The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) was established pursuant to the Royal Decree No. M/10 dated 03/03/1392 H (17/4/1972 G) as a body of judicial personality and of an independent budget and obtained ISO membership the same year.

It is a government body that coordinates standardization activities and facilitates the development of Saudi Standards by working with Government, industry and the community.

A board of directors, headed by his Excellency the Minister of Commerce and Investment and comprised of representatives of the major sectors concerned with standardization in the Kingdom, outlines the general policy of SASO.

SASO is a competent authority entrusted with all matters related to standardization, metrology and quality in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It provides the necessary measures for quality control of raw materials and products, and set necessary conformity procedures of products based on the verification of quality, legislation and application of the Quality Mark Scheme. It governors the organizational and executive tasks related to standards, metrology and quality, including laying down Saudi standards of goods, products and services, measurement, and setting procedures of conformity evaluation and certification. SASO is also hosting the Saudi Accreditation Committee (SAC) responsible for accrediting laboratories and certification bodies. Moreover, SASO sets methods of sampling, testing, and technical inspection and promotes quality management systems.

SASO works closely with the private sector, other government bodies, consumer representatives and other stakeholders, in order to develop the quality infrastructure in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

SASO is a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) and International Bureau of weight and Measures (BIPM), which provides a direct link to the international arena and creates further standards development efficiencies.

Initiatives