The vast majority of online content contains a fundamental misrepresentation of SASO 2938:2019—it is often described as a universal energy efficiency standard for electrical appliances, which is completely incorrect.
Following this misinformation will result in wasted time and resources for non-target products. In 2026, understanding this standard requires a return to its official definition, paired with a focus on the latest enforcement priorities.
The full title of SASO 2938:2019 is Energy Efficiency Requirements for Broadcast Receiving Equipment. Its sole core objective is to regulate the standby and operational power consumption of all broadcast receiving equipment connected to the Saudi power grid (plug-in use), and to mandate digital broadcast reception capability for all such products.
The key phrase here is broadcast receiving equipment. It is not a standard for air conditioners, refrigerators, or fans—those products are governed by other SASO standards (e.g., SASO 2663, SASO 2874).
2026 Core SASO 2938:2019 Test Items
The standard’s testing falls into two main categories, with all significant challenges concentrated in the second:
1. Energy Efficiency Testing (Straightforward Requirements)
Measures the device’s power consumption in standby and operational modes, with strict compliance limits set by the standard. This testing is direct and typically easy to pass with proper circuit design.
2. Digital Broadcast Reception Performance Testing (2026 Core Challenge & Cost Driver)
This is mandatory and the top pain point for most manufacturers. The standard requires all covered products to support DAB+ digital audio broadcasting, with complex test items including:
·Reception sensitivity: Stable reception in weak signal environments.
·Anti-interference capability: Resistance to interference in complex electromagnetic environments.
·Audio decoding and output quality.
Why this is a challenge: Many products designed for other markets only support traditional FM/AM or web streaming. Meeting Saudi requirements requires hardware integration of a DAB+ reception module, plus targeted optimization for antenna design and software decoding. Frontline 2025–2026 practice shows a high initial failure rate for this testing, leading to repeated design revisions, retesting, and significant delays and cost increases.
2026 SASO 2938:2019 Certified Product Scope
A product is only covered by SASO 2938:2019 if it meets both criteria: broadcast receiving equipment + connected to the Saudi power grid. Typical covered products include:
1.In-vehicle infotainment systems: The largest product category—including in-vehicle radios and in-vehicle multimedia head units (with or without screens). All products with broadcast reception functionality powered by the vehicle’s cigarette lighter or internal wiring are covered.
2.Household audio equipment: E.g., CD/DVD players, home theater receivers, web radios, and mini audio systems with built-in broadcast tuners.
3.Plug-in portable radios/speakers: Plug-in radios and plug-in speakers with radio functionality.
4.Other embedded devices: Broadcast reception modules integrated into kitchen appliances, alarm clocks, and similar products.
Critical 2026 Exclusions (Correcting Common Misconceptions)
1.Battery-only portable radios: Not covered if used without a power adapter (no connection to the Saudi power grid).
2.Smartphones and tablets: Not typically covered, even with web radio apps—their primary function is not broadcast reception, and they are battery-powered.
3.Televisions: Broadcast reception for televisions is governed by separate Saudi standards.
4.All electrical appliances without broadcast reception functionality: E.g., air conditioners, washing machines, fans, and lighting—no SASO 2938 compliance required whatsoever.
Discussing SASO 2938 in 2026 is all about precision: precise understanding of its narrow scope, and heightened focus on the technically challenging DAB+ testing phase. We hope this practice-based breakdown provides a solid, unique, and practical foundation for your compliance planning. BLUEASIA at +86 13534225140 offers professional certification consulting services.
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