SASO Updates VR Haptic Device EMC Standard to Class B in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) updated the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standard for VR and haptic entertainment devices on April 16, 2026 — mandating Class B emission limits for all equipment deployed in commercial venues such as fitness centers, theme parks, and mall-based VR zones. With enforcement beginning July 1, 2026, this change affects manufacturers, importers, and distributors supplying to the Saudi market and signals a tightening of technical market access requirements.

Event Overview

On April 16, 2026, SASO published the revised standard SR 2692:2026 — Electromagnetic Compatibility Requirements for Virtual Reality and Haptic Entertainment Devices. The update explicitly requires all VR and haptic devices intended for commercial deployment in Saudi Arabia to comply with Class B radiated and conducted emission limits — which are 10 dB stricter than Class A limits. Compliance must be verified by a SASO-recognized testing laboratory, and test reports must be submitted as part of the conformity assessment process. The regulation becomes mandatory on July 1, 2026, allowing an 82-day transition period from publication.

Industries Affected by the Update

VR/AR hardware manufacturers
Manufacturers producing VR headsets, motion platforms, haptic suits, or full-body tracking systems intended for commercial installations must redesign or revalidate existing models to meet Class B EMC performance. Legacy products certified under Class A — even if previously accepted in Saudi Arabia — will no longer satisfy entry requirements unless retested and re-certified.

Importers and distributors targeting Saudi commercial venues
Companies sourcing VR/haptic equipment from overseas suppliers face increased pre-market validation burdens. Stock already cleared under prior Class A allowances may not be eligible for new sales or installations after July 1, 2026, unless accompanied by valid Class B test reports issued by SASO-recognized labs.

System integrators and venue operators
Firms integrating VR/haptic solutions into gyms, theme parks, or retail spaces must verify compliance status before procurement or installation. Non-compliant equipment risks rejection at customs, failure during SASO post-market surveillance, or operational suspension upon inspection.

Key Considerations and Recommended Actions

Confirm lab recognition status before scheduling testing

SASO maintains a publicly listed registry of accredited laboratories authorized to issue SR 2692:2026 compliance reports. Companies should verify that their chosen lab appears on the current list — as recognition is subject to periodic review and may vary by test scope (e.g., radiated vs. conducted emissions).

Review product families against Class B emission margins

Class B limits apply across the full frequency range specified in SR 2692:2026 (e.g., 30 MHz–1 GHz for radiated emissions). Manufacturers should assess whether shielding, filtering, or firmware-level timing adjustments are needed — especially for high-power motion actuators or wireless synchronization modules commonly found in haptic platforms.

Document and retain evidence of transition planning

Given the short 82-day window between publication and enforcement, companies should maintain internal records of test scheduling, lab engagement dates, and engineering change orders. Such documentation may support requests for limited case-by-case extensions — though SASO has not announced formal grace provisions.

Verify labeling and technical file alignment

The updated standard may require modifications to user manuals, technical specifications, and product labeling to reflect Class B compliance. All documentation submitted to SASO must consistently reference SR 2692:2026 (2026 edition), not earlier versions.

Editorial Perspective / Industry Observation

From industry perspective, this update is better understood as a regulatory signal than an isolated compliance event. It reflects SASO’s broader shift toward harmonizing local EMC requirements with international benchmarks — particularly IEC/CISPR standards used in EU and North American markets. Analysis来看, the choice of Class B — typically reserved for residential environments — suggests SASO prioritizes interference mitigation in dense urban deployments where VR venues often co-locate with other sensitive electronics (e.g., security systems, POS terminals, Wi-Fi infrastructure). Current more appropriate interpretation is that SR 2692:2026 marks the start of stricter technical gatekeeping for immersive tech entering Gulf commercial infrastructure — not just a one-time revision.

Observation来看, the absence of phased rollout or tiered implementation implies SASO expects manufacturers to treat this as baseline readiness — rather than a transitional measure. That said, actual enforcement rigor — including sampling frequency, penalties for non-compliance, or treatment of legacy stock — remains unconfirmed and warrants ongoing monitoring beyond the effective date.

Conclusion: This update does not introduce new product categories or redefine use cases, but it does raise the technical bar for market access. It is best interpreted as a procedural tightening — one that rewards proactive technical due diligence over reactive compliance firefighting.

Information Source:
— SASO Official Gazette Notice No. SR 2692:2026 (published April 16, 2026)
— SASO Accredited Laboratories List (current as of May 2026; subject to periodic updates)