SASO: Quality Mark is Mandatory for Cement Products by September 9^th

       SASO has announced the commencement of the obligation of cement products to obtain the Saudi Quality Mark, as of Muharram 10^th,  1441AH, corresponding to September 9^th, 2019, in accordance with the Technical Regulation for Building Materials - Part 3: Hydraulic Links. SASO stressed that cement products, including white cement and ready-mixed concrete will not be allowed to enter Saudi entry points or sold on markets after this date unless they have the Saudi Quality Mark.

       SASO invited all importers and manufacturers of these products to obtain the Saudi Quality Mark through the application on the electronic certification system of SASO: https://jeem1.saso.gov.sa/ .

        This step confirms the keenness of SASO and relevant regulatory authorities to improve the quality of commodities and products offered in the Saudi market and enhance health and safety of consumers, through licensing establishments that meet the requirements of the General Technical Regulation of the Saudi Quality Mark to use the mark on their products. SASO also explained that the product's Quality Mark reflects its compliance with the approved Saudi Standards, in addition to achieving quality control standards during its manufacture. Thus, the quality labeling system serves the interest of all stakeholders (i.e., producer, consumer and trader), enhances consumer protection, and provides greater competitiveness for products obtaining the Quality Mark.

       It is noteworthy that SASO's Board of Directors, has adopted the Technical Regulation for Building Materials - Part 3: Hydraulic Links in its meeting No. (161), held on 24-10-1440 AH, corresponding to 27-6-2019. This regulation was published in the Official Gazette on 9-1-1439 AH, corresponding to 29-9-2017, which included imposing the Saudi Quality Mark on cement products, including white cement and ready-mixed concrete. This regulation also stipulates a transitional period of two years for suppliers and manufacturers of cement and ready-mixed concrete from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.