SASO 2902: Saudi Lighting Efficiency Rules for LED Sourcing
SASO 2902:2023 sets a 90 lm/W minimum for LED lighting in Saudi Arabia, mandatory from 2025-06-01. What it covers and how to verify a factory lab report.
SASO 2902 is the Saudi technical regulation governing the energy efficiency, functionality, and labelling of lighting products. Its 2023 revision sets a minimum luminous efficacy of 90 lumens per watt (lm/W), mandatory from 2025-06-01. Any LED product sourced from China for the Saudi market must meet it, and the requirement is enforced through SASO conformity on SABER. A common 80 lm/W LED panel that ships fine to other markets will be rejected.
What SASO 2902 requires
- Luminous efficacy: ≥90 lm/W for LED products (the headline figure, mandatory since 2025-06-01).
- Functional performance: lifetime, lumen maintenance, power factor, and colour characteristics within defined limits.
- Labelling: an energy-efficiency label and accurate rated specifications.
The efficacy figure must be demonstrated on an accredited photometric test report — the lab measures total lumens output against power draw. Marketing claims are not sufficient; the SABER conformity assessment body needs the measured number.
Which products are in scope
LED lighting across the smart and non-smart range: bulbs, downlights, panels, LED strips, ceiling and linear fixtures, and smart lighting controllers driving LED loads. If a product emits light via LEDs and runs on mains, assume SASO 2902 applies and ask for the photometric report.
How to verify a factory’s compliance
- Ask for the photometric report, not a datasheet claim. The report should state measured lm/W.
- Check the number is ≥90 lm/W at the rated drive current — some factories quote efficacy at a lower current than production uses.
- Confirm the lab is accredited (ILAC). An internal report will not pass the SABER conformity assessment body.
- Match the model number on the report to the production unit.
This is the single most common Saudi rejection point for lighting, and it is cheap to catch at pre-shipment inspection and expensive to catch at customs. For the broader Saudi sourcing and certification picture, see sourcing smart home devices for Saudi Arabia and the SASO/SABER certification guide.