Light vehicle exports to Saudi Arabia must complete SASO 2944 eCall certification. This article sorts out official procedures, involved institutions and standard time cycle based on actual operation experience.

1. Applicable Scope Judgement

Applies to light vehicles with GVW ≤3.5 tons. Judge by official vehicle GVW (full load gross weight) instead of curb weight. eCall certification is integrated into SABER whole vehicle type approval, covering module RF access, vehicle eCall function verification and platform document audit.

  2.Communication Module RF Type Approval (CST/CITC)

The eCall communication module needs Saudi RF spectrum type approval by CST (Communications, Space and Technology Commission, formerly CITC). Since Feb 2025, CST application has been integrated into the SABER platform.

Tests are completed in ISO 17025 accredited labs covering RF and EMC; SAR testing is exempt for fixed-installed vehicle T-Box.

Cycle: 2-4 weeks for testing and approval.

  3.  MOI eCall Function Performance Verification

CST approves module RF access; MOI (Saudi Ministry of Interior) verifies complete eCall call function, including collision signal trigger, 911 dialing, MSD transmission and voice channel connection.

Adopt bench signal injection simulation, no physical vehicle crash required. Core test items: automatic/manual trigger, MSD integrity, GNSS accuracy, call quality and system self-check.

Cycle: 2-3 weeks including sample preparation and scheme confirmation; longer if rectification is needed.

  4.  Whole Vehicle Document Submission on SABER

Submit CST certificate, MOI test report and other vehicle compliance documents to authorized CAB via SABER for PCoC type approval.

Cycle: 3-7 working days for CAB document review. PCoC validity follows Saudi vehicle type control rules.

  5.  Per-Batch SCoC Application

Each shipment requires independent SCoC shipment certificate for customs clearance, valid for 60 days after issuance. SCoC must be applied before vessel arrival per 2025 new rules.

Cycle: 1-3 working days per batch.

  6. Cycle Optimization with Existing EU/UN R144 Reports

EU 2015/758 and UN R144 reports are acceptable for gap analysis to reduce duplicate testing and shorten cycle.

  7. Overall Standard Cycle

Smooth process without rectification: 2.5 – 4 months from initiation to PCoC issuance. Cycle extends with test failure or document supplement.

SASO 2944:2020 is currently enforced; the 2023 draft 2027 enforcement date is pending official final announcement, follow 2020 version for current export plans.

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