Technical regulation for auto spare parts

The safety of automotive spare parts is a critical issue that directly impacts the well-being of drivers and passengers, particularly in a robust and rapidly growing market like Saudi Arabia. With the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 driving economic diversification and a surge in automotive activity, the demand for both original and aftermarket parts is at an all-time high. However, this growth also creates a challenge: ensuring that all components, from brake pads to filters, meet stringent safety and quality standards to prevent the influx of counterfeit and substandard products. This article will explore the regulations, challenges, and consumer awareness surrounding the safety of automotive spare parts in the Saudi market, highlighting the crucial role they play in road safety and vehicle performance.

The importance of automotive spare parts in the market

In today’s fast-evolving automotive industry, maintaining high spare parts standards is essential for ensuring safety, performance, and sustainability. This is especially critical in international, regional, and local markets like Saudi Arabia, where road safety, climate conditions, and market growth demand strict quality control for all vehicle components.

Reasons why high spare parts standards are important, especially in the Saudi market:

1. Enhance road safety by reducing the risk of accidents caused by faulty or substandard parts.
2. Extend vehicle lifespan, lowering maintenance costs and improving reliability.
3. Ensure compatibility with advanced automotive technologies used in modern vehicles.
4. Protect consumers from counterfeit and low-quality spare parts.
   Support regulatory compliance with Saudi and international safety and environmental laws.
5. Boost consumer trust and confidence in the automotive industry.
6. Contribute to sustainability by promoting durable, high-performance components that reduce waste.
7. Strengthen the local economy by encouraging local manufacturers to meet global spare parts standards.

What is the Technical Regulation for auto spare parts?

The technical regulations for auto spare parts in the Saudi market are established by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). These regulations are designed to ensure the safety and quality of products and are implemented through the SABER electronic platform, which is part of the larger SALEEM program.

The SASO technical regulations for spare parts cover a wide range of products, including:

1. Safety-critical components like brake linings, brake systems, safety belts, and airbags.
2. Engine components like radiators, engine coolants, and filters (air, oil, and fuel).
3. Exterior parts such as motor vehicle glass, rearview mirrors, and lamps.
4. Chassis and suspension components like tie rods, shock absorbers, and ball joints.

To comply with these regulations and meet the spare parts requirements, importers and manufacturers must follow a conformity assessment process. This process is managed through the SABER platform and involves obtaining two main certificates:

1- Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC): This is required for each specific product type and is valid for one year. It demonstrates that the product meets the relevant SASO standards.

2- Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC): This is a single-use certificate issued for each shipment, confirming that the products in that specific shipment are compliant.

Key requirements for spare parts to receive certification generally include:

1. Test Reports: Products must undergo testing at a SASO-accredited laboratory to ensure they comply with the specified safety, quality, and environmental standards.
2. Documentation: Detailed product information, including data sheets, clear photos of the product and its labels, and a declaration of conformity.
3. Factory Audit: For all commercial spare parts, an audit of the manufacturing facility is required to ensure quality control processes are in place.

The regulations also distinguish between “genuine parts” and “commercial parts,” with different assessment requirements for each. A primary objective of this technical regulation for auto spare parts is to combat the influx of counterfeit and substandard products, thereby protecting consumers and enhancing road safety.

What spare parts products are covered by the SASO technical regulation?

The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has established a comprehensive technical regulation for auto spare parts to ensure product safety, quality, and consumer protection in the Saudi market. These SASO technical regulations cover a wide range of automotive components, which are classified into different categories to define the specific spare parts requirements for each.

Here is a breakdown of the spare parts products typically covered by these regulations, as outlined in various spare parts standards:

1- Safety and Braking Systems:

• Brake linings and pads
• Braking systems
• Safety belts and child restraint systems
• Airbags
• Rims

2- Engine and Cooling Components:

• Engine radiators and coolants
• Vehicle filters (air, oil, and fuel)
• Spark plugs, alternators, and ignition coils

3- Exterior and Lighting:

• Motor vehicle glass (windshields, windows, etc.)
• Rear-view mirrors
• Vehicle lamps (headlamps, signal lights, etc.)
• Bumpers and other exterior protection devices

4- Chassis and Suspension:

• Shock absorbers
• Tie rods, arms, and ball joints
• Bearings

5- Other Critical Components:

• Door locks and hinges
• Automotive belts and pulleys
• Sound signalling devices (horns)

The specific spare parts standards for each product may vary, but they generally require that the parts meet specific criteria for performance, durability, and safety, often aligned with international standards like ISO and ECE. The SASO technical regulations mandate that these products undergo a conformity assessment process via the SABER platform to receive a Certificate of Conformity before they can be legally imported or sold in the Kingdom. This process is crucial for preventing the entry of counterfeit and substandard products into the market.

How to obtain a certificate for auto spare parts?

To sell or import automotive spare parts in Saudi Arabia, you must obtain a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) through the SABER platform, in compliance with SASO technical regulations. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Steps to Obtain a Certificate for Auto Spare Parts:

1- Register on the SABER Platform

• Create an account on the official SABER platform.
• Register your company as a local Saudi importer or through your authorized Saudi representative.

2-Classify the Product under the Correct HS code

• Identify your spare parts category and ensure it complies with the relevant technical regulation for auto spare parts.

3- Choose a Notified Body

• Select a SASO-approved conformity assessment body (CAB) such as Tabseer through SABER.
• You may choose a body based in Saudi Arabia or internationally recognized by SASO.

4- Submit Required Documentation to the Tabseer-accredited body

• Provide detailed product specifications, test reports, photos, drawings, and manufacturer information.
• Ensure all documents comply with spare parts requirements set by SASO

5- Obtain the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC)

• Once the product passes the documentation and meets all SASO technical regulations, the CAB will issue the PCoC.

6- Apply for Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC)

• Before each shipment to Saudi Arabia, apply for an SCoC through SABER by submitting the PCoC and shipping documents.
• The SCoC ensures customs clearance for your products

Put in mind the following notes:

• The PCoC is valid for one year and can be renewed.
• Arabic labelling and safety information must be included.
• Only certified spare parts can enter the Saudi market.

‘

Importers’ and manufacturers’ responsibilities

To obtain the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) for automotive spare parts in Saudi Arabia, importers and manufacturers have distinct responsibilities within the framework of the SASO SALEEM program and its electronic platform, SABER

Importer’s Responsibilities

The importer, a Saudi-registered entity, is the primary party responsible for initiating and managing the entire certification process on the SABER platform. Their key responsibilities include:

1- SABER Platform Account Management: The importer must have a registered account on the SABER platform. Only a Saudi entity with a Commercial Registration (CR) can create and manage this account.

2- Product Registration: The importer is responsible for registering each specific type of regulated automotive spare part on the SABER platform. This involves providing detailed product information, including the Harmonized System (HS) code, product description in both Arabic and English, and manufacturer details.

3- Engaging a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB): The importer must select a SASO-approved CAB from the list available on the SABER platform to conduct the conformity assessment. The importer pays the fees associated with the CAB’s services.

4- Document Submission: While the manufacturer provides the technical documentation, the importer is responsible for uploading all necessary pictures to the SABER platform. This includes test reports, data sheets, and clear photos of the product and its labels.

5- Obtaining the PCoC: The importer initiates the request for the PCoC for each product type. The PCoC, which is valid for one year, is issued through SABER after the CAB verifies that the product meets the relevant SASO technical regulations.

6- Obtaining the SCoC: For every shipment of certified products, the importer must apply for a new SCoC on the SABER platform. This certificate, which is valid for a single shipment, is crucial for customs clearance. The importer must provide shipment-specific documents like the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading.

Manufacturer’s Responsibilities

The manufacturer, who is typically located outside of Saudi Arabia, plays a crucial supporting role by providing the necessary product information and ensuring the quality of their parts. Their responsibilities include:

1- Ensuring Product Compliance: The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring that their automotive spare parts are manufactured to meet the specific safety, quality, and performance standards outlined in the relevant SASO technical regulations.

2- Providing Technical Documentation: The manufacturer must provide a complete technical file for each product to the importer. This documentation is essential for the conformity assessment process and includes:

1. Test reports from an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory.
2. Product data sheets with detailed specifications.
3. Declarations of conformity.
4. Information about the quality management system in place at the manufacturing facility (e.g., ISO 9001 certification).
5. High-resolution photos of the product and its labelling.

3- Factory Audits (if applicable): For “commercial” spare parts, which fall under a Type 3 assessment, a factory audit may be required. The manufacturer must cooperate with the CAB to facilitate this on-site inspection of their production processes and quality control systems.

4- Maintaining Quality Control: The manufacturer must maintain an effective quality management system to ensure consistent product quality across all shipments.

5- Labelling: The manufacturer must ensure that the products and their packaging are labelled correctly, often with information in Arabic, to comply with SASO regulations.

How does Tabseer support you in meeting the technical regulation?

Tabseer is your trusted partner in navigating the complex process of meeting technical regulations for auto spare parts in Saudi Arabia. As an accredited and experienced conformity assessment body, Tabseer helps you ensure full compliance with SASO technical regulations by guiding you through every step—from classifying your products correctly and preparing the required documentation to coordinating testing and issuing the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) through the SABER platform. With Tabseer’s expert support, you can confidently bring your automotive spare parts to the Saudi market, knowing they meet all spare parts requirements and regulatory standards.