Saudi Arabia's Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has withdrawn the GEN-002 specification referenced in Annex 1 of the Technical Regulation for Communications and Information Technology Devices and replaced it with SASO 3114:2026, 'Requirements for Specific ICT Equipment.' The change was announced via the SABER conformity platform and introduces a defined grace period, as well as a hard deadline for certificate invalidation.

The scope of SASO 3114:2026 remains broad, covering mobile phones, tablets, mobile computers, mobile routers, customer premises equipment (CPE), and cellular IoT devices. The new standard is available exclusively through the SASO Wasif standards store, requiring manufacturers and importers to procure the document for gap analysis and retesting where necessary.

Certificates of Conformity (PCoC) and Shipment Certificates issued under GEN-002 will be valid only until March 31, 2027, regardless of their stated expiry. From November 1, 2026, all new certifications must comply with SASO 3114:2026, and certification bodies will no longer issue certificates against GEN-002.

The regulatory framework and SABER submission workflow remain unchanged, but the technical baseline for conformity assessment has shifted. CST type approval for radio equipment continues as a separate obligation and is not affected by this update.

Manufacturers and importers must review their technical files, conduct gap analyses, and schedule retesting as needed. Careful planning is required to ensure compliance and uninterrupted market access during the transition.

This regulatory change is classified as High Impact.

Key reasons for high impact:

• Mandatory replacement of GEN-002 with SASO 3114:2026 for ICT device conformity.
• Broad scope affecting multiple device categories including mobile phones, tablets, routers, CPEs, and cellular IoT devices.
• Certificates issued under GEN-002 will be cancelled by March 31, 2027, regardless of their stated validity.
• New certifications from November 1, 2026 must comply with SASO 3114:2026.
• Requires gap analysis, retesting, and recertification for existing portfolios.

Who is affected?

Manufacturers, importers, certification bodies, testing laboratories, distributors, and other stakeholders in the Saudi ICT device market.

Conclusion:

The transition to SASO 3114:2026 imposes significant operational and compliance burdens, requiring immediate attention and action from all affected parties to maintain market access.