The requirements for importing luminaires into Saudi Arabia are becoming more and more stringent, and buyers need to find suppliers who are certified and registered, as well as pay attention to the parameters on the packaging. Here we look at what lighting products are required to meet Saudi Arabia's energy efficiency standards, and the specific issues surrounding the labelling of product parameters.

I. Energy efficiency standards for luminaires exported to Saudi Arabia

The numerous certificates and certification fees make it difficult to import lamps and lanterns into Saudi Arabia, which is a problem for many suppliers and buyers of lamps and lanterns.

At present, the export of lamps and lanterns to Saudi Arabia requires at least the following preparations:

1. energy efficiency test + energy efficiency registration (EER) for the luminaire

2. IEC report + CB certificate for the luminaire

3. SASO IECEE registration for the luminaire

4. SABER registration for the luminaire

Some certifications require the purchaser to register in person on the relevant platform. The preparation of these four tests and registrations will be described in detail in a separate article.

There are 2 standards for energy efficiency in Saudi luminaires:

SASO2870:2018 and SASO2902:2018, which control different product ranges.

1. Scope of the SASO2870:2018 standard

It mainly covers all types of directional and non-directional light sources with a luminous flux of 60-12000 lumens for general lighting, mainly in the light bulb category, including:

tungsten filament light bulbs.

Self-ballasted energy saving lamps (CFLi),

Halogen bulbs

LED bulbs to replace tungsten lamps.

LED luminaires replacing halogen lamps.

LED luminaires where the light source is not replaceable

2. Scope of the SASO2902:2018 standard

On the other hand, SASO2902:2018, supplements the scope of products controlled by SASO2870:2018 standard by.

It includes:

Tungsten, halogen and self-ballasted fluorescent lamps with a luminous flux greater than or equal to 12,000 lumens

Compact fluorescent lamps without ballast

All types of fluorescent lamps

High intensity discharge lamps (mercury lamps, high/low pressure sodium lamps, quartz/ceramic metal halide lamps)

LED lamps (including LED lamps with greater than or equal to 12,000 lumens)

Non-interchangeable light source luminaires

Directional integrated luminaires

Non-directional integrated luminaires

II. Packaging issues under the Saudi luminaire standard

After understanding the luminaire products controlled by the two standards SASO2870:2018 and SASO2902:2018, let's look at the latest requirements for packaging under these standards. When purchasing products and placing orders, it is necessary to confirm the labeling on the product parameters and the color box, etc.

1. Product packaging covered by SASO2870:2018 standard.

The products covered by SASO2870:2018 standard are mainly light bulbs. At present, Saudi Arabia has stricter requirements for the labeling of parameters of lighting products, and the small size and pear-shaped appearance of light bulbs make it more difficult to mark products. In this regard, in line with the local requirements of Saudi Arabia, buyers have to make trade-offs on the content of the parameter marking.

The following are some suggestions that can be taken into account.

(1) About the color box

Only a single logo can be displayed on the color box, and a warning message needs to be added to the instruction manual. For some products, there is currently no uniform standard for the size of the energy efficiency label, and it may not be possible to put down on small products, so the laboratory needs to be consulted separately.

The 3 light warning icons on the color box (shown below) need to be placed as close as possible to the minimum size of 5mm, 5mm and 7mm respectively.

(2) About the lamp body marking.

According to the new standard, there is no need to mark color code on the lamp body. With conventional Laser marking, the font needs to be >2mm, but there is the problem of not being able to place it. In addition to laser marking, the pad printing icon can also be used.

(3) About the outer box

The outer box can be stripped of warnings, paperback markings and lamp head specifications such as E27, plus a barcode needs to be added.

2. Packaging of products covered by SASO2902:2018 standard.

For the products covered by SASO2902:2018 standard, we look at the matters that need attention on the packaging of these luminaire products, mainly on the labeling of parameters on the product, the color box and the outer box.

(1) Luminaire voltage: first of all, if you can show a single voltage, you show a single voltage.

Of course, no matter what voltage is marked, it is tested 220V or 230V hot state (i.e., working state) for 30 minutes.

In addition, if marked wide voltage, it needs to be test 120V and 230V.

(2) Marking fonts: The problem that may be encountered is that the marking fonts cannot be larger than 2MM, because the area on the lamp body that can be marked is limited and for most lamps this cannot be achieved.

(3) Combustible and lightning markings: Laboratories such as BV need to be consulted regarding whether combustible and lightning markings should be added and the size of the markings specified.

(4) The value of the inspection report needs to be left at a margin of <10%

(5) Energy efficiency class A/B/C: need to be consistent with the EER label as far as possible

We believe that through the above introduction, you must have a more complete understanding of the packaging issues under the Saudi lighting standards. For further advice or questions, please feel free to consult us or visit our website: www.hbsocket.com