SASO Updates EMC Standard for VR Motion Devices in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Standards Organization (SASO) has revised its electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for VR motion devices, effective 24 April 2026. The update mandates Class B emission limits for all VR motion equipment intended for commercial venues—including mall-based VR experience centers and hotel entertainment facilities—starting 1 October 2026. Exporters of VR hardware from China and other manufacturing hubs must now align product designs and certification workflows with this new regulatory threshold.

Event Overview

On 24 April 2026, SASO published the updated standard SASO IEC 61000-6-3:2026. This revision formally adopts the Class B radiated emission limits defined in IEC 61000-6-3 Ed. 4.0 (2023) for VR motion devices sold into commercial premises in Saudi Arabia. Compliance is required from 1 October 2026. Affected products must be tested by SASO-authorized laboratories, and test reports must be submitted as part of the conformity assessment process.

Industries Affected

Direct Exporters (e.g., Chinese VR Hardware Manufacturers)

These companies supply VR motion devices—including haptic vests, motion platforms, and full-body tracking systems—to Saudi distributors or end-users. They are directly responsible for product compliance. The Class B requirement introduces stricter radiated emission thresholds than typical Class A limits used for industrial equipment, necessitating redesigns of shielding, grounding, and power supply filtering.

Contract Manufacturers & ODMs

Firms producing VR motion hardware under private labels or OEM agreements must adapt production lines and bill-of-materials to meet the updated EMC specification. Any pre-2026 design iteration may no longer qualify for SASO market access without retesting and documentation updates.

Distribution & Channel Partners in KSA

Local importers and authorized resellers face increased pre-market verification responsibilities. Stocking non-compliant units after 1 October 2026 risks customs rejection or post-import non-conformance actions. Their technical coordination with upstream suppliers becomes critical to verify lab accreditation and report validity.

EMC Testing & Certification Service Providers

Laboratories outside Saudi Arabia must confirm SASO recognition status for VR motion device testing. Non-accredited labs—even those accredited to IEC 61000-6-3:2023—cannot issue valid reports unless explicitly listed by SASO for this product category and standard version.

What Stakeholders Should Monitor and Do Now

Track official SASO communications on scope clarification

The standard references ‘VR motion devices’ without a formal product definition. Analysis来看, SASO may issue supplementary guidance on boundary cases—e.g., whether standalone VR headsets without motion feedback fall under this mandate. Exporters should monitor SASO’s official portal and notification channels for such clarifications.

Verify laboratory authorization status before initiating testing

Not all SASO-recognized labs are approved for VR motion devices under the 2026 edition. From industry角度看, early engagement with labs to confirm inclusion in SASO’s updated list—and their capacity to test complex motion-system EMI signatures—is essential to avoid delays.

Review PCB layout, enclosure shielding, and AC/DC power filter designs

Class B limits are typically 10 dB stricter than Class A in the 30–230 MHz range. Current more suitable interpretation is that legacy designs relying on basic ferrite beads or ungrounded metal housings will likely fail. Engineering teams should prioritize iterative pre-scan testing and revise filtering topologies (e.g., adding common-mode chokes and Y-capacitors) before formal submission.

Update technical documentation and labeling for KSA-bound shipments

Test reports must reference SASO IEC 61000-6-3:2026 explicitly—not generic IEC standards. Product labels and user manuals destined for Saudi markets should reflect compliance with this specific version. Analysis来看, SASO inspectors may cross-check report version numbers against shipment manifests during port clearance.

Editorial Observation / Industry Perspective

This update is better understood as a signal of SASO’s broader shift toward harmonizing consumer-facing electronics regulations with international best practices—not merely a technical revision. Observation来看, the timing (six months between publication and enforcement) suggests SASO intends this to be an operational transition, not a sudden barrier. However, the absence of a grace period for existing inventory indicates enforcement will be applied uniformly from day one. From industry角度, it reflects growing scrutiny of immersive tech in public spaces—especially where multiple RF-emitting devices operate in proximity (e.g., VR arenas with Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth trackers, and motion actuators). Continuous monitoring of SASO’s alignment with future IEC editions remains advisable.

In summary, SASO’s 2026 EMC update establishes a clear, enforceable benchmark for VR motion devices entering Saudi commercial markets. It does not introduce novel testing methods but elevates the performance bar for radiated emissions. For stakeholders, the priority is not speculation about policy intent—but concrete action on design validation, lab coordination, and documentation alignment. The regulation is now codified; its implementation is operational, not provisional.

Source: SASO Official Gazette, SASO IEC 61000-6-3:2026, published 24 April 2026. Note: Scope applicability to hybrid or modular VR systems remains pending further SASO guidance and is subject to ongoing observation.