The Saudi Arabian market is highly competitive. To legally market products in the country, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the regulations regarding product conformity. For low-voltage electrical products, the IET regulations are used.
What is IET?
IET (Import & Export Technical Regulation for Electrical Products) refers to the Saudi Arabian technical and safety requirements that apply to electrical products placed on the Saudi market. IET defines the electrical safety criteria products must meet to be legally imported, cleared through customs, and sold in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
It is not a standalone product mark affixed to goods, but a regulatory framework implemented today primarily through the SABER platform and supported by IECEE CB Scheme test reports.
IET within the Saudi conformity system
Saudi Arabia operates a highly centralized conformity assessment system designed to protect consumers and ensure product safety. It consists of:
- SABER – the national digital conformity platform
- SASO – Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization
- IECEE CB Scheme – the international electrical safety certification framework
Within this system, IET acts as the technical baseline for electrical safety requirements. Products subject to IET must demonstrate compliance through SABER before entering the Saudi market.
Regulatory authority responsible for IET
The authority responsible for IET regulations and enforcement is Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). This organization issues Saudi technical regulations, recognizes IECEE CB certificates, etc.
Testing and certification activities must be carried out by SASO-approved certification bodies.
Which products are subject to IET?
IET applies primarily to low-voltage electrical products that may pose risks such as electric shock, fire, or overheating. Common product categories include:
- electrical heaters,
- power adapters and chargers,
- household electrical appliances (small and large),
- lighting equipment,
- extension cords and power strips,
- selected electrical components.
Is IET mandatory?
Compliance with IET requirements is mandatory for electrical products that fall under SASO technical regulations and are intended for import into Saudi Arabia. If you fail to meet these requirements, the shipments may be blocked at customs, and the sales on the Saudi market are prohibited.
What are the manufacturer’s responsibilities?
Manufacturers of electric devices in Saudi Arabia must ensure product design meets Saudi safety requirements, provide complete technical documentation and support laboratory testing and evaluation.
What are the importer’s responsibilities?
Under Saudi law, the importer is legally responsible, even if the manufacturer is located outside KSA. Therefore, the importer must assume full legal responsibility for compliance: register products in SABER, obtain required certificates, and ensure proper product labeling. An importer also must hold a valid Saudi commercial license,
Certification process (IET via SABER)
A typical IET compliance pathway includes:
- Product classification (confirmation of IET applicability)
- Product registration in SABER
- Submission of IECEE CB test reports (if required)
- Technical review by an approved certification body
- Issuance of a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)
- Issuance of a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) for each shipment
- Customs clearance and market entry
Validity of certification
- Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC): required for every shipment
- Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC): typically valid for one (1) year
How much does an IET compliance cost?
IET certification costs range from several thousand to tens of thousands of USD. The costs vary depending on factors such as product type (as well as number of models or variants), testing scope, and availability of CB reports.
Why IET compliance matters
For manufacturers and importers, meeting IET requirements ensures legal access to the Saudi market, smooth customs clearance, and credibility with Saudi distributors and retailers. If you fail to meet the IET requirements, you may face shipment detention or confiscation, financial penalties, and even suspension of your licenses.
IET in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is one of the most demanding markets in the Middle East. The IET is a key element of the electrical product safety system in Saudi Arabia. Although it operates primarily through SABER and IECEE certifications, its requirements are mandatory.
Learn about other product compliance and labeling systems around the world.