Saudi Arabia Updates Refrigerant Regulations: R-22 to Be Fully Banned by 2030

The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has issued an update to its refrigerant regulations impacting products that incorporate refrigerants, including air conditioners, refrigerators, chillers, heat pumps, and similar electrical appliances.

This update confirms the restriction and upcoming prohibition of refrigerant R-22 (HCFC-22) and reinforces enforcement through the SABER conformity assessment platform.

R-22 Refrigerant – Key Compliance Timeline

➡ Products containing R-22 will not be permitted for import into Saudi Arabia from 2030 onward.

This regulation applies to all equipment using refrigerants, including but not limited to:

• Air conditioners (residential, commercial, industrial)

• Refrigerators and freezers

• Chillers and cooling units

• Heat pumps and refrigeration systems

Permitted, Restricted & Banned Refrigerants (Summary)

• Banned refrigerants: Legacy CFCs (e.g., R-11, R-12, R-115)

• Restricted refrigerants: HCFCs including R-22

• Permitted refrigerants: Environmentally improved alternatives such as:

  • R-134a

  • R-407 series

  • R-410B

  • R-1234yf

  • R-449A, R-452A, R-513A

Final acceptance is based on official SASO technical regulations referenced in SABER.

Certification & Enforcement

• Compliance is enforced through the SABER platform

• Product Certificates of Conformity (P-CoCs) must accurately declare refrigerant type

• Accredited conformity assessment bodies (e.g., Intertek) will:

  • Verify refrigerant information during technical file review

  • Enforce SASO’s stated timelines for restricted and banned refrigerants

Non-compliant products may face certification rejection or import refusal.

Required Actions for Manufacturers & Exporters

To ensure continued market access:

1. Confirm refrigerant types used in all products destined for KSA

2. Plan transition away from R-22 systems well before 2030

3. Update technical documentation submitted via SABER

4. Monitor SASO regulatory updates and enforcement notices

Early compliance planning is strongly recommended to avoid disruption to certification, shipment, or customs clearance in Saudi Arabia.