The Middle East has changed from a relatively fragmented set of lubricant standards and regulations to a clearer set of regional standards and more intense national enforcement. Exporters, importers and blenders shipping into the GCC market are now faced with performance specifications that are increasingly similar to global API and ACEA specifications, as well as specific local requirements such as labelling, certification and market access.
This guide details how the latest GSO standards (Saudi Arabia’s technical regulation) impact on what can be sold, how products must be documented and what practical considerations companies must consider to remain compliant with GSO standards.
The GCC Framework – GSO Standards and Regional Harmonization
The Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) is an organization that consists of national standards bodies from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. It provides the services of lowering technical barriers to trade through establishing common requirements which can be referenced by or adopted by all member states.
The key documents for engine oils are now GSO 1785-1:2024 and GSO 1785-2:2023. Major auto lubricant standards in the GCC are based on these two standards. They supersede the previous editions and update regional rules to be more aligned with the current international performance categories. Compliance with these GSO standards is seen by many national regulators as the minimum requirement for market access.
What GSO 1785-1:2024 and GSO 1785-2:2023 Cover for Engine Oils
GSO 1785-1:2024 specifies performance requirements for gasoline and diesel engine oils, based on API service categories. It includes all the required wear protection, oxidation stability, engine cleanliness and other important bench and engine tests. It covers passenger car and heavy duty (excluding marine) applications, and specifically mentions existing API classes of lubricant, including classes SP, SN, CK-4, and FA-4.
GSO 1785-2:2023 is based on the ACEA European Oil Sequences. It covers light duty gasoline, light duty diesel and heavy duty diesel engines, with emphasis on after-treatment compatibility, high-temperature high-shear (HTHS) viscosity, and shear stability. These include the ACEA A/B, C (low-SAPS) and E sequences.
Now that these standards have been put in place, importers and blenders should check that the performance claims in both formulations and labels are in line with the new standards. Products with only older GSO or national editions could be delayed or rejected at the customs or during the market surveillance process.
This book is based on Saudi Arabia – SASO Technical Regulation for Lubricating Oils.
Saudi Arabia – SASO Technical Regulation for Lubricating Oils
The regulation refers to a series of SASO & GSO specifications which stipulate performance and testing procedures. For instance, engine oils are associated with API classification requirements, base oils, gear oils, brake fluids and compressor oils have their own referenced specifications. It is a very wide scope, and therefore includes automotive products and many other industrial products.
Scope of SASO’s Lubricating Oils Technical Regulation
The regulation references a series of SASO and GSO standards that define performance and test methods. Engine oils, for example, are linked to API classification requirements, while base oils, gear oils, brake fluids, and compressor oils each have their own referenced specifications. The scope is broad, so both automotive and many industrial products fall under its oversight.
Certification and SABER Requirements for Exporters
Lubricants will not be allowed to be sold or passed through customs until they have been certified by SABER. Certification is awarded by bodies that are notified by SASO and is usually based on:
- A Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity is required.
- Full technical documentation and tests report from recognised laboratories.
- Risk assessment information
Random sampling and testing may be carried out at the border on products. Oils already in possession of the Saudi Quality Mark or have successfully completed a Type 3 conformity assessment route are given a streamlined recognition. Planning certification early prevents delays that may result in weeks on the ships.
Labeling and Documentation Rules in Saudi Arabia
Labels should be in Arabic and English. Information that must be required are: performance classification (api code/acea classification); viscosity category; use; complete manufacturer or importer information. All performance claims should be supported by the technical file. Documentation should also cite the relevant SASO or GSO standards, enabling inspectors to easily check adherence.
United Arab Emirates – ESMA, GSO 1785 and ECAS/EQM
Oil quality standards are enforced in UAE according to Standards and Metrology Authority (ESMA) which is under the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT). Engine oils sold in the UAE should comply with the UAE implementation of the relevant GSO 1785 standards and be certified according to the UAE Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS) or the Emirates Quality Mark (EQM).
UAE ESMA Engine Oil Certification
Federal regulations, under ESMA/MoIAT, give the certifying authority the power to certify consumer and automotive products such as engine oils. The marketing companies are required to prove that their products are performing to the minimum levels specified in the relevant GSO standard. Typically, products are not placed on the market until they have an ECAS or EQM certificate. This certification is more and more requested by the distributors and workshops as a quality and regulatory compliance indicator.
Other GCC Countries – Implementing GSO Standards and Emissions Rules
Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman are gradually moving towards harmonisation of their automotive product rules with GSO 1785-1:2024 and GSO 1785-2:2023. The technical regulations are not as comprehensive as they are in Saudi Arabia or the UAE, but it is definitely heading towards better performance and better documentation.
Impact of Vehicle Emissions Standards on Lubricant Specs
Regional requirements for vehicle emission limits have a direct impact on specifications for lubricants. Euro 6B equivalent standards are being phased in with new model years in the UAE from 2026, while many models are sold on the Saudi market at Euro 5, and other GCC states are running between Euro 4 and Euro 5. These changes upend the call for oils with:
- Reduce sulphur and phosphorus to ensure catalyst and particulate filters are not damaged.
- Improved systems for cleaner engine and after-treatment detergents.
- Improved use of ACEA C-class and most recent API low SAPS solutions
Exporters who are already formulating to the latest API SP and ACEA C/E sequences are more likely to be well suited to these changing needs.
Alignment with Global API, ACEA and OEM Standards
Today, rules in the Middle East consider API and ACEA classifications as “common technical language”. Firstly, a product compliant with the new GSO 1785-1:2024 or GSO 1785-2:2023 has passed the initial technical barrier for most markets in the GCC.
Why OEM Approvals Still Matter on Top of Local Regulations
The minimum legal threshold for market access is prescribed by local regulations. OEM approvals (Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen Group, BMW, Renault and others) are another extra mark of approval that still needs to be obtained by many premium workshops, fleet operators and authorised dealers. GSO/SASO/ESMA compliance should be considered as the “license to sell” and relevant OEM approvals as the “license to build trust” in higher value segments.
Industrial Lubricants and Environmental Regulations
Although automotive engine oils have been the most heavily regulated, industrial lubes are not spared. Most countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have chemical safety rules, the proper classification of base oils and additives, and waste oil handling requirements, and these are becoming increasingly stringent. There is also increasing interest for biodegradable or low emission options for some industrial and marine applications.
Sustainability and Base Oil Trends in a Hot Climate
Oxidation stability, volatility control and viscosity retention are greater demands in situations of high ambient temperatures. The combination of high-quality Group III+ and synthetic base oils and superior additive packages provides better service and higher drain intervals under these conditions. The trend of extended-life lubricants with reduced emissions is continuing to grow and is being driven by a global trend and by local environmental regulations.
Practical Compliance Steps for Exporters and Importers
Compliance is a late stage packaging task that leads to cost delays. The following steps are useful in preparing the companies to prepare products and documentations efficiently.
Pre-Export Preparation
- Identify each product by its intended API or ACEA classification and ensure that the formulation conforms to the performance tests in GSO 1785-1: 2024 or GSO 1785-2: 2023.
- Ensure labels and technical data sheets are in the exact category wording accepted in the destination country and contain Arabic and English as necessary.
- Create full technical documentation, SDS and independent laboratory test records prior to booking any shipment.
Certification, Registration and Ongoing Compliance
- Apply to the SABER platform to register and cooperate with a body notified by Saudi Arabia (SASO) to get products certified under the Lubricating Oils Technical Regulation for Saudi Arabia.
- Ensure UAE secure ECAS or EQM certification to ensure compliance to the relevant GSO 1785 prior to marketing.
- Keep an eye on GSO, SASO and MoIAT updates. New engine and after-treatment technologies are driving new vehicle emission rules and lubricant standards.
Businesses that incorporate these checks into their product development and export planning process find themselves facing fewer customs holds, smoother distributor onboarding and more robust long-term market positions in Middle East.
YEFE’s technical and regulatory experts can help you achieve compliance with current GSO, SASO or ESMA requirements with lubricant formulations, data packages for testing purposes, and export-ready labelling.