Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO)

Background

Established in 1972, the Saudi Standards, Metrology, and Quality Organization (SASO) is the national authority responsible for standardization, metrology, and quality in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. SASO's mission is to develop and implement standards that ensure the safety, health, and environmental protection of the public while enhancing the quality and competitiveness of national products in both local and international markets. The organization plays a pivotal role in protecting markets from counterfeit and substandard goods by establishing technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures.

Key Strategic Focus

SASO's strategic objectives encompass:

Standard Development: Formulating and approving Saudi standards for goods, products, services, measuring instruments, and calibration to align with international benchmarks.

Conformity Assessment: Issuing regulations governing conformity assessment activities and certification processes to ensure compliance with established standards.

Metrology Implementation: Applying the National Measurement and Calibration System to maintain measurement accuracy and reliability across the Kingdom.

International Collaboration: Participating in regional and international organizations related to standards, metrology, calibration, and quality, representing Saudi Arabia in these forums.

Financials and Funding

As a government entity, SASO operates with an independent budget allocated by the state. The organization generates revenue through services such as issuing conformity certificates, quality marks, and calibration services. These funds are reinvested to enhance SASO's capabilities and infrastructure, supporting its mission to uphold and advance quality standards within the Kingdom.

Pipeline Development

SASO continually develops and updates standards and technical regulations across various sectors, including:

Building Materials: Establishing technical regulations to ensure the safety and quality of construction materials.

Electrical Products: Implementing standards for electrical and electronic products to safeguard consumers and promote energy efficiency.

Automotive Parts: Setting regulations for auto parts to enhance vehicle safety and performance.

Water Conservation Tools: Developing standards to promote the use of water-efficient products, contributing to environmental sustainability.

These initiatives align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the economy and promote sustainable development.

Technological Platform and Innovation

SASO leverages advanced technological platforms to fulfill its mandate:

National Measurement and Calibration Center (NMCC): Established in 1986, the NMCC is responsible for developing, maintaining, and applying national measurement standards, ensuring traceability to the International System of Units (SI). The center comprises 30 specialized laboratories supporting scientific, legal, and industrial metrology.

SABER Platform: An electronic system designed to protect commercial establishments from fraud by automating product tracking and technical processes throughout the supply chain. SABER facilitates the registration and issuance of conformity certificates for consumer goods, whether imported or locally manufactured.

Saudi Product Safety Program (SALEEM): A program aimed at enhancing product safety in the market by minimizing the entry of non-compliant products. SALEEM includes issuing an annual compliance index and providing information to supervisory authorities to prioritize and facilitate trade procedures.

Leadership Team

SASO is governed by a board of directors headed by the Minister of Commerce and Investment, comprising representatives from major sectors concerned with standardization in the Kingdom. The organization's governor, appointed based on the recommendation of the board chairman, serves as the executive responsible for managing SASO's operations.

Leadership Changes

As of April 2018, Saud Al-Khusaibi has been serving as the president of the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO), which collaborates closely with SASO. Prior to this, Nabil Ameen Molla held the position from 2012 to 2018.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The standardization and quality assurance sector in Saudi Arabia is integral to the nation's economic development, ensuring product safety, enhancing consumer confidence, and facilitating international trade. The market is characterized by a strong emphasis on aligning with international standards to promote competitiveness and innovation.

Competitor Analysis

While SASO is the primary standardization body in Saudi Arabia, it collaborates and sometimes competes with regional and international organizations:

GCC Standardization Organization (GSO): Established in 2001, GSO aims to unify standardization activities across Gulf Cooperation Council member states. SASO played a pivotal role in its formation and continues to work closely with GSO to harmonize standards regionally.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO): As a member of ISO, SASO adopts and implements international standards, ensuring that Saudi products and services meet global benchmarks.

ASTM International: SASO has adopted numerous ASTM standards, particularly in the petroleum and roofing sectors, to enhance the quality and safety of products within the Kingdom.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

SASO has established several significant collaborations to strengthen its position:

ASTM International: Since signing a memorandum of understanding in 2007, SASO has adopted nearly 2,000 ASTM standards, enhancing the quality and safety of various products.

GCC Standardization Organization (GSO): SASO was instrumental in establishing GSO and continues to collaborate on developing unified standards across GCC member states.

International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC): As a member, SASO contributes to and adopts international standards for electrical and electronic technologies.

Operational Insights

SASO's strategic considerations include:

International Alignment: By adopting international standards, SASO ensures that Saudi products are competitive in global markets, facilitating trade and economic growth.

Consumer Protection: Through rigorous conformity assessment procedures and the issuance of quality marks, SASO safeguards consumers from substandard and counterfeit products.

Technological Advancement: Investing in advanced metrology and calibration technologies enhances the accuracy and reliability of measurements, supporting various industrial sectors.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, SASO aims to:

Enhance Digital Transformation: Implementing digital solutions to streamline standardization processes and improve service delivery.

Expand International Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships with international standardization bodies to adopt best practices and enhance global competitiveness.