Requirements for Importing Paints and Varnishes into Saudi Arabia
Technical Regulation Scope
The Technical Regulation for Paints (Dyes) and Varnishes, set by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), ensures the safety and quality of paint products in the Saudi market.
This regulation covers various types of paints, including:- Emulsifying paints, Alkyl Flat Paints, Gloss enamel, water-based texture finishes such as:
Solvent based acrylic enamel paints.
Polyurethane based paints.
Nitrocellulose paints.
Paints for road marking (e.g, Hot applied thermoplastic road marking materials, Glass beads for road marking paints).
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 Paints (Pigments) and Varnishes
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]"
SASO GSO 1810
- The explanatory labels of paints and varnishes shall fulfill the requirements of SASO GSO 1810 (Labelling for Chemical Products)
Standard
- Any additional markings required as per the applicable product standard(s)
Production/Expiry Data
- A production batch code (for traceability)
- Expiry date
Supplier Details
- Name and commercial register of the supplier
Instructions
- Instructions for use and storage
VOCs, Heavy Metals
- Maximum volatile organic compounds and ratios of heavy metals in the ready to use end product
Classification
- The environmental performance classification
Type
- Type of product as per standard definitions and product usage
Warnings/Instructions
- Any warnings/instructions for use
Related Standards
International and national standards referenced in this regulation:
- ISO 11890-1 Paints and varnishes — Determination of volatile organic compound (VOC) content — Part 1: Gas-chromatographic method
- ISO 11890-2 Paints and varnishes — Determination of volatile organic compound (VOC) content — Part 2: Gravimetric method
- ISO 3856 (all parts) Paints and varnishes — Determination of “soluble” metal content (covers lead, cadmium, chromium, etc.)
- ISO 2590 — Pigments — Determination of heavy metals
- ISO 15528 Paints, varnishes and raw materials for paints and varnishes — Sampling
- ISO 4618 Paints and varnishes — Terms and definitions
- ISO 4619 Paints and varnishes — Determination of scratch resistance
- ISO 6270-1 Paints and varnishes — Determination of resistance to humidity — Part 1
- ISO 6270-2 Paints and varnishes — Determination of resistance to humidity — Part 2
- ISO 6270-3 Paints and varnishes — Determination of resistance to humidity — Part 3
- ISO 3233-3 Paints and varnishes — Determination of volume solids content
- SASO 2701 – Acrylic emulsion paints
- SASO 2702 – Plastic emulsion paints
- SASO 2703 – Alkyd paints
- SASO 2704 – Oil-based paints
- SASO 2705 – Varnishes
- SASO 2060 – Paints and varnishes — General requirements
- SASO 2626 – Decorative paints
- SASO 2627 – Primers
- SASO 2628 – Industrial coatings
- SASO 2629 – Protective coatings
- ASTM D962 Standard Test Methods for Drying or Curing of Paints
- ASTM D6191 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Wet Film Thickness
- ASTM D3257 Standard Test Methods for Solvent-Based Paints
- ASTM D4457 Standard Test Method for Determination of Paint Flow Properties
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.
Streamline Your Saudi Certification with SANTIQ
Our digital platform simplifies SABER registration and compliance tracking for all Saudi technical regulations, including Requirements for Importing Paints and Varnishes into Saudi Arabia.
Real-time Compliance Tracking
Monitor certification status and expiry dates in one dashboard
Expert Support
Get guidance from our Saudi regulation specialists
Saudi Compliance Dashboard
12
Active Certificates
98%
Compliance Rate
3
Pending
Cotton T-Shirts
SASO 1885/2016
Wool Socks
SASO 1885/2016
Carpets & Rugs
SASO 1885/2016
Need Help with Saudi Compliance?
Our experts can guide you through the requirements for paints (pigments) and varnishes and ensure your products meet all Saudi technical regulations.