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Importing Used Vehicles to Saudi Arabia: A Complete Guide to SASO Inspection and Compliance

29 Oct 2025 Articles

Importing Used Vehicles to Saudi Arabia: A Complete Guide to SASO Inspection and Compliance

Saudi Arabia’s automotive market continues to attract global attention, with thousands of vehicles imported every month from various countries. Among these, used vehicles represent a large portion of imports, offering affordability and variety to Saudi consumers.
However, importing used vehicles into the Kingdom requires strict adherence to the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) regulations to ensure safety, environmental compliance, and reliability on the road.

This article explains the official process, inspection requirements, and how Watheeq Company helps importers ensure smooth and compliant entry for used vehicles into Saudi Arabia.

SASO’s Technical Regulation for Importing Used Vehicles

According to the Technical Regulation for Used Imported Vehicles, only vehicles that meet specific technical and safety requirements are allowed to enter Saudi Arabia.
The regulation aims to ensure that imported vehicles are safe, roadworthy, and environmentally friendly, while preventing the entry of damaged or unsafe cars.

Key Objectives of the Regulation:

  1. Protect consumers from substandard or accident-damaged vehicles.
  2. Ensure imported vehicles comply with Saudi and Gulf standards.
  3. Support environmental goals by controlling emissions and fuel efficiency.

Prohibited Vehicles

It is prohibited to import used vehicles stipulated in the decisions and circulars issued by the relevant authorities, which include the following:

  1. Damaged vehicles that have been involved in accidents such as drowning, fire, collision, rollover, etc., and all vehicles that have the following stamped on their registration form: Scrap – Junk – Unbuildable – Frame (or equivalent phrases: “SALVAGE”).
  2. Vehicles that were used as taxis or police vehicles.
  3. Vehicles bearing logos related to school transportation or similar uses.
  4. Right-hand drive vehicles or vehicles that have been modified from right-hand to left-hand steering.
  5. Vehicles with altered, obliterated, or forged chassis numbers.
  6. Armored vehicles, except for those designated for military or security purposes.
  7. Vehicles that have undergone a system conversion from gasoline to diesel or vice versa.

Importers should verify that none of their vehicles fall under these prohibited categories before shipment to avoid rejection at Saudi ports.

Mandatory Inspection Before Entry

Used vehicles must undergo a comprehensive inspection by a SASO-accepted Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) for Inspection Activity  before being allowed entry into Saudi Arabia.
This inspection ensures the vehicle meets safety, quality, and environmental standards as specified in the regulation.

The inspection covers:

  1. Vehicle Identification: Verification of chassis, engine number, and manufacturing details.
  2. Mechanical and Safety Systems: Brakes, suspension, steering, and tires.
  3. Electrical Components: Lighting systems, dashboard functions, and battery condition.
  4. Emission and Noise Levels: Compliance with environmental standards.
  5. Exterior and Interior Condition: Ensuring no major damage or safety risks.

Once the inspection is successfully completed, a certificate of inspection is issued , which is mandatory for customs clearance and vehicle registration inside Saudi Arabia.

Importance of SASO Inspection

  1. Legal Entry: Without the inspection certificate, used vehicles cannot be cleared at Saudi ports.
  2. Safety Assurance: Confirms that the vehicle is safe for road use.
  3. Environmental Protection: Ensures vehicles meet emission standards to reduce pollution.
  4. Consumer Confidence: Provides transparency and protection for buyers in the Saudi market.

How Watheeq Company Supports You

Watheeq Company provides full inspection services for imported used vehicles.
Our role is to ensure that your vehicle meets all SASO requirements before it enters the Saudi market.

Our services include:

  1. Pre-Import Evaluation: Reviewing vehicle documents and specifications before shipment.
  2. Comprehensive Inspection: Verifying compliance with SASO technical and safety standards.
  3. Inspection Certification: Issuing the official report required for customs and registration.

With Watheeq, importers and dealers can ensure a fast, smooth, and fully compliant import process , reducing risks of rejection or delays.

Conclusion

All used imported vehicles must comply with the SASO Technical Regulation for Used Vehicles. Vehicles must pass a SASO inspection before customs clearance.
Import of damaged, salvaged, right-hand drive, or modified vehicles is strictly prohibited. Watheeq Company provides complete inspection and certification services to guarantee compliance and peace of mind.

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