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