Requirements for Importing Textile Products into Saudi Arabia
Technical Regulation Scope
The Technical Regulation of Textile Products, set by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), ensures the safety and quality of such products and materials in the Saudi market.
This technical regulation applies to all textile products imported or manufactured for the Saudi Arabian market, including:
Clothing and apparel
Home textiles (e.g., bed linens, curtains)
Carpets and rugs
Upholstery fabrics
Textile components used in other products (e.g., furniture, automotive interiors)
These categories fall under the regulation if they contain at least 80% textile fibers by weight and are intended for sale in the Saudi market.
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
These specific product types also need a factory audit: Underwear (all ages) and Children's Garments
Labelling Requirements for Textile Products
General
- Label firmly attached (sewn/glued) 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)
Country of Origin
- In the format of "Made in [Country]"
Identification
- Product description/name
- Model name/number
- Trademark/brand or manufacturer’s name
Fiber Content Labeling
- Listed using names defined in the regulation’s annex; presented by mass percentage in descending order
Product Weight, Size or Dimensions
- This can include dimensions for fabrics, weight for fiber products, or size for clothing/apparel
Care Instructions
- Mandatory care symbols according to ISO 3758 (Washing instructions (e.g., temperature, hand vs machine), Bleaching permissions/restrictions, Drying methods, Ironing parameters, Professional cleaning codes)
Warnings/Instructions
- Any warnings/instructions for use (if applicable)
Standard
- Any additional markings required as per the applicable product standard(s)
Related Standards
International and national standards referenced in this regulation:
- SASO ISO 1833 series – Quantitative chemical analysis (multiple parts)
- SASO ISO TR 11827 – Fiber identification
- SASO ISO 6693 – Generic names and definitions of natural fibers
- SASO ISO 17751 – Animal fibres quantitative by microscopy
- SASO 1173 – Identification labelling for textile products
- EN 13402‑3 – Size labelling based on body measurements
- SASO ASTM D123 – Textile terminology
- SASO ISO 3758 – Care labelling using symbols
- SASO GSO 1956 – Harmful substances used in textile products
- SASO GSO 1957 – Methods for testing harmful substances
- SASO ISO 3071 – Determination of pH of aqueous extract
- SASO ISO 14184‑1 – Formaldehyde (free & hydrolysed) by water extraction
- SASO ISO 14184‑2 – Formaldehyde released (vapor absorption)
- SASO ISO 18254 – Detection of alkylphenolethoxylates (APEO)
- EN 16711‑1/‑2 & DIN 54233‑4 – Extractable heavy metals (textiles)
- EN 1811 & DIN 54233‑2 – Nickel release testing
- ISO 5398‑1 to 5398‑4 – Leather: chromic oxide & related (used for parts)
- SASO ISO 17070 – Leather pentachlorophenol content (for accessories)
- SASO ISO 16373‑2 & ‑3 – Dyestuffs: extractable carcinogenic/allergenic dyes
- ISO 14362‑1 – General detection of aromatic amine release from azo dyes
- ISO 14362‑2 – Detection in disperse azo dyes in synthetic fibers
- ISO 14362‑3 – Detection of specific prohibited aromatic amines
- ISO 8559‑1/‑2 – Clothing size designation (anthropometric definitions and dimension indicators)
- EN 13402‑3 – Clothing size labelling based on body measurements
- ISO 5077 – Determination of dimensional change of fabrics after washing/dry cleaning
- ISO 6330 – Domestic washing and drying procedures for textile testing
- ISO 13934‑1 – Tensile properties of fabrics (strip method)
- ISO 13937‑1 / ‑2 – Tear properties of fabrics
- ISO 13935‑1 – Seam tensile properties of fabrics
- ISO 12945‑1 / ‑2 – Pilling resistance of fabrics
- ISO 12947‑1 / ‑2 – Abrasion resistance of fabrics
- ISO 13938‑1 – Bursting strength of textiles
- SASO GSO 1268 – Colour fastness to perspiration
- SASO ISO 105‑E01 – Colour fastness to water
- SASO ISO 105‑X12 – Colour fastness to rubbing
- SASO ISO 105‑C06 – Colour fastness to laundering
- ISO 105‑E04 – Colour fastness to saliva
- ISO 8559‑1 / ‑2 – Clothing size designation (anthropometric definitions and indicators)
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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Cotton T-Shirts
SASO 1885/2016
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SASO 1885/2016
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SASO 1885/2016
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