Saudi Air Conditioner Energy Efficiency Transition Buyer Checklist

Saudi Arabia will cancel certificates issued under the previous air-conditioner standards on 29 November 2026 and enforce SASO 2663 2025 and SASO 2874 2025 at local manufacturers and customs from 1 December. OEMs and importers should close testing, model-identity and shipment gaps before the cutover.

Evidence preparation for the SASO 2663 2025 and SASO 2874 2025 transition Information checked 2 November 2026

Decision summary and deadline

SASO’s official workshop presentation sets a clear transition for covered small- and large-capacity air conditioners. Issuance of energy-efficiency and SABER certificates under the previous standards stopped on 31 August 2026. Certificates issued under those previous versions will be canceled on 29 November 2026. Enforcement of the 2025 standards begins on 1 December 2026 at local manufacturers and customs.

The same presentation says shipments relying on previous-version certificates are the manufacturer’s and importer’s responsibility and should arrive before 29 November. Products already in the Saudi market remain valid according to the licenses and certificates previously provided. Importers should confirm each live certificate and shipment plan with SASO and their accepted conformity route because a purchase order date or sailing date does not replace certificate status at arrival.

Which standards and products are involved

SASO lists small-capacity air conditioners under SASO 2663 and large-capacity air conditioners under SASO 2874. The 2025 editions are the versions named in the transition presentation.

Evidence required for the certification file

The SASO presentation describes the core energy-efficiency file as a test report from a SASO-accepted laboratory, an instruction sheet, nameplate marking information, a model image and the electronic application form. It also lists declarations of conformity from the manufacturer and importer. The presentation states that the accepted test report has a three-year validity from its issue date, but its standard version and product identity must still fit the application.

Build one controlled evidence index for each certified model. Record the document owner, version, issue date, test sample, production configuration and change history. Keep the energy-efficiency file separate from electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, refrigerant, general product-label and shipment documents even when the same model uses all of them.

Performance data buyers should review

The SASO 2874 2025 overview in the official presentation includes acceptance checks for tested power, cooling capacity and reported efficiency metrics. It shows tested power at no more than 1.05 times rated power, tested cooling capacity at no less than 0.95 times rated capacity and tested EER or sensible COP at or above the applicable minimum and at least 0.95 times the rated value. It also lists limits for tested IEER, IPLV, SEER and SEERon where the relevant metric applies.

Do not copy these ratios into a contract without the applicable table, unit type and final standard clauses. Instead, request the complete laboratory report, the declared values and the exact acceptance criteria used for that model. Confirm whether the quoted rating covers ducted or non-ducted construction, cooling method, climate condition, capacity band and voltage or frequency requirements.

What the fan and motor supplier must control

Fans and motors affect airflow, coil heat transfer, input power, sound and control behavior. They are part of the tested air-conditioner configuration, but they do not carry the complete unit’s SASO 2663 or SASO 2874 result on their own.

For every fan or motor used in a certified model, freeze the part number, impeller geometry, motor winding or electronics, controller, firmware or parameter set, supply condition and mounting arrangement. Retain the fan curve at the declared air path, motor input data and environmental limits. If an alternative part is proposed, perform an engineering and certification review before production. A dimensional fit is not evidence of equivalent cooling capacity or system efficiency.

OEM transition checklist

1. List every Saudi air-conditioner model and assign SASO 2663 2025 or SASO 2874 2025 only after a documented scope review.

2. Record the standard version and live status of the energy-efficiency, SABER product and shipment certificates for each model.

3. Confirm that the laboratory is accepted for the exact 2025 standard edition and that the report remains within its validity period.

4. Reconcile the test sample with the current bill of materials, including compressor, heat exchangers, fan, motor, drive, controller, firmware and refrigerant charge.

5. Compare rated and tested power, capacity and every applicable efficiency metric against the correct standard table and capacity class.

6. Lock nameplate, instruction sheet, model image, manufacturer declaration, importer declaration and electronic application to the same model identity.

7. Review every shipment expected near the cutover with the Saudi importer and conformity route; do not assume departure before 29 November is sufficient.

8. Add change control so a fan, motor, heat exchanger, controller or software substitution triggers an evidence review before release.

Common purchasing questions

Does a certificate under the previous standard remain valid after 29 November 2026

The SASO presentation says certificates issued under the previous versions will be canceled on 29 November 2026. Check the live certificate record for every model and do not rely only on the printed expiry date.

Can an old test report support a new SASO 2663 2025 application

The presentation says a valid report issued under SASO 2663 2021 may be accepted when it fulfills all SASO 2663 2025 requirements. The applicant and accepted laboratory must verify that condition; the report year alone is not enough.

What happens to products already in the Saudi market

SASO’s workshop answer says products already in the market remain valid according to previously provided licenses and certificates. This does not create a blanket exception for products manufactured or imported after the enforcement date.

Does a compliant fan or motor prove the air conditioner complies

No. Component evidence supports the air-conditioner file, but the covered complete unit must be tested and certified under the applicable standard and exact configuration.

What should an importer check before a late-November shipment

Check the expected arrival date, live energy-efficiency and SABER certificate versions, shipment certificate, model identity and customs route with the responsible importer and conformity body. Record the answer against the shipment rather than relying on a general email.

Send the model file for an evidence review

Send the destination market, air-conditioner type and capacity, airflow and pressure duty, ambient condition, voltage and frequency, fan and motor part numbers, control method, current test-report version, certificate status, importer and planned arrival date to sales@longwellfans.com. Longwell will confirm the performance and configuration evidence available for the exact candidate fan or motor. Final air-conditioner certification and customs acceptance remain with the responsible applicant, importer, accepted laboratory and Saudi authorities.

Official sources

• Source 1 SASO updated air-conditioner energy-efficiency requirements
• Source 2 SASO certification and enforcement presentation
• Source 3 SASO efficiency labels and covered standards
• Source 4 SASO active energy-efficiency laboratories
• Source 5 ISK SODEX Saudi 2026 official event page — Information checked 2 November 2026