Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation
SASO
Technical Regulations of Textile Products
Published in the Official Gazette on
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Introduction
The Technical Regulations of Textile Products are determined by SASO:
In response to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), in
accordance with the resolution No. 244 of the Saudi Council of Ministers, dated 21/09/1426 AH,
concerning the approval of documentation on the Kingdom's accession to the WTO, and all requisite
commitments on behalf of the Kingdom, of conformity to regulations in accordance with the principles of
the organisation's agreements; and in particular with the Technical Barriers to Trade agreement (TBT),
which dictates that no unnecessary technical conditions shall impede the flow of goods among the
Member States, and that technical conditions and conformity assessment methods shall not discriminate
between products on the basis of origin. The Technical Regulations include the basic legal requirements
and standardised business procedures.
The Technical Regulations support the Kingdom’s aim of a sustainable development that does not
discriminate between the local and international movement of products, and conform to internationally
agreed obligations. The Technical Regulations achieve this by ensuring a high level of human and
environmental protection, free movement of products, strengthening competition and creativity, and
facilitating development of procedures and legislation related to risk evaluation of the materials used in
products.
In accordance with Article III (paragraph 1) Resolution 216 of the Saudi Council of Ministers, dated
17/06/1431 AH (31/5/2010 AD), the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation, (SASO) is
responsible for "issuing Saudi standard specifications, systems, quality manuals and conformity
assessments, compatible with international standards and guidelines, that fulfil WTO requirements
while complying with Islamic Law and ensuring the interests of the Kingdom."
In accordance with Article IV (paragraph 2) Resolution 216 of the Saudi Council of Ministers, dated
17/06/1431 AH (31/5/2010 AD), the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO) is
responsible for "issuing regulations for conformity assessment procedures for goods, products and
services according to the specific requirements that it approves."
In accordance with Article IV (paragraph 14) Resolution 216 of the Saudi Council of Ministers, dated
17/06/1431 AH (31/5/2010 AD), the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO) is
responsible for "revising all control systems and regulations related to SASO’s areas of interest,
developing them, suggesting suitable modifications to maintain compliance with quality and safety
requirements, introducing them to the relevant bodies for further consideration, approval and
issuing via official channels.”
In accordance with Article VI (paragraph 1) Resolution 216 of the Saudi Council of Ministers, dated
17/06/1431 AH (31/5/2010 AD), "Given Article IV of this regulation, [SASO] is considered the
authority in all issues related to standards in the Kingdom, including conformity assessment
procedures, the granting of quality levels, measurement and calibration. Consequently, all
government and private sector bodies must adhere to the Saudi standard specifications in all their
procurements."
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Given that the basis for products’ conformity with the essential requirements for safety in the specified
regulations are (among other things) the standard specifications of the products subject to regulations,
SASO has drawn up the Technical Regulations of Textile Products concerning general safety.
Note: This introduction and all annexes are an integral part of the regulation.
Article I: Terms and Definitions
In the application of the articles of this regulation, the following terms and expressions shall have the
meanings specified below, unless the context requires otherwise:
SASO: Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO)
The Board: SASO’s Board of Directors.
KSA: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Technical Regulations: A document approved by the Board of Directors which lays down product
characteristics or their related processes and production methods, including the applicable administrative
provisions, with which compliance is mandatory. It may also include or deal exclusively with
terminology, symbols, packaging, marking or labelling requirements as they apply to a product, process
or production method.
Standard: a document specifying the qualities of the good, material, service, or sundry, subject to
assessment. The standard also provides descriptions, defining characteristics, standards of quality,
dimensions, measurements, and safety and security requirements. It may also include or deal exclusively
with terminology, symbols, packaging, marking or labelling requirements as they apply to a product,
process or production method.
Essential requirements: the special requirements of the products that may affect safety, health or the
environment, and which must be adhered to.
Market Surveillance: activities and measures carried out by Market Surveillance Authorities to ensure
that products comply with the requirements set out in the relevant technical regulations, and that they do
not endanger health, safety, the environment, or any other aspect of public interest protection.
Market Surveillance Authorities: the governmental authorities responsible for carrying out the
processes of market surveillance.
Regulatory authorities: the authorities / government bodies which are assigned regulatory tasks
according to their areas of expertise, and that are responsible for the carrying out of technical regulations
and the follow up thereof, whether in customs offices, points of sale or factories.
Hazard(s): a potential source of harm.
Risk(s): the probable rate of occurrence of a hazard causing harm and the degree of severity of the harm.
Supplier: any official or non-official person in the supply chain, whose activities may have an impact on
the characteristics of the product, and refers to any of the following:
Manufacturer of the product:
- if established in the Kingdom, and any other person acting as the manufacturer by affixing to the
product their name, trade mark or other distinctive mark, or the person who reconditions the
product;
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- the manufacturer's representative, if the manufacturer is not established in the Kingdom or, if there
is no representative established in the Kingdom, the importer of the product;
- other persons in the supply chain, insofar as their activities may affect the properties of a product
Agent of the Manufacturer in the Kingdom if the manufacturer is non-resident within the Kingdom, or the
importer if the manufacturer has no Agent in the Kingdom.
Any of the supply chain partners, whose activities may affect the product characteristics.
Conformity Assessment Procedures: a document approved by the Board of Directors that describes the
procedures to be used directly, or indirectly, for the conformity assessment.
Accredited Body: a conformity assessment body accredited by SASO according to acceptance criteria of
the conformity assessment body.
Certificate of Conformity: a certificate issued by the SASO or by one of the notified bodies that
confirms that the product, or any portion of it, meets relevant standard requirements.
Supplier statement of conformity: a supplier’s statement stating that his product conforms to the
requirement of the applicable regulations without any mandatory intervention of a third party in the
design phase or in the manufacturing processes. The statement may be based on results of tests performed
on the product in accordance with the relevant legislations.
Saudi Quality Mark: A mark approved by SASO, confirming that an establishment has an effective
management system ensuring the production of a commodity in conformance with the relevant regulation,
certification procedures and Saudi standards.
Placing on the market: The first offer of a product to the market of the KSA under responsibility of the
manufacturer or importer.
Making available on the market: any supply of product for distribution, consumption or use in the KSA
in the course of a commercial activity, whether against payment or free of charge.
Withdrawal: any measure aimed at preventing products in the supply chain from being made available
on the market.
Recall: any measure aimed at achieving the return of products that have been made available to the end
user.
For the purpose of this technical document:
- "should" lays out a prescribed recommendation
- "is permitted" refers to a permission.
- "may" refers to a possibility or probability.
- "may not" refers to an existing condition, which is not used.
- "must" is used to impose an obligation or a requirement.
The Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System, also known as the Harmonised
System (HS) of tariff nomenclature is an internationally standardised system of names and
numbers to classify traded products.
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HS is organised as follows:
Sections: e.g. (Textile and Textile Articles- Section XI)
Chapter or Subsection: e.g. Articles of apparel and clothing accessories not knitted or crocheted. –
Chapter 62
Item: e.g. Women’s or Girls’ overcoats etc. – item 6202
Sub-items: other textile materials – sub-item 620219
Numeric Symbol or Code: each State have their own, depending on their wish to have a partial
classification of the subsections. e.g. Handmade textile products made in the KSA (Woollen coats and
other products such as Handmade woollen cloaks – Code 620219110000)
Terms and definitions of textile products
‘Textile product’ means any raw, semi-worked, worked, semi-manufactured, manufactured, semi-madeup or made-up product which is exclusively composed of textile fibres, regardless of the mixing or
assembly process employed
‘Textile fibre’ means either of the following:
(i) a unit of matter characterised by its flexibility, fineness and high ratio of length to maximum transverse
dimension, which render it suitable for textile applications;
(ii) a flexible strip or tube, of which the apparent width does not exceed 5 mm, including strips cut from
wider strips or films, produced from the substances used for the manufacture of the fibres listed in Annex
(II) of these regulations which lists 49 types of textile fibre by universally agreed name.
The following standard specifications (SASO-ISO-2076 & SASO-ASTM-D123 & SASO-ISO-6938) can
be used. They lay out the standard terminology used in textiles, common names and the definition of
natural and synthetic fibres.
‘Textile component’ means a part of a textile product with an identifiable fibre content;
‘Extraneous fibres’ means fibres other than those stated on the label or marking
‘Lining’ means a separate component used in making up garments and other products, consisting of a
single layer or multiple layers of textile material held in place along one or more of the edges.
"A label" is the required information about the product attached to it on a tag or a mark.
Article (2) Scope
This technical regulation applies to all textile products when made available in the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia (KSA):
• Products containing at least 80 % by weight of textile fibres. (This includes textile components of
curtains, furniture, carpets, clothing, technical fabrics and textiles)
• Furniture, umbrella and sunshade coverings containing at least 80 % by weight of textile components.
• Textile components of:
a.
The upper layer of the multi-layered floor covering;
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b.
Mattress covers;
c.
Coverings of camping equipment and goods, provided that the components constitute at least
80 % by weight of such upper layers or coverings:
d.
Textiles incorporated in other products and forming an integral part thereof, including footwear,
bags and head-covers.
Annex (1) shows the textile products which are subject to these regulations with reference to the
corresponding HS classification code.
Article (3) Objectives
These regulations aim to lay out the basic requirements for the above mentioned textile products, the
scope of these regulations, and the conformity assessment procedures that suppliers must comply with
when placing and making available these products on the Kingdom's markets, so as to ensure the
conformity of these products, preserve the environment and the health and safety of the consumer.
Article (4): Obligations of Suppliers
The supplier must meet the following requirements:
- General requirements for the placing and making available of textile products on the Kingdom's markets
- Technical requirements relating to the labels;
- Technical requirements relating to safety of textile products;
- The carrying of the applicable conformity assessment procedure through one of the accepted authorities;
- Ensure that an effective environmental management system is provided at the factory exporting the
production; (a factory having an Environmental Management Certificate conformant to SASO-ISO
14001, meets the requirements of this Article)
A. General Requirements
In order to meet the basic requirements related to ensuring the safety of the textile products made
available on the Kingdom's markets,
The supplier must comply with the following:
• Textile products must conform to the requirements of these technical regulations and specified
standards.
• Provide necessary evidence of the procedures that have been carried out in order to ensure the safety of
products when requested by authorised inspectors from the relevant authorities in accordance with the
approved technical regulations
The suppliers must commit themselves within the limits of their respective activities, to providing
consumers with the relevant information where such risks are not immediately obvious without adequate
warning, so as to enable them to take precautions against those risks.
• The presence of warnings to consumers does not exempt any person from compliance with the other
requirements laid down in these technical regulations.
• Suppliers and distributors may not claim that they are not liable by claiming that they were unaware of
the existence of the risks as they, as professionals, are supposed to be aware of, based on the information
referred to herein these regulations or the standard specifications of the products available on the market.
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B. Labelling Requirements
Mandatory Labelling
The labelling and marking of textile products made available in KSA, in conformity with the related
Standard Specifications (SASO-1173), shall be written in Arabic, being the official language of the
Kingdom. English usage is allowed, unless a resolution advises otherwise.
Marking and labelling which provides information about the fibres used in the textile products is
mandatory, to guarantee correct and standardised information, so that the consumers are able to make
informed decisions.
Exception to this mandatory requirement is for a limited list of products defined in annex (5).
It is important that the symbols used in labels and marks of textiles, and for all the documents related to
the products during the various steps of production, manufacturing and distributing, do not to mislead the
consumer.
The label shall be sewn or firmly attached to the products in a position that is commonly used in the
textile industry
The trademark or trade name of the manufacturer is allowed to be placed on the label provided that it does
not include, partially or fully, the name of a fibre used in the textile or any other name that might confuse
the consumer.
Mandatory use of fibre names to describe their composition
The label must show descriptions of textile fibre components. The information on the label shall be
indicated in a manner that is easily legible, visible, clear and in a character set which is uniform regarding
its size, style and font. This information shall be clearly visible to the consumer before the purchase,
including when the purchase is made through electronic means.
Names of fibres in textiles.
Only the textile fibre names listed in Annex II shall be used for the description of fibre compositions on
labels and markings of textile products
Use of "pure" in the description of composing fibres
A textile product may not be described as "pure" or marked with "100 % pure", or "all" unless it is
exclusively made up of the same fibre.
Only textile products exclusively composed of the same fibre may be labelled or marked as ‘100 %’,
‘pure’ or ‘all’.
A textile product containing no more than 2 % by weight of extraneous fibres may also be treated as
exclusively composed of the same fibre, provided this amount is justified by being technically
unavoidable in good manufacturing practices and is not added as a matter of routine.
A textile product which has undergone a carding process may also be treated as exclusively composed of
the same fibre if it contains no more than 5 % by weight of extraneous fibres, provided this amount is
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justified by being technically unavoidable in good manufacturing practices and is not added as a matter of
routine.
Fleece wool or virgin wool products
Marks and stickers in labels on textile products may include one of the names meaning raw wool
provided it is composed exclusively of a wool fibre which has not been subjected to any spinning and/or
felting process, and which has not been damaged by treatment or use.
Multi-fibre textile products
A textile product must be labelled or marked with the name and percentage by weight of all constituent
fibres in descending order and the relevant standard specifications are used to determine the percentages
of constituent fibres.
Products for which the weight of a fibre cannot easily be stated at the time of the manufacture, may be
designated by the term ‘other fibres’, immediately preceded or followed by their total percentage by
weight in the following two cases:
• A single fibre which accounts for up to 5 % of the total weight of the textile product,
• or, several fibres which collectively account for up to 15 % of the total weight of the textile product.
Decorative fibres and fibres incorporated for technical effect
The following fibres do not have to be taken into account in the fibre composition:
• Visible, isolable fibres which are purely decorative and do not exceed 7 % of the weight of the finished
product
• Metallic fibres and other fibres which are incorporated in order to obtain a technical effect and which do
not exceed by weight 2 % of the finished product.
Multi-component textile products
Any textile product containing two or more textile components having different textile fibre contents shall
bear a label or marking stating the textile fibre content of each component. This labelling is not
compulsory for textile components when:
- Those components are not main linings
- Two or more textile products have the same fibre content and normally form a single unit with a single
name.
Textile products containing non-textile parts of animal origin
The presence of non-textile parts of animal origin in textile products shall be indicated by using the
phrase ‘Contains non-textile parts of animal origin’ on the labelling or marking of products containing
such parts whenever they are made available on the market. The labelling or marking shall not be
misleading and shall be carried out in such a way that the consumer can easily understand.
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Technical information relating to the label
Depending on the nature and type of the textile products, additional information shall be added to the
label by different methods. The manner in which they are added to the textile products vary from one
product to another.
In this regard, the Standard Specifications (SASO-1173) on textile product labelling is used.
Annex (6) refers to some of these examples:
For fibre: A description and specifications of the textiles available on the market must be added, and the
labels must be securely attached to the packaging medium.
For sewing yarns: the yarn number must be added, and the label must be attached securely on each cone.
For fabrics: The label must be attached to the packaging, and permanently on part of the roll, so that the
label remains accompanying the product and is visible in the shops.
For clothing: the label must be securely attached or sewed onto the clothing, and size symbols must also
be added, in accordance to the relevant Standard Specifications.
For carpets and rugs: technical specifications and terms of use must be added, and must be securely
attached or on a label affixed to the back of the product. It is a must comply with relevant standards
requirements.
Packaging of textile products
Textile products must be made available in the Kingdom's markets packaged in accordance with the
accepted standard packaging processes; if plastics are used, the relevant regulations for this product must
be applied.
Label content
Labels' content of textile products which are placed on and made available on the market, must be as
mentioned hereunder:
Label content on the product and its packaging (in special cases), and in all technical documents which
accompany its marketing, must conform with the technical requirements listed in these regulations, and
with the relevant standard specifications;
The information on the label shall be indicated in a manner that is easily legible, visible, clear and in a
character set which is uniform regarding its size, style and font, written in Arabic or English, shall be
inerasable, and easy to read for the consumer before the purchase, including when the purchase is made
through electronic means.

The label shall be sewn or firmly attached to the products, in such a way that makes it difficult to
be removed, in compliance with the ways mentioned in these regulations, and in a position that is
commonly used in the textile industry

All information on the labels must be correct and verified.

The labelling shall include the following information:

Name of textile product;
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
Fibre composition, described by the names listed in these regulations and followed by mass
percentage, in accordance to the relevant standard specifications.

Product weight, size or dimension;

Manufacturer information, (the person making the product available on KSA market)

Country of origin, and whether the textile product was manufactured under a license of a
trademark or well-known manufacturer.

Necessary information (care instructions) about the appropriate washing and cleaning instruction
that ensure the safety of the product.
Images and words used on the packaging shall not violate public order, public morality and the Islamic
values prevailing in KSA.
Article (5) - Safety Measures of Woven Product
Woven products offered in the Kingdom's markets should meet the special standards and specifications
relating to safety, consumer health and environmental preservation for the purpose of which the product is
manufactured.
- Safety requirements include consumer's safety from damages that the accessories of a product can cause,
for example buttons and ropes in children's clothing referred to in the related description SASO EN 14682
- Safety requirements include the consumer's safety from the damages that can be caused by chemicals
used in textile products, which are referred to in SASO-GSO-1956, as well as the characteristics
attributed to the product; besides these characteristics, there shall not be any leakage of the used
chemicals into the consumer's skin or to the environment during use, maintenance, dry-cleaning and
washing. The related available and special specifications for every characteristic of the textile product are
used during inspection or safety control.
1 Determination of the pH
Human skin can withstand a wide range of pH, but pH is the cause of skin irritation to many sensitive
skin individuals to pH.
In the aim of protecting the health and safety of consumers, these technical regulations accurately set the
permissible pH values in woven products presented in the Kingdom's markets as follows:
Table No.1: the permitted ph in the woven products
Item
For children
With direct skin contact
ph
4 - 7.5
4 - 7.5
With no direct skin
contact / decoration
material
4-9
Setting up the pH test is described in the standard characteristics SASO ISO-3071
2 Stability of dyes in textiles
The stability of dyes in textile products when washed or treated is one of the quality requirements.
However, they could be harmful to the environment or human health if the dyes contain harmful
chemicals mentioned in this technical list.
The colour stability of the textile parts shall be at least 3-4 in the case of acidic sweat, and at least 3 when
washed with water, both in terms of deterioration and bleeding. Characteristic SASO-GSO-1268 is used
in this test.
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3. Textile washing code
The textile washing code is often on the label which is sawn to the textile products. It contains
instructions on maintenance, washing or treatment, in clear statements or in the form of "GINETEX"
symbols (the International Group for Care, Spinning and Weaving Marking). The supplier must make
sure that the information is correct and that the code match the special procedures related to textile
products treatment in accordance with the recommendations of the characteristic SASO-ISO-3758
4. Protection requirements from chemical hazards in textiles
Textile products go through several complex manufacturing processing, where a number of materials
(either natural or chemical) are used for treating, beautifying, dyeing or colouring them. In some cases
textile treatment processes are uncontrolled, and are unmanageable in others.
These technical regulations specify the related requirements for the protection of the environment and the
health of the consumer against risks from chemicals used in textile products (including their additives)
when they are in direct contact with the skin or close to it, as specified in the international regulations on
chemicals and recommendations in force in this area. They explain risks of chemicals intended for use in
the manufacture of textiles, clothing, upholsteries and furnishing. These chemicals are classified in the
regulations using the following descriptive words:



Carcinogenic or toxic chemicals for genetic mutation in reproduction "CMR"
Fixed or accumulated highly toxic chemicals "vPvB and PBT"
Chemicals with serious permanent effects on humans or the environment
The special requirements of protecting the environment and the consumer's health from the danger of
chemicals used in textile products, make it mandatory to perform laboratory tests on textile products in
order to determine the quantities of chemicals in each of the materials.
The Characteristic (SASO-GSO-1956), related to the harmful materials used in textile industry, is used.
These materials are listed below:
Formaldehyde
Why is it a dangerous material?
Formaldehyde is a carcinogen for humans, and can also cause skin and nose irritation as well as eyes
allergy.
When present, skin irritation is usually observed with workers in the treatment section and in the readymade garment sector.
The allowable level of formaldehyde in woven products on the market must be in a range of less than 20
(ppm) in children's products (this is the amount usually described in laboratory report)
Table No.2: the allowed amounts of formaldehyde in textile products
Item
For children
With direct skin contact
formaldehyde
less than 20 (ppm)
75 (ppm)
With no direct skin
contact / decoration
material
300 (ppm)
Formaldehyde must be detected according to the reference method specified in the characteristics SASOISO 14184-2 and SASO-ISO 14184-1.
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Penta and Quatra "chloro phenol, (PCP, TeCP and OPP)
Why is it dangerous?
Chloro phenol is classified in the group of potential human carcinogens. The exposure to it is also
associated with cases of kidney cancer and neurological effects.
Short-term exposure to large amounts of Chloro phenols can have adverse effects on the liver, kidneys,
blood, lungs, nervous system, immune system and digestive system.
Contact with penta and quatra "chloro phenol" (especially in the form of vapour) may cause irritation of
the skin, eyes and mouth
(PCP) (No, -5-86-87 CAS) should not be added or used as a material or an ingredient of the materials
used in textile products.
Table No.3: the permitted phenol amounts in textile products
Item
For children
With direct skin contact
(PPM)
penta chloro phenol
tetra chloro phenol
(TeCP)
ortho phenol (OPP)
0.05
0.05
0.5
0.5
With no direct skin
contact / decoration
material
0.5
0.5
0.5
1.0
1.0
So far, there is no special international and no European method to measure quatro and penta chloro
phenol in textiles. There are some local norms, e.g. the French specifications (XP G08-015), or the Italian
(UNI 11057).
If the textile products include leather parts, the characteristic SASO-ISO 17070 must be used to analyse
the leather parts.
Heavy metals
Why are they dangerous?
The toxic effects of heavy metals on human health and the environment have become obvious.
Heavy metals accumulate in the internal organs such as the liver or kidneys.
Health effects can be very critical in case they have a cumulative effect; impact on health can be serious,
e.g. such as on the respiratory system, lung diseases, heart failure, blood, blood-producing organs, and
skin diseases. Thus, these heavy metals may be of a great danger on children's health.
Heavy metals are incorporated into textiles during the process of dyeing and manufacturing; they are part
of the components of dyes and colouring materials.
Heavy metals that are often referred to in technical regulations and related specifications are: Antimony
(Sb), Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Copper (Cu), Total Chromium, (Chromium
(Cr) VI), Cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni)
The quantification of heavy metals in textiles should be considered along two lines:
The first, is if the product leaks material in contact with human skin,
And the second, if the product may leak substances reaching the human stomach by ingestion
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As a result, a quantification methodology must be followed for heavy metals that can be extracted from a
product using an extraction solution. The testing method involves extracting the sample, then
quantification. The choice of the extraction solution depends on the purpose of the test, e.g.:
- HCl solution to simulate ingestion.
- Artificial sweat solution to simulate wearing.
- Synthetic saliva solution to simulate breastfeeding / sucking
This methodology is explained in the relevant characteristics: EN 16711-1, EN 16711-2, DIN 54233-4,
EN 1811, DIN 54233-2, EN 71-3.
As for leather parts, parts 1-2-3-4 of the relevant characteristic SASO-ISO-5398 are used.
Table No.4: permitted amounts of heavy metals in textiles
Heavy Metal
For children
With direct skin contact
(PPM)
Antimony (Sb)
Arsenic (As)
Lead (Pb)
Cadmium (Cd)
Chromium (Cr)
Chromium 6 (Cr)
Cobalt (Co)
Copper (Cu)
Mercury (Hg)
Nickel (Ni)
30
032
0.2
0.1
1.0
less than a detected
level of 0.5
1.0
25
0.02
1.0
30
1.0
1.0
0.1
2.0
less than a detected
level of 0.5
4.0
50
0.02
4.0
With no direct skin
contact / decoration
material
30
1.0
1.0
0.1
2.0
less than a detected
level of 0.5
4.0
50
0.02
4.0
Dyes and derivatives that are suspected of being hazardous
There are many dyes used to colour different types of fabric fibres, some have been found to be the cause
or are suspected to be the cause of health problems
Based on the recommendations of international regulations on chemicals, their assessment, authorisation
and limitation, and with the aim of preserving the safety and health of consumers and the environment,
these regulations concern all textile products presented in the Kingdom's markets with special
requirements when using these suspected dyes.
1. "Carcinogenic amines" found in "Azo" dyes
Aromatic amines listed in the characteristic (SASO-GSO-1956) related to harmful materials used in
textile industry are not to be found. They are listed in annex 8 of these regulations for textiles and leather
that may be in direct contact with human skin or prone to be used while breast feeding and to be
swallowed especially by children,
Dyes that may include one or more aromatic amines in levels which could be detected, meaning with
levels higher than 30mg/kg, may not be used in the products or in the dyes associated with them.
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2. Carcinogens suspected to be or proved to be toxic for reproduction
Some dyes have been identified as being able to pose a risk to human health for being carcinogenic and
toxic for reproduction. Annex (IX) includes two lists of suspicious dyes, based on European ecological
criteria for textile products.
Textile products should not contain dyes classified as carcinogenic or toxic for reproduction. Tests are
carried out according to the specifications SASO-ISO 16373-3 and SASO-ISO 16373-2, on the condition
that they meet a maximum limit of 20 ppm. This amount can be justified as being inevitable, from the
technical point of view of good manufacturing practices.
Flame retardants
For addition of flame-retardants in textiles and woven products must comply with specific standards.
Textiles can be processed using flame-retardant additives (active materials), or materials that can be
integrated in the fibres during spinning (additives), but some of the materials used as flame retardant
present a danger for human health or the environment.
It is appropriate that textile products do not contain the following banned additives:

Polybromobiphenyls (PBB)

Tris (2,3 dibromopropyl) phosphate (TRIS)

Tris (aziridinyl) phosphinoxide
The recommended method for extracting flame-retardants is to use an appropriate solvent and to analyse
them chromatically (chromatography).
It is also recommended to use the specifications: SASO-ISO 17881-1 and SASO-ISO 17881-2
Pesticides, herbicides and fungicides
Pesticides, herbicides and fungicides are used in planting cotton or on wool, in order to avoid undesirable
insects, plants and mould.
As these pesticides have a high volatility and are soluble in water, their traces are rarely found in textiles
The total content of the following listed substances in the following table shall not exceed 0.5 ppm.
Table No.5: ingredients of banned pesticides in textile products
No.
Compound
No.
1
2, 4, 5 – t
27
2
2, 4 d
28
3
Azinphos methyl
29
4
Azinphos-ethyl
30
5
Aldrin
31
6
Bromophos-ethyl
32
7
Capatfol
33
8
Carbaryl
34
9
Chlorodane
35
10
Chlordimeform
36
11
Chlorfenvinphos
37
12
Silafluofen
38
13
Cyfluthrin
39
14
Cypermethin
40
15
Deltamethrin
41
16
DDD
42
Compound
Endosulfan
Esfenvalerate
Fenvalerate
Heptachlor
Heptachlor epoxide
Hexachlorobenzene
Hexachlorocyclohexane (Alpha)
Hexachlorocyclohexane (Beta)
Hexachlorocyclohexane (Delta)
Lindane
Malathion
MCB I
MCB B
Micprobe
Methamidophos
Methoxychlor
14
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
DDE
DDT
Diazinon
Dichloroprobe
Dicrotophos
Dieldrin
Dimethoate
Dinoseb and salts
Endosulfan(β-isomer)
Inderene
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
Mirex
Monocrotophos
Parathion
Parathion-methyl
Phosydrine
Propetamphos
Prophonophos
Quinalphos
Toxaphene
Trifluralin
Chlorinated organic compounds (chlorinated benzenes, toluenes and naphtalenes)
Why are they dangerous?
Chlorinated organic solvents can affect the nervous system and are irritating to skin and mucous
membranes.
The compounds, especially those containing chlorobenzene and chlorotoluene, are problematic for human
health (they are toxic and can cause liver and kidney damage and irritate the eyes and the respiratory
system), or for the environment because they are carcinogenic, and many chlorinated organic solvents are
dangerous to the environment.
Organic chlorine compounds are used as solvents when dyeing fibres (polyester); in textile, leather and
thin fabric printing. They are also used as agents to give some specific properties in the silk textile
industry.
Criteria for granting the environmental label for textile products require that textiles do not contain any of
the organic chlorine compounds.
The minimum acceptable level is: 1 mg / kg using the German standard DIN 54232
Phthalates
Why are they dangerous?
There are proofs that some phthalates inhibit the endocrine system, as many phthalate compounds reduce
the number of spermatozoids and disturb the reproductive system of laboratory animals, also some studies
link phthalates to liver cancer.
Phthalates are phthalic acid esters, mainly used in plastics, and added to textiles to increase their
flexibility, transparency, durability and resistance.
Concentration levels of (DNOP, DIDP, DINP, BBP, DEHP, DBP), greater than 0.1 % by weight should
not be used as materials or components in mixtures of plastic materials prepared for textile processing.
(DBP) = Dibutyl phthalate (CAS nº 84-74-2)
(DEHP) = Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (CAS nº 117-81-7)
(BBP) = Benzylbutyl phthalate (CAS nº 85-68-7)
(DIDP) = Diisobutyl phthalate (CAS nº 26761-40-0 & 68515-49-1)
(DINP) = Di-isononyl phthalate (CAS nº 28553-12-0 & 68515-48-0)
(DNOP) = Di-n-octyl phthalate (CAS nº 117-84-0)
15
If the textile consists of a number of fibres, it is recommended to evaluate the "phthalate" content in the
part treated with plastic materials. The test shall be made according to the Standard characteristic SASOISO 14389
Organic tin compounds (Organotin compounds)
Why are they dangerous?
It was found that the use of organic tin compounds in consumer products poses a danger on human health
and for children in particular. Risks include liver and kidney damage, disturbance in the biochemical
processes, including an imbalance of enzymes system in the blood.
Organic tin compounds are used in the textile industry to prevent bacteria and foul smell in socks, shoes
and sportswear caused by sweat deterioration. It is also used in a wide range of textile products such as
sanitary napkins, diapers, tents, carpets and synthetic garments.
Organic tin compounds should not be used in textile products or parts of textile products, if they are in
quantities greater that the equivalent of 0.1 % weight of tin.
Table No.2: permitted amounts of Organotin compounds in textiles
Item
For children
With direct skin contact
(PPM)
(TBT)
tributyltin
(DBT) dibutyltin
less than 0.5
1.0
With no direct skin
contact / decoration
material
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
According to the standard characteristic SASO-ISO 17353, they can be extracted from the textile in an
ultrasound bath of ethanol and sodium with 5 % of glacial acetic acid (diethyldithiocarbamate).
3 cosmetic products associated with textiles
Recently, new products have appeared in the markets. They are a mixture of cosmetic products and
textiles, for example:
- Weight loss products: pantyhose, underwear and trousers;
- Moisturising products: pantyhose, underwear and t-shirts;
- Refreshing products: Home fabrics (mattresses and blankets).
In conformity with global laws and regulations, related to the textile and spinning industry, cosmetic
textile products (cosmetotextiles) must, as closely as possible, comply with the criteria related to safe
technologies program, in the preparation of cosmetic products, as specified in Characteristic SASO-ISO
22716
The requirements of cosmetic textile products are based on the main frames of textile reference used in
textile industry, such as the European "ECULABIL" product for textiles or other special names.
The quality of these fabrics requires a lot of caution regarding setting up and controlling treatment
processes and is achieved through good control over the following:
• Colour stability in water
• Colour stability under rubbing
• Colour resistance to sweat
• Colour stability during domestic and commercial washing
• Colour stability during dry cleaning
16
In regard of the environmental impact of textiles, it should be kept in mind that, eventually, textiles can
contribute negatively to the environment, but effects can remain under control by using additives within
the allowable amount.
Article (6) Conformity assessment procedure
The supplier, who is responsible to put the product in the market shall obtain a certificate of conformity
issued by a notified body according to the following product types:


Type 3 for children's products and underwear
Type A1 for textile products other than children's products and underwear
Based on what has been declared about the characteristic features of the textile product, the specification
requirements and the relevant standards must be met.
The approved body must implement the conformity assessment procedures, according to the
specifications, in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of these regulations, the relevant
Saudi standards and environmental requirements set out in these regulations.
The following technical documentations shall be provided with the textile products:

Conformity statement of the supplier (manufacturer / importer) in accordance with Annex 12 of
these regulations.

Product Safety Test report

The supplier shall cooperate with the Regulatory Bodies and with Market Surveillance
Authorities. For example, providing the technical documentation, test reports and any other documented
information proving fulfilment of the requirement of these regulations, as needed.

A product with the Saudi Quality Mark or equivalent shall be treated as meeting the requirements
stipulated in these regulations.

A product with the Saudi environment mark or equivalent shall be treated as meeting the health
and safety requirements stipulated in these regulations.

A product with a mark of social responsibility or equivalent in terms of sustainable development,
granted from an accredited organisation in KSA, shall be treated as meeting the requirements stipulated in
these regulations.

A product with the Saudi Eco-Label or equivalent, granted from an accredited organisation in
KSA, shall be treated as complying with the requirements stipulated in these regulations.
Article (7): Responsibilities of Supervisory Authorities (Ports – Factories)
As part of its field of competence and powers, the regulatory authorities shall:

Verify that products meet the specific conformity assessment procedures and the technical
documentation attached to the consignment.

Withdraw random samples from the product and then refer them to the relevant laboratories to
verify their conformity with the requirements in these regulations.

Importers are charged for the costs of testing and related matters.

Withdraw the relevant products from warehouses if they are found not to conform with the
assessment procedures, and take formal action in its right.
17
Article 8 - Responsibilities of Market Surveillance Authorities
As part of its field of competence and powers, Market Surveillance Authorities shall:

Check the adequacy of the product characteristics on a sufficient scale and with appropriate speed
by examining the documentation

Inspect and test samples in sufficient quantities when necessary

Apply market surveillance procedures on products which are on the market, as well as products
stored in merchants and manufacturers warehouses, check products safety and ascertain they meet the
basic requirements as set out in these regulations and in related standard characteristics.

Take samples of the product, whether from the market or suppliers’ warehouses (manufacturers
and importers), in order to conduct the necessary tests and to ascertain to what extent they conform to the
requirements stipulated in these regulations.

When a product on the market is found not to conform to the requirements of these regulations,
the Market Surveillance Authorities shall take all administrative procedures to withdraw and recall the
product in question, and shall apply procedures and penalties referred to in the following article, after
taking all necessary measures.
Article 9 - Violations and Penalties
It is prohibited to manufacture, import, develop and display or even to advertise textile products that do
not conform to the terms of these regulations.
Failure of a product to comply with the requirements of these regulations shall be considered sufficient
cause for the Market Surveillance Authorities and the regulatory authorities, to judge that the product
does not conform to the regulations and may constitute a danger for the health and safety of consumers
and for the environment. As in the following cases:
- Absence of labelling or incorrect fixing of labels required for textile products
- Lack of or incomplete labels, or safety and use guidelines.
- Lack of or incorrect fixing of conformity marks or Saudi trademarks or equivalent.
- Failure to obtain the conformity certificate or the supplier's statement of conformity, or have them issued
in an inappropriate manner.
- Lack of or incomplete technical documentation on request.
In the event of any violation of the provisions of these regulations, the Market Surveillance Authorities
shall, as the case may be, take all the necessary measures to remove the violation and its effects from the
market. This authority may:
Assign the violating party - responsible for placing and presenting the infringing product - to withdraw
the product from warehouses or the market, to mend the violation - if possible, to re-export it, or to
destroy it (depending on the nature of the product), within the time limit set by the Market Surveillance
Authorities.
Withdraw, hold or destroy products, or take any other recall action from the markets.
The Market Surveillance Authorities - as the case may be – have the right to recall the product from the
market, and charge the violator with all the related costs.
When a violation of a textile product with a prior certificate of conformity is established, the Authority
shall take the action necessary to cancel the relevant certificate of conformity and to take the necessary
measures with the accredited body issuing the certificate.
Any person who violates the provisions of these regulations shall be subject to the penalties stipulated in
the applicable regulations in the Kingdom.
18
Article 10 - General Provisions
The annexes attached to these regulations, including the terms and definitions set forth in the Standard
Specifications, are an integral part of their provisions, and the Authoritative Body may amend any of
these annexes as may be required.
These regulations shall not prevent the supplier from complying with all other rules / regulations in force
in the Kingdom, related to product handling, transportation and storage, as well as rules / regulations
related to the environment, security and safety.
All suppliers of textile products subject to the provisions of these regulations shall submit to inspectors
(supervisors) of the Regulatory Authorities and Market Surveillance Authorities, all the facilitations and
information they require for carrying out the tasks assigned to them
If any situation arises that cannot be dealt with under the provisions of these regulations, or if any dispute
arises because of their application, it shall be submitted to the relevant Committee of the Authoritative
Body to issue the appropriate decision required by the situation or dispute, to the profit of public interest.
Article 11 - Transitional provisions
The supplier shall correct his situation in accordance with the provisions of these regulations, within a
period not exceeding (six months) from the date of publishing them.
Considering the provisions of paragraph 1 of this Article, products that do not meet the requirements set
forth within these regulations, shall be allowed to be traded for a period not exceeding one year from the
date of their publication.
These regulations shall, after adoption, cancel all previous technical regulations within the scope of these
regulations.
Article (12) Publication
This regulation shall be published in the Official Gazette.
19