SASO Updates EMC Standard for VR Haptic Devices in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) updated the EMC standard SR 2305:2026 on April 24, 2026, mandating Class B electromagnetic compatibility limits for commercial VR haptic devices—including interactive fitness pods and immersive training stations. This shift directly affects manufacturers and exporters of such equipment, especially those based in China, raising pre-market testing complexity and compliance costs.

Event Overview

On April 24, 2026, SASO issued an amendment to Annex A of SR 2305:2026, specifying that commercial VR haptic devices—defined as interactive fitness pods and immersive training stations—must now comply with Class B electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) emission and immunity limits. The update replaces the previously applicable, less stringent Class A requirements.

Industries Affected

Direct Exporters (especially China-based)

These companies face immediate impact because Class B limits are significantly stricter than Class A—particularly in radiated and conducted emissions testing across 30 MHz–1 GHz bands. Compliance now requires more rigorous PCB layout review, shielding validation, and filter redesign, increasing time-to-market and third-party lab testing frequency.

Contract Manufacturers & OEMs

OEMs supplying VR haptic hardware to global brands must revise design specifications and test plans for Saudi-bound units. Since Class B applies only to commercially deployed devices (not lab prototypes or internal-use systems), production line controls and final QA checkpoints must explicitly verify EMC performance under Class B conditions—not just Class A defaults.

Supply Chain Service Providers (EMC Labs, Certification Consultants)

Testing labs and conformity assessment bodies serving Chinese exporters will see increased demand for pre-compliance scans and full CISPR 32/IEC 61000-6-3 Class B validation. However, capacity constraints may emerge if multiple clients seek parallel certification cycles ahead of enforcement timelines—though no grace period has been publicly announced.

What Enterprises Should Monitor and Do Now

Track official implementation timing and transitional provisions

While the amendment was published on April 24, 2026, SASO has not yet confirmed whether a transition period applies or if Class B becomes effective immediately upon publication. Exporters should monitor SASO’s official portal and authorized notification channels for any follow-up circulars or enforcement guidance.

Verify product classification against SASO’s scope definition

The requirement applies specifically to commercial VR haptic devices, including interactive fitness pods and immersive training stations. Companies should cross-check their product’s intended use, sales channel (B2B vs. B2C), and installation environment (e.g., gym, training center) against SASO’s definitions—not assume all VR peripherals fall under this rule.

Review existing test reports and design documentation

Manufacturers holding valid Class A EMC reports for these products should assess whether retesting under Class B is required—or whether targeted design modifications (e.g., ferrite suppression, cable shielding upgrades) can bridge the gap without full revalidation. Early engineering review avoids last-minute redesign delays.

Engage with local SASO-accredited representatives early

As SASO mandates local representation for conformity assessment, exporters without established Saudi partners should initiate engagement now—not during submission. Pre-submission technical alignment helps avoid rejection due to misclassified device categories or incomplete test evidence.

Editorial Observation / Industry Perspective

From an industry perspective, this update is better understood as a regulatory signal than an isolated technical revision. It reflects SASO’s broader trend of aligning EMC requirements for emerging consumer-tech hardware with EU-level stringency—particularly where devices operate in shared public environments (e.g., gyms, training centers) with higher user density and proximity to other electronics. Analysis来看, it does not yet indicate a full-scale harmonization with EN IEC 61000-6-3, but rather a targeted escalation for one high-growth subcategory. Current enforcement remains tied to product registration and customs clearance—meaning non-compliant units may be held at port unless validated by SASO-accredited bodies. Therefore, ongoing monitoring—not reactive compliance—is the more strategic posture.

This update underscores how regional standards bodies increasingly treat immersive hardware not as niche electronics, but as mainstream consumer infrastructure subject to public-environment EMC safeguards. For exporters, it signals that product categorization—and not just technical specs—now carries decisive regulatory weight. It is neither a temporary adjustment nor a broad-based overhaul, but a calibrated threshold shift affecting a defined set of commercial deployment scenarios.

Information Source: Official SASO amendment notice for SR 2305:2026, published April 24, 2026. Note: Enforcement timeline, transitional arrangements, and official English translation of the amended annex remain pending confirmation and require continued observation.