SASO has concluded the introductory workshops on the technical regulation for the tools of rationalizing water with a third workshop in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jeddah. The workshops come within the framework of SASO's efforts to inform the manufacturers and importers with the technical requirements for the tools of rationalizing water consumption and the technical and regulatory procedures of these products when the regulation comes into force at the beginning of the next Hijri year 1439 AH.

     The workshop was attended by a number of manufacturers and importers of sanitary appliances. It aimed at disseminating awareness of the technical regulations of water rationalization and conformity procedures that protect consumers and Saudi market from non-conforming products, which do not comply with water rationalization programs.

     Eng. Mohammed Herrira, from SASO, reviewed the technical regulation of the tools of rationalizing water consumption and its implementation. He pointed out that the actual implementation of the regulation will start at the beginning of the next Hijri year (1439 AH). He also indicated that the rationalization programs launched by the concerned bodies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia comply with the methods of international work and principles of international trade agreements, which stresses the need to develop technical regulations that take into account consumer safety and health and complies with environmental standards.

     In addition, he explained that the products included in the regulation are showerheads, taps and mixers of showers, taps and mixers installed in public and private toilets, taps and mixers of bidets, taps and mixers of bidet sprayers, single and dual flush toilets and flushing system urinals.

     Ms. Maimonah Melibari, working at the National Program to Rationalize Water Consumption at the National Water Company (NWC), gave a presentation on the National Program to Rationalize Water Consumption. She identified that the program is considered one of the initiatives of the National Transformation Program 2020, resulted from Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. She added saying that the program focuses on developing a category for household products according to their consumption. Moreover, she illustrated that the importance of the program stems from the fact that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia holds the third position for water consumption, after the United States of America and Canada. She mentioned that the program will enable, through its plan, consumers to reach normal rates of water consumption. Furthermore, she indicated that the program includes awareness programs, media campaigns and motivational programs that involve points and awards.

     Additionally, Eng. Talal Al-Mabruk, from SASO, provided an explanation of the mechanism used to register the rationalization tools of water consumption and the license application procedures at SASO.

     In coordination with the Chambers of Commerce, SASO held introductory workshops on the technical regulation and products under which they are included. The first workshop was held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Riyadh on 19 July 2017, the second workshop was held at Asharqia Chamber in Dammam on 26July 2017, and the third workshop was held at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jeddah on 2 August 2017.