to the minute news on all product conformity requirements for exporting to the Middle East.

Many Governments within the Middle East have stringent requirements in place to ensure their consumers are protected from sub-standard products and goods.

Intertek works with these Governments to manage programmes such as Pre-Shipment Inspection, Destination Inspection, Product Conformity or Pre-Export Verification (PVoC) to Standards.  Intertek can issue the necessary certificates to companies exporting to these countries and ensure that their products comply with the importing country's requirements and so clear customs smoothly.

Check back on a regular basis for the latest updates and requirements or email info.government@intertek.com to be added to our mailing list.