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Saudi Arabia's Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has issued a circular setting out clear rules for importing smart watches that contain a mobile phone SIM chip and a camera. Such products may enter the Saudi market, but strictly for commercial use and without any surveillance or espionage functions.
What the circular requires
The circular confirms that these products are now classified under customs code 851762900002 and have been activated on the SABER electronic platform. SASO requires all accredited conformity assessment bodies (CABs) to review product technical documentation carefully when handling certification applications, and to verify that an imported smart watch is not intended for surveillance or espionage use. Where a product is suspected of espionage use, the CAB must not issue a certificate of conformity; only commercial smart watches that comply with the Technical Regulation for Telecommunications and Information Technology Equipment may be certified.
The circular also stresses that CABs must verify the nature and technical specifications of a product before issuing a certificate, confirming that it contains no prohibited surveillance or espionage features.
To help CABs and importers make that judgement, SASO attaches a technical guide that explains in detail how a commercial smart watch differs from a prohibited surveillance or spy-style watch. The main criteria are summarised below.
Criteria in the SASO technical guide
| Feature | Commercial smart watch (transparent and certified) | Spy-style watch (non-transparent) |
|---|---|---|
| External design | Limited, known openings (1-2) for declared functions such as microphone or speaker; central sensor clearly visible for heart rate and blood oxygen; no recesses or lenses; coordinated, precision-manufactured design | Hidden dots or lenses (under 2 mm) that may be camera lenses; multiple unexplained openings, extra microphones or abnormal vents; asymmetric layout |
| Operating system | Certified wearable platform (watchOS / Wear OS) | Generic SoC not optimised for wearables; firmware undocumented or uncertified |
| Transparency | Functions and specifications publicly disclosed and consistent with the declared specifications | Undisclosed components; components inconsistent with declared specifications |
| Camera | Disclosed in the official specifications, where present | Concealed camera module; undisclosed microphone |
| Connectivity and storage | Publicly declared Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and LTE; built-in storage for apps and data | Communication module may operate without full disclosure; expandable storage (MicroSD) |
| Sensors and security | Accurate motion and health sensors; built-in security mechanisms such as data encryption, secure lock and user authentication | Data transmission without explicit user notice or full authorisation; limited or non-standard security mechanisms |
| Power | Balanced power consumption consistent with normal use | Power consumption inconsistent with normal usage patterns |
| Typical examples | Apple Watch Series 9, Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, Huawei Watch GT 4, Google Pixel Watch 2 | Unbranded devices with undeclared cameras or communication modules |
What exporters should do
Exporters and brand owners shipping smart watches with cellular connectivity or a camera to Saudi Arabia should confirm the customs classification and SABER registration route with their importer, and prepare a technical file that clearly evidences the commercial purpose of the device, the declared specifications and the absence of covert recording or monitoring functions. Certification should be arranged with an accredited CAB before shipment, as a certificate of conformity cannot be issued for products suspected of surveillance use.
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