For automotive export projects to Saudi Arabia, eCall and SASO 2944 have become indispensable requirements. Most vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers lack clear understanding of its regulatory nature, covered products, certification procedures and compliance steps. This article gives a full breakdown.

1. Overview of SASO 2944

SASO 2944 is officially titled Motor Vehicles – Technical Requirements for Emergency Call (eCall), a mandatory standard issued by SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization). It mandates light vehicles exported to Saudi Arabia to be equipped with compliant onboard emergency call systems.

The eCall system automatically triggers emergency calls during severe collisions, dialing Saudi emergency number 911 and transmitting MSD minimum dataset including vehicle location, timestamp, VIN code and power type. Manual trigger buttons are also required. Backup power supply is mandatory to ensure system operation after collision power failure.

This is a mandatory compliance requirement; non-compliant vehicles are prohibited from import and market access.

  2. Valid Versions of SASO 2944

Two versions are currently effective:

·SASO 2944:2020: Set two mandatory timelines – new vehicles mandatory from 2023 model year, all vehicles fully mandatory from 2025 model year.

·SASO DS 2944:2023: Officially released in July 2024. Key updates: mandatory 4G support for communication modules, low-volume vehicle exemption (annual output <75 units), unified enforcement postponed to January 1, 2027.

Applicable version depends on vehicle model and export schedule. Confirm with SASO or authorized agents before certification application.

  3. Mandatory Products for SASO 2944

Covers light vehicles with GVW ≤ 3.5 tons, including passenger cars, SUVs, MPVs and pickup trucks of all powertrain types.

The 2023 edition adds low-volume exemption: vehicles with annual production/import below 75 units can apply for eCall exemption. Exemption requires official application and approval, no self-assessment allowed.

Fuel vehicles and electric vehicles follow different submission channels: fuel vehicles via GSO, electric vehicles via SABER platform.

  4. Regulatory Authorities & Division of Responsibilities

·SASO: Standard setter and overall compliance administrator, issuing certification certificates via the SABER platform.

·CITC: Regulates RF and telecom network access of eCall communication modules, responsible for T-Box type approval, not involved in eCall functional verification.

·MOI (Saudi Ministry of Interior): Conducts vehicle-level eCall 911 call function testing and approval, verifying actual call connection and MSD transmission performance.

Procedure logic: CITC module RF approval → MOI eCall function testing → Final vehicle certification via GSO/SABER.

  5. SASO 2944 Certification Process

·CITC Module Testing & Approval: T-Box/communication module completes RF and EMC testing to obtain CITC type approval, processed independently in advance by component suppliers.

·MOI Vehicle Function Testing: Verify automatic/manual eCall trigger, 911 call connection and MSD data transmission to obtain MOI approval.

·Vehicle Certification Submission: Fuel vehicles submit documents to GSO; electric vehicles complete registration and certification via the SABER jeem1 system.

CITC and MOI procedures can run in parallel; both approvals are mandatory for final vehicle certification submission.

  6. Key Technical Requirements

·SIM/eSIM must be issued by local Saudi telecom operators; international SIM shall ensure normal network access in Saudi Arabia.

·2023 edition enforces 4G LTE support for communication modules; 2G/3G modules face phase-out risks.

·Vehicle HMI interface must support Arabic and English bilingual display.

·eCall system must be factory-installed; aftermarket retrofitting is not recognized.

·MSD data collection and transmission shall comply with Saudi personal data privacy regulations.

  7. Difference Between Saudi SASO 2944 & UAE.S 5019

Both are independent mandatory eCall systems with no certificate mutual recognition, requiring separate certification.

Similarities: Both enforce eCall for GVW ≤3.5 tons light vehicles, adopt dual-track certification (module RF + vehicle function), require MSD transmission and local emergency number adaptation.

Differences: Saudi explicitly mandates 4G by 2027; Saudi has clear 75-unit low-volume exemption; Saudi fuel vehicles use GSO while EVs use SABER, UAE follows unified ESMA/ECAS system.

For Saudi SASO 2944 certification, contact BlueAsia technical consultant: 13534225140