The regulation in simple terms
An inexpensive bracelet or hair clip can still need chemical and mechanical safety checks. This regulation addresses covered personal ornaments and accessories made from metal, plastic, glass or textile.
The important questions are what the item contains, whether it touches or pierces the skin, and whether children will use it. These details help determine the evidence needed.
Does this apply to my product?
Review the item against Article 2 and the product list in Annex 1(b). The scope excludes precious metals, gemstones, plated articles and their manufactured articles as stated in the official text; have borderline materials and finishes checked.
What does this mean for you?
- Manufacturers and importers should identify components, finishes and intended users before arranging testing.
- Shops should request evidence for the actual items supplied, including different finishes and children’s ranges.
An everyday example
A bracelet supplier offers the same design with a new metal finish. Ask whether the material and nickel-release evidence cover the new finish before treating it as an identical product.
Which products are covered?
The examples below reflect the official product list. Review the exact material and construction together with the scope exclusions.
| Product category | Examples | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Costume jewellery | Covered imitation bracelets, rings and earrings | Identify metals, coatings, skin contact and piercing parts. |
| Hair accessories | Covered combs, hair slides and hairpins | Check sharp edges, small attachments and intended age. |
| Watch accessories and beads | Covered watch straps, bracelets and glass beads | Identify component materials and the finished product’s use. |
Product examples are not a complete classification. Read the official text and confirm the applicable scope before making an application.
Check the boundaries
A product name or customs heading alone does not resolve the precious-material and plated-article exclusions. Review mixed-material and coated products individually.
GoCertify
How to get started
Use these practical steps to begin. The exact documents and tests depend on your product.
Collect photographs, component materials, finish specifications, age group and skin-contact or piercing details.
Ask for chemical and mechanical test evidence tied to the supplied models and finishes; prepare Arabic warnings and labels.
Review the product scope, missing tests, risk assessment and declaration before the conformity application.
Is a “nickel-free” claim enough?
No. Ask what the claim means and what evidence supports it for the finished component. The regulation distinguishes nickel migration from the weight-based limits for other metals.
Technical details and references
For a closer review, these notes point to the relevant provisions in the edition linked below.
Heavy metals and nickel migration
Annex 2 sets lead at 0.05% by weight and cadmium at 0.01%. Nickel migration is 0.2 µg/cm²/week for piercing assemblies and 0.5 µg/cm²/week for other body-contact products. The units and contact category matter; total metal content is not the same as migration.
Article 4; Annex 2, page 14.
Physical safety and users
Article 4 addresses sharp edges, corrosion, colour transfer and securing beads or small parts so children cannot easily remove them. Match the test plan to the item and intended users, rather than testing metals alone.
Article 4, page 6; Annex 1(a).
Assessment and labels
Article 6 specifies a Type 1a certificate from an accepted body. Article 5 requires Arabic information and supplier, brand, origin and warning details. Keep the declaration and risk assessment with the supporting file.
Articles 5–6, pages 7–8; Annexes 3–4.
Edition and dates
- Document edition
- First edition
- Regulation published
- GoCertify summary reviewed
The publication date identifies this official edition. The source-review date records our check, not a new amendment or implementation deadline.
Official documents & sources
Saudi ornaments and accessories technical regulation
Official documents are issued by SASO. The explanations on this website are independent GoCertify guidance, not official translations or approvals.
Download PDF · Arabic (2.4 MB)Download an unmodified copy of the official SASO regulation, hosted by GoCertify. The edition and dates shown above identify this copy.
Source reading: definitions and scope on page 5; safety on pages 6–7; labels and assessment on pages 7–8; product list on page 13; heavy-metal limits on page 14.
- View official source at SASO (opens in a new tab)
- SASO regulation catalogue (opens in a new tab)
- SABER regulations directory (opens in a new tab)
Product examples are not a complete classification. Read the official text and confirm the applicable scope before making an application.
The review date records when we checked these sources. It is not a promise that the regulator has made no subsequent changes. Official documents and later notices take precedence.