The regulation in simple terms
A phone, a computer and a wireless headset do more than use electricity: they may transmit signals, connect to networks and expose users to radio-frequency energy. This regulation brings the relevant product requirements together for covered communications and IT devices.
The name on the box is not enough to decide the route. Tell the assessor what the device actually does, which connections and frequency bands it uses, and whether its charger or accessories are included.
What does this mean for you?
- Match the safety and electromagnetic-compatibility evidence to the exact device and its accessories.
- Listed devices need national IECEE recognition; communications and radio functions can also bring CST requirements. These are not automatic requirements for every electronic product.
- Check Arabic information, warnings and any applicable charging-interface requirements before printing packaging.
An everyday example
A supplier imports a laptop with a wireless connection and a charger. A charger test report alone does not describe the laptop’s safety, radio functions or the full package. Review the device and accessories together and confirm the applicable IECEE and CST workflow.
Which products are covered?
Start with the actual function and specifications, then check the scope and applicable standard. These examples are not an exhaustive list.
| Product category | Examples | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Phones and accessories | Mobile phones, chargers and wireless headsets | Identify radio functions, supported bands, charger models and the Annex 3 IECEE scope. |
| Computers and displays | Laptops, tablets, desktop computers and television screens | Confirm the product standard, power supply and applicable listed-device requirements. |
| Wearable and gaming equipment | Smartwatches, video-game equipment and controllers | Check wireless functions, batteries, accessories and the precise model coverage. |
Product examples are not a complete classification. Read the official text and confirm the applicable scope before making an application.
Check the boundaries
Article 2 excludes devices intended for military and security use. Classification follows the definitions and applicable standards; a device is not covered merely because it contains an electronic component.
GoCertify
How to get started
Use these practical steps to begin. The exact documents and tests depend on your product.
Identify the model, manufacturer, intended use and HS code; check every applicable regulation and exclusion.
Collect drawings, model photographs, labels, instructions, risk assessment and model-specific test reports.
Confirm the assessment route and additional approvals before applying, ordering inspections or arranging shipment.
Is a general test report enough?
No. Evidence must match the product, model and applicable standards. Complete the declaration, any additional approvals and applicable SABER procedures. The certification section below explains how testing, certification and other approvals fit together.
Certification route, factory audits & additional approvals
Start with the product group below. The scheme describes how conformity is assessed; it is not the same thing as a laboratory test report or a shipment certificate.
| Product group | Assessment scheme | Will a factory assessment be needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Covered communications and IT devices | Type 1a — type approval | Not routinely under Type 1a alone. The accepted body assesses the model and evidence. Another applicable regulation or a separate mark scheme can still require an audit. |
Article 6.1–6.4; Annex 3 (IECEE list); Annex 4 (Type 1a).
Prepare these specific documents
Safety/EMC and exposure reports as applicable, supported bands and power, software versions, charger/accessory list, CB evidence for listed IECEE devices, Arabic labels and risk file.
Your certification steps
Follow only the assessment route applicable to your product group. Alternative routes below are not cumulative requirements.
Classify the product: identify its use, materials, age group where relevant, model, factory and HS code. Confirm the applicable row above and any overlapping regulation.
Build the technical file and close test gaps. Check that reports cover the actual model, material, operating conditions and applicable standards; complete labels, instructions, risk assessment and declarations.
Resolve additional approvals listed below. Confirm their model scope and sequence with the accepted body or authority; do not order duplicate certificates without checking the current procedure.
For Type 1a, submit the model file and representative test evidence to an accepted body for type assessment and certification. This route alone has no routine factory-production audit programme.
Complete the relevant SABER product registration and conformity/declaration procedure, then the applicable shipment certificate procedure before import. A test report or product approval alone is not a shipment certificate.
Keep approvals, declarations and records current. Notify the responsible body of changes to the model, materials, factory or production; complete the required surveillance for the route and renew approvals as applicable.
Other approvals to check
- National SASO IECEE recognition is required for devices listed in Annex 3. Check the exact device, accessories and current scope; a foreign CB report/certificate alone is not the national recognition.
- For communications/radio equipment, confirm CST technical requirements and the current equipment-approval/SABER workflow with the accepted body. Do not assume every device needs a duplicate standalone certificate: the approval procedure depends on its function and current regulatory arrangements.
- Check RoHS, listed energy-efficiency requirements and charging-interface requirements where applicable; none should be inferred solely from the word “electronic”.
Confirm the exact model, use and all applicable regulations with the accepted conformity-assessment body before booking tests or an audit. GoCertify supports preparation and coordination; the authorised body or authority makes the approval decision. ISO 9001 alone is not a product certificate or an automatic exemption from a required factory assessment.
Certification guidance reviewed:
Technical details and references
For a closer review, these notes point to the relevant provisions in the edition linked below.
Safety, radio exposure and EMC
Article 4 addresses electrical safety, exposure to electromagnetic fields and relevant optical, laser and electromagnetic-compatibility requirements. Build evidence for the actual operating modes and configuration.
Articles 2 and 4; Annex 1.
Technical file and product information
The file includes the declaration, risk assessment, device description, photographs and relevant design information. Wireless characteristics and software affecting compliance need to be identified; labels and instructions must meet Article 5.
Articles 5 and 6.1.2.
Assessment and national recognition
The regulation specifies Type 1a assessment by an accepted body. Devices listed in Annex 3 require national IECEE recognition; confirm the current model scope and how it is processed, rather than treating every ICT device identically.
Article 6.1–6.4; Annexes 3 and 4.
Edition and dates
- Document edition
- First edition; official Arabic document
- Regulation published
- GoCertify summary reviewed
The publication date comes from the official document cover. It is different from this guide’s review date; check subsequent implementation notices and amendments before shipping.
Official documents & sources
Technical Regulation for Communications and Information Technology Devices
Official documents are issued by SASO. The explanations on this website are independent GoCertify guidance, not official translations or approvals.
Download PDF · Arabic (0.7 MB)Download an unmodified copy of the official SASO regulation, hosted by GoCertify. The edition and dates shown above identify this copy.
This summary refers to the articles and annexes in the official SASO document linked below.
- 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.