To implement energy saving and carbon reduction policies and align with leading international standards, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has proposed an amendment to its technical regulations for energy efficiency. This introduces a new mandatory standard titled “Electronic Displays – Energy Performance, Testing, and Labeling Requirements,” comprehensively restructuring Saudi Arabia’s existing energy efficiency control system for electronic displays.
This comprehensive regulatory upgrade will significantly impact consumer electronic products with displays and built-in screens sold in the Saudi Arabian market. The key summaries are as follows:
Core Regulatory Requirements: This standard explicitly regulates the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for controlled electronic displays and fully establishes an officially managed energy efficiency labeling system. In the future, all products within the scope of control must be uniformly issued and affixed with the official energy efficiency label via the SASO registration system (Saber platform) before customs clearance and sales. Products failing to comply with these regulations will not be cleared through customs.
Scope of Controlled and Applicable Products: The standard applies to equipment operating on a 230V AC single-phase circuit with a frequency of 60Hz in accordance with SASO GSO 1899 specifications. For the first time, it expands coverage to standardized DC input (such as USB-powered) and battery-powered portable display devices.
Comprehensive Expansion of Categories: Breaking the existing restrictions that limited controls to televisions and advertising display screens, computer monitors and digital signage displays are included under mandatory control for the first time.
Full Coverage of Panel Technologies: Technically, it explicitly includes new panel products such as MicroLED, QDLED, and OLED.
Definition of the Exemption List: The regulation explicitly defines a list of 14 categories of exempted products (such as certain medical displays or professional-grade custom display equipment; the specific 14 categories are detailed on page 2).
Setting Entry Thresholds: The new standard introduces the Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) evaluation system, setting strict minimum energy efficiency entry thresholds for different resolutions. Products that fail to meet the aforementioned EEI limit requirements will be directly prohibited from entering the Saudi Arabian market in the future.
Important Timeline
Notification Date: March 17, 2026.
Proposed Official Effective Date: July 1, 2027.
