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Master Importing Motorcycles to Saudi Arabia: 2025 Ultimate SASO & GCC Certification Guide

16 Sep 2025 Articles

Master Importing Motorcycles to Saudi Arabia: 2025 Ultimate SASO & GCC Certification Guide

Importing motorcycles to Saudi Arabia requires full compliance with the SASO Technical Regulation and Gulf Conformity Certification. Saudi Arabia’s motorcycle market is expanding rapidly, attracting importers who see strong demand for both on-road and off-road bikes.
But before any motorcycle—new or used—can be sold or even released from Saudi ports, it must comply with the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization ( SASO) Technical Regulation for Motorcycles.
This regulation sets strict safety, environmental, and administrative requirements to protect riders, consumers, and the environment.

Whether you are an international manufacturer or a local distributor, understanding these rules is essential. Below is everything you need to know about the regulation, the required certificates, and how Watheeq Company can help you stay compliant.

Scope of the SASO Technical Regulation for Importing Motorcycles to Saudi Arabia

The regulation applies to motorcycles and electric bikes that are used on public roads or desert.
Covered categories include a wide range of motorcycles types, such as:

    1.  UTV
    2. ATV
    3. L1eB
    4. L3eA
    5. L5eA
    6. L2eP

Electric motorcycles and equivalent electric bikes within these classes are also included.

Prohibited Motorcycles in Saudi Arabia

Not every motorcycle can enter the Saudi market. Article 2 of the SASO regulation specifically bans the import or sale of:

  1. L5e-B motor tricycles used for cargo transport (often known as “tok tok” vehicles).
  2. Tricycles with a slingshot-type steering wheel that are not classed as motorcycles.
  3. Used motorcycles with an engine size below 125 cc, or electric bikes with net power under 11 kW and weight below 350 kg.
  4. Children’s motorcycles: any two-, three-, or four-wheeled vehicle intended for children with a wheel-axle height under 50 cm and powered by fuel or batteries if the speed exceeds 10 km/h.

Importers should verify that none of their models fall into these categories before arranging shipment.

Certification Requirements for Importing New Motorcycles to Saudi Arabia

For all permitted categories, new motorcycles must obtain a Gulf Conformity Certificate before they can be placed on the Saudi market.
As stated in Article 6 of the regulation:

“The supplier responsible for placing these motorcycles on the market shall obtain a Gulf conformity certificate for each model in accordance with the Gulf procedures and guidelines issued regarding this matter.”

This certificate proves that each model meets the unified Gulf and Saudi standards covering essential aspects such as:

  1. Brake performance
  2. Exhaust emissions and noise limits
  3. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  4. Lighting and signaling systems
  5. Stability and safety components

The GCC Certificate is recognized across all GCC member states, making it easier to distribute certified motorcycles throughout the region.

Inspection Certificate for Used Motorcycles

Used motorcycles follow a different path.
The same regulation requires that:

“The supplier responsible for placing used motorcycles shall obtain an inspection certificate from the notified bodies, according to the requirements of the relevant regulatory authorities.”

This inspection confirms the roadworthiness and safety of each imported used motorcycle.
Without this certificate, the motorcycle cannot be registered or legally operated in Saudi Arabia.

Why Compliance with SASO Matters

Compliance with SASO is mandatory for anyone importing motorcycles to Saudi Arabia.

  1. Customs Clearance: Shipments lacking a valid Gulf Conformity Certificate or inspection certificate can be rejected at Saudi ports.
  2. Safety & Environment: Certification ensures that every motorcycle meets strict safety and emissions standards, protecting riders and reducing pollution.
  3. Market Access: A Gulf Conformity Certificate provides seamless entry not only to Saudi Arabia but to all GCC countries.

How Watheeq Company Supports Motorcycle Importers

Watheeq Company is an accredited Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) in Saudi Arabia and a trusted partner for motorcycle importers. Our services include:

  • Gulf Conformity Certificate Assistance: Complete management of the GCC application and documentation for new motorcycle models.
  • Used Motorcycle Inspections: Watheeq help you to obtain the mandatory inspection certificate.
  • Regulatory Guidance: Up-to-date expertise on the SASO Technical Regulation, ensuring smooth customs clearance and zero surprises.

With Watheeq, you can focus on sales and distribution while we handle the complex regulatory requirements.

Key Takeaways for Importers

  1. The SASO Technical Regulation for Motorcycles covers a wide range of on-road and off-road categories and explicitly bans certain types.
  2. New motorcycles require a Gulf Conformity Certificate for each model.
  3. Used motorcycles require an inspection certificate from a SASO-approved notified body.
  4. Compliance ensures safety, protects consumers, and enables entry into the Saudi and wider GCC markets.

Watheeq Company offers end-to-end support for both new and used motorcycle certification.

Conclusion

Importing motorcycles into Saudi Arabia is a rewarding opportunity, but only when every step of the SASO Technical Regulation is carefully followed.
Partner with Watheeq Company Partner with Watheeq for importing motorcycles to Saudi Arabia to secure your Gulf Conformity Certificate or inspection certificate efficiently and place your motorcycles on the Saudi market with complete confidence.

FAQs about Importing Motorcycles to Saudi Arabia

Q1: Can I import used motorcycles into Saudi Arabia?
Yes, but they require an inspection certificate from a SASO-approved notified body to confirm safety and compliance.

Q2: What is the Gulf Conformity Certificate for motorcycles?
It’s a mandatory certificate proving that new motorcycle models meet SASO and unified Gulf standards for safety and emissions.

Q3: Are all motorcycles allowed in Saudi Arabia?
No. SASO bans certain categories, including children’s motorcycles exceeding 10 km/h, “tok tok” tricycles, and used bikes under 125 cc.

Q4: Who issues motorcycle certification in Saudi Arabia?
Certification is handled through SASO-approved Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) like Watheeq Company.

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