SASO EV Charger Regulations and SABER Certification in Saudi Arabia: Importer Compliance Guide

Key Takeaways

• The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) regulates all electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) imported into the Kingdom via the mandatory SALEEM SABER digital platform.
• The SABER system operates as a unified verification portal connecting commercial importers, SASO-approved conformity assessment bodies, and Saudi customs authorities.
• Regulated charging equipment must undergo technical evaluation by an accredited conformity assessment body to receive a Certificate of Conformity, after which shipment clearance certificates are issued.
• Unregulated auxiliary components require a digital self-declaration and issuance of a Requester Declaration (SDoC) through the portal.
• Public fast charging dispensers and commercial infrastructure standardize around the CCS2 connector interface across power ratings up to 50 kW, 150 kW, 360 kW, and 400 kW.
• Commercial electricity powering charging infrastructure operates under regulated tariffs of 22 halalas per kWh up to 6000 kWh and 32 halalas per kWh for higher volumes, with national business rates averaging SAR 0.277 kWh.

SASO Regulatory Oversight and the SALEEM SABER Framework

The commercial importation, distribution, and commercial installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Saudi Arabia is governed by rigorous technical standards overseen by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). As the Kingdom expands its electric mobility ecosystem, SASO ensures that all charging equipment deployed in private facilities, commercial depots, and public corridors satisfies strict safety, grid-protection, and environmental requirements.

Central to this regulatory regime is SALEEM, the Saudi Product Safety Program, operationalized through the SABER digital portal. SASO is introducing SALEEM SABER, an electronic certification and conformity assessment system that will be mandatory for all imported goods entering Saudi Arabia.

The implementation of SABER streamlines customs clearance while eliminating non-compliant electrical goods. Because the system is an online verification tool which connects importers, SASO-approved certification bodies, and Saudi customs & related trade authorities in one online system, clearance processes are automated and fully traceable.

Two-Stage Certification Process: PCoC and SCoC

Securing regulatory clearance for EV supply equipment involves a structured two-stage conformity assessment pathway within the SABER portal. Importers and commercial distributors must complete both milestones before consignments arrive at Saudi ports of entry.

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1. Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)

Every regulated EV charger model must be registered on SABER by entering its specific Harmonized System (HS) code and product details. The importer selects an accredited SASO-approved certification body to undertake the conformity review.

The certification body reviews technical construction files, laboratory test reports from accredited testing facilities, thermal derating documentation, and factory quality records. Technical files are assigned to the product for conformity assessment; and finally, await an approval certificate. If the product receives its approval certificate (which is a Certificate of Conformity), the importer is then issued a shipment certificate.

2. Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)

Once the Product Certificate of Conformity is approved, it remains valid for the certified product model. However, for every individual commercial shipment arriving in Saudi Arabia, the importer must request a Shipment Certificate of Conformity via SABER. Customs officers at border checkpoints verify the shipment certificate electronically before granting port release.

For unregulated products, the importer must simply self-declare the product or products to be imported into the Saudi market. To self-declare a product, the importer must enter the product details into Saber, attach technical files and documents, and then be issued a Requester Declaration (SDoC).

Hardware Standards, Power Classes, and Connector Norms

Compliance with SASO regulations requires adherence to established mechanical and electrical standards designed for Saudi Arabia's unique climatic and operational conditions. Ambient operating temperatures frequently exceed baseline international test parameters, making thermal protection and ingress protection essential criteria during conformity testing.

All public and commercial DC fast charging hardware in Saudi Arabia is required to support the standard CCS2 connector interface. Deploying uniform CCS2 connectors guarantees that vehicles imported into the Kingdom can charge across diverse networks without compatibility bottlenecks.

The regulatory roadmap supports ambitious national infrastructure plans targeting deploying more than 5,000 fast chargers across the Kingdom. By establishing rigorous testing standards up to 400 kW, SASO ensures that grid-connected equipment operates reliably across high-volume commercial installations.

Commercial Electricity Tariffs and Grid Integration

Deploying compliant EV charging systems requires careful coordination with the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) regarding grid capacity, meter installations, and commercial electricity consumption tariffs.

Commercial charging installations draw electricity under regulated utility tariffs published by the water and electricity regulatory framework:

• Tier 1 Commercial Tariff: For consumption up to 6000 kWh per month, the commercial electricity tariff is 22 halalas per kWh.
• Tier 2 Commercial Tariff: For monthly consumption exceeding 6000 kWh, the commercial tariff increases to 32 halalas per kWh.
• Business Benchmark: Across enterprise consumers, the national electricity price for businesses is SAR 0.277 kWh, representing a competitive baseline for commercial charging operators.

Commercial facility owners installing EVSE must ensure that certified electrical contractors complete all downstream distribution wiring, earthing verification, and circuit breaker installations in strict accordance with the Saudi Distribution Code. SASO compliance certificates ensure that imported hardware integrates safely with SEC grid infrastructure without causing harmonic distortion or phase imbalances.