Understand the certification, testing, and documentation requirements for meeting Saudi Arabia’s technical regulations on lubricating oils.
Saudi Arabia offers a vital growth opportunity for US lubricant exporters, supported by its large, expanding automotive and industrial manufacturing sectors. These industries continually demand high-performing lubricants that meet international quality standards. However, to access this lucrative market, exporters must navigate the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) Technical Regulation for Lubricating Oils. Adherence to this stringent regulation is a precondition for exporting goods into the Kingdom, requiring specific certifications and processes to ensure compliance.
Failure to comply can result in shipment delays, customs rejection, financial penalties, or loss of buyer confidence. Compliance is therefore not just a regulatory formality, it’s essential for successful market entry.
Hence, compliance is not simply a formal requirement; it’s an operational necessity for seamless export processes.
Key Considerations for Exporting Lubricants to Saudi Arabia
- Understand the Technical Regulation Requirements:
Review the SASO Technical Regulation for Lubricating Oils to understand product specifications, environmental criteria, and labeling mandates.
- Prepare Documentation Early:
Compile all required documents including conformity declarations, test reports, and product specifications well before shipment.
- Schedule Pre-Shipment Inspections:
Inspections verify that product labeling, packaging, and specifications meet SASO standards prior to export.
- Secure the Certificate of Conformity (CoC):
The CoC is required for customs clearance and confirms that the product complies with SASO regulations.
SASO Regulatory Requirements
1. Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity
Exporters must submit a declaration confirming that their lubricants meet SASO standards. This includes:
- Supplier details (name, address, contact information)
- Product information (trademark, type, description)
- Reference to applicable standards
Outlined in Annex No. (3) of the SASO Technical Regulation.
2. Conformity Assessment and Certification
A SASO-approved Notified Body must conduct a conformity assessment, which includes:
- Review of the Supplier’s Declaration
- Submission of a technical file with a risk assessment
- Product testing to verify compliance
Lubricants with the Saudi Quality Mark are considered compliant under Article (6).
3. Product Standards and Testing
Lubricants must meet the specifications in TS SASO GSO 1785:2013, including:
- API classifications for internal combustion engine oils
- Requirements for clarity, odor, and absence of contaminants
- Customs authorities may randomly sample products for testing; suppliers bear the cost (Article 7).
4. Labeling and Documentation
Products must be labeled in both Arabic and English. Required documentation includes:
- Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity
- Test reports and product specifications
- Certificate of Value (VOC), which supports customs valuation and complements the CoC
5. Harmonized System (HS) Codes
Relevant HS codes for lubricating oils include:
- 2710, 2710.12, and 2710.19 — covering petroleum oils and oils derived from bituminous minerals.
Cotecna’s Role in SASO Compliance
The Role of the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) and the Certificate of Value (VOC) At the core of the exporting process lies the importance of obtaining the Certificate of Conformity (COC). The COC is a document that proves exported lubricants adhere to SASO's product quality, safety, labeling, and sustainability guidelines. Meanwhile, the VOC process helps to make sure the product adheres to these standards to be able to issue the COC.
From pre-export inspections to certification issuance, Cotecna’s expertise ensures that exporters meet all SASO requirements efficiently and effectively with all steps of compliance.
Cotecna supports US exporters by facilitating:
- Pre-export inspections
- Technical documentation review
- Certification issuance through SASO-approved channels
For more information on exporting to Saudi Arabia under SASO program, you can download our Exporter Guide. You can also Contact us for more assistance.
About Cotecna
For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.