Key Takeaways
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SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization) governs product imports and safety compliance for Saudi Arabia.
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Sesame Access lifts can be adapted to meet SASO and other international certification standards.
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The company’s global experience, including bespoke installations in Qatar and Europe, demonstrates readiness to enter new markets with full regulatory alignment.
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Products such as the Kensington Stairlift, Mayfair Stairlift, and Thames Retracting Stair Lift offer flexible pit depths suited to complex architectural designs.
Introduction
When exporting bespoke accessibility lifts to new markets, one of the most important steps is understanding local compliance frameworks. In Saudi Arabia, all mechanical and electronic equipment must meet the SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization) regulations before import or installation.
This topic is especially relevant to Middle East accessibility lift export projects, where every country follows its own national standards. A recent enquiry to Sesame Access from a consultant in the Gulf region demonstrated this process in practice. The client required two horizontal platform lifts with minimal pit depth. Sesame engineers recommended the Kensington Stairlift and Mayfair Stairlift, both ideal for shallow pit applications and full DDA compliance.
What Is SASO Certification and Why Does It Matter?
SASO sets the technical regulations for products entering Saudi Arabia to ensure safety, performance, and environmental standards are met. All equipment must be registered on the SABER platform before shipment, where it receives a Product Conformity Certificate (PCoC) and a Shipment Conformity Certificate (SCoC).
For lift manufacturers, SASO compliance confirms that the system’s safety circuits, hydraulics, and electronic controls are verified by a recognised Conformity Assessment Body. More information can be found directly on the official SASO website.
How Sesame Access Approaches International Compliance
Sesame Access operates globally, designing and installing bespoke platform lifts in locations across Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
The company’s experience in the region includes multiple completed installations in Doha, Qatar, which demonstrate strong logistical and technical alignment with Gulf-region regulations. Each lift was adapted to meet site conditions and national safety standards, similar to the process required under SASO in Saudi Arabia.
Sesame’s approach to bespoke platform lift compliance includes:
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Reviewing all export and conformity documentation requirements.
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Coordinating with the client’s local service provider to offer hands-on installation training.
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Equipping every lift with a remote monitoring system, allowing engineers in the UK to read live inputs and outputs for accurate diagnostics.
Further detail on how Sesame works with international distributors and site partners can be explored in How Sesame Access Works with International Lift Partners to Sell Sesame Lifts Internationally.
Regional Partnerships and Training
Sesame Access actively supports clients throughout the installation and service process. For new territories, the client’s chosen service company is invited to attend both the initial installation and the six-month warranty visit, ensuring they are trained to maintain the lift to Sesame standards.
This model has already been applied successfully at high-profile projects, such as the Qatar National Library, where on-site collaboration and training ensured full knowledge transfer.
By combining technical expertise with transparent partnerships, Sesame helps clients meet every compliance milestone efficiently and confidently.
Further Reading
Explore more Knowledge Hub resources to understand how Sesame’s engineering teams deliver compliant solutions around the world:
Readers may also refer to the official SASO website for authoritative guidance on certification and import procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does SASO stand for?
SASO stands for the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, which sets and enforces technical standards for all goods imported into Saudi Arabia.
Is SASO certification mandatory for lifts?
Yes. All lift equipment imported into Saudi Arabia must be certified through the SABER system before customs clearance.
How does Sesame Access ensure its lifts meet SASO compliance?
Sesame Access adapts each design to the required national standards and can work with a SASO-accredited Conformity Assessment Body when entering the Saudi market.
Do previous installations in Qatar qualify as SASO-approved?
No. Qatar has its own national certification system, but these installations prove Sesame’s regional experience and ability to meet similar technical criteria.
How long does SASO certification take?
The duration depends on the product category and documentation completeness. Typically, certification can take between a few weeks to two months once all technical data is submitted.
What documents are required for SASO approval?
Manufacturers usually provide test reports, safety certificates, product drawings, and conformity declarations for each model submitted through the SABER portal.
Can bespoke platform lifts be adapted to meet SASO requirements?
Yes. All Sesame designs, including the Kensington, Mayfair, and Thames models, can be modified to meet the necessary conformity and safety standards.
Next Step
To discuss SASO certification or export requirements for a project in the Middle East, book a Teams meeting with one of our Project Managers today.