Update on Saudi Arabia’s Technical Regulation for Oxo-Biodegradable Plastic Material

The implementation of the Technical Regulation (TR) No. 947 on Degradable Plastic Material, published in October 2016 in the Saudi official Gazette has been postponed for the second time.

In January of this year, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) postponed the registration for Phase II and Phase III products under the Regulation to September 1. 2019 from the initially planned date of August 1. 2018.

Earlier this June, SASO sent out a circular to its notifying members to the effect that the registration for the two phases II and III is postponed again to April 1. 2020.

Phase II and III products include amongst others, bubble wrap, stretch films used for packaging and plastic liners used for cartons. The regulation applies to all products made of polypropylene plastic and polyethylene plastic that are mostly used for short periods before being disposed of and that are subject to the limits of thickness stated in the adopted standards annexed thereto.

Manufacturers of electronic and electrical equipment may well be affected by this regulation in as far as they apply plastic material within the scope of the regulation.

We will keep you updated with developments on the subject Technical Regulation and remain at your disposal for any queries you may have regarding this matter.