Requirements for Importing Lubricating Oils into Saudi Arabia
Technical Regulation Scope
The Technical Regulation for Lubricating Oils, set by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), ensures the safety and quality of lubricating oil products in the Saudi market.
This regulation covers various types of lubricating oils, including:
Lubricating oils for use in internal combustion engines (for gasoline and diesel).
Brake oils for cars, Hydraulic oils, Gear lubricants and Greases.
Lubricating oils used in steam and gas turbines.
Air Compressor Lubricants and Lubricating oils for cooling compressors.
Lubricating oils used in two stroke engines.
Certification Requirements
The importer is required to obtain SABER Product Certification. SABER certification must be issued by a SASO-notified Certification Body, such as XDS Solutions.
Assessment requirements:
Test reports issued by an accredited laboratory
Factory audit
Labelling Requirements for Lubricating Oils
General
- Label firmly attached and not easily removable
- No misleading wording, prohibited phrases, or offensive content
- All the information contained in the labels shall be correct and proven
Language
- Language must be in Arabic (or Arabic & English)
Identification
- Product description/name
- Model name/number
- Trademark/brand or manufacturer’s name
Country of Origin
- In the format of "Made in [Country]"
Type
- Type of lubricant (engine oil, gear oil, hydraulic oil, industrial oil, etc.)
Instructions
- Instructions for use, storage and disposal
Viscosity
- Viscosity grade (e.g., SAE 10W-40)
Performance Specs
- Performance specifications (e.g., API, ACEA, OEM approvals)
Net Volume
- Exact volume or weight of the container contents (liters or kilograms)
Warnings/Instructions
- Any warnings/instructions for use
Standard
- Any additional markings required as per the applicable product standard(s)
Related Standards
International and national standards referenced in this regulation:
- SASO 19 — Lubricating Oils for Internal Combustion Engines — API Classifications
- SASO 1526 — Paraffinic Mineral Base Oils
- GSO 1810 — Labeling for Chemical Products
- SASO GSO ISO 4925 — Road Vehicles — Specification of Non‑Petroleum‑Base Brake Fluids for Hydraulic Systems
- SASO GSO ISO 24254 — (Lubricating oils, industrial oils and related products – family E – internal combustion engine oils — specifications for oils for use in four‑stroke cycle motorcycle gasoline engines and associated drivetrains (categories EMA and EMB))
- SASO 1530 — Lubricating Oils for Gears
- SASO GSO 1161 — HLP Hydraulic Oils
- SASO GSO 1164 — Classification and Specifications of Automotive Greases
- SASO GSO IEC 60296 — Unused Mineral Insulating Oils for Transformers and Switchgear
- SASO GSO 1181 — Lubricating Oils for Air Compressors and Vacuum Pumps
- SASO GSO 1210 — Mineral Lubricating Oils Used in Steam or Gas Turbines
- SASO 1775 — Lubricants for Refrigerant Compressors
- SASO GSO 1183 — CLP Lubricating Oils Used in Circular and Splash Lubrication Systems
- SASO GSO 1180 — Automatic Transmission Fluids (Automatic movement transfer liquid)
- SASO 1869 — Lubricating Oils for Two‑Stroke Engines
The requirements listed here are intended as a simple guide, and are not exhaustive.
Requirements will vary depending on the exact details of the product.
Full requirements are mentioned in the published Technical Regulation. Please contact us for further details.
The full technical regulations can be read on the SABER website.
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