CROSS-STANDARD public interest · EV charger

China-to-Saudi Arabia EV Charger Compliance Gap Matrix

AI-compiled from official public sources — cross-checked by multiple AI models, not human-verified. Informational only; see disclaimer. Public-interest, source-linked comparison of common China EV charger documentation against Saudi Arabia SASO technical regulations, SABER conformity assessment requirements, IEC 61851 safety standards, IEC 62196 connector standards, SEC grid code (60 Hz), and CISPR EMC requirements.

Dataset 2026-06-11 Last verified 2026-06-12 8 rows

GAP MATRIX

Compliance Gap Matrix

Gap matrix
Compliance item Common China baseline Saudi Arabia (SASO / SABER) Gap / action Source + verification date
AC EV Charging Connector Standard — IEC 62196-2 Type 2 (GCC / Saudi Practice) China uses GB/T 20234.2-2023 (Connection set for conductive charging of electric vehicles — Part 2: AC charging coupler) for AC EV charging, which defines a physically distinct 7-pin connector with different pin geometry, contact dimensions, and housing shape from IEC 62196-2 Type 2. The two connectors are physically incompatible — a GB/T AC plug cannot mate with a Type 2 socket and vice versa. GB/T 20234.1-2023 covers the general requirements for the connection set. There is no mutual recognition or harmonisation between GB/T 20234.2 and IEC 62196-2.GB/T 20234.2-2023 — Connection set for conductive charging of electric vehicles — Part 2: AC charging coupler (current edition)
GB/T 20234.1-2023 — Connection set for conductive charging of electric vehicles — Part 1: General requirements (current edition)		 Saudi Arabia's SASO technical regulation for EV charging equipment mandates IEC 62196-2 Type 2 (Mennekes) as the compulsory AC connector for EV supply equipment. The Gulf Standards Organization (GSO) has adopted GSO IEC 62196 covering EV plugs, socket-outlets, and vehicle couplers, and the Saudi regulatory pathway requires the applicable SASO/GSO connector configuration rather than a local market-practice substitute. Type 2 is a 7-pin connector supporting single-phase and three-phase AC charging with an integral locking mechanism.IEC 62196-2 — Plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets — AC pin and contact-tube accessories — Dimensional compatibility and interchangeability requirements (Type 2 / Mennekes)
GSO IEC 62196 — Gulf Standards Organization adoption of IEC 62196 series (verify current edition)
SASO SABER platform — product registration and PCoC for connector products		 Critical hardware gap: The GB/T AC charging connector (GB/T 20234.2) and the IEC 62196-2 Type 2 connector are physically incompatible. A Chinese EV charger fitted with a GB/T Type 2 AC socket cannot be used with Type 2-equipped vehicles in Saudi Arabia, and vice versa. EV chargers exported from China to Saudi Arabia must be manufactured or retrofitted with IEC 62196-2 Type 2 sockets and vehicle inlets. This is a product design change — not a documentation-only gap. The connector body, pin count, and locking mechanism designs all differ despite both using 7 pins in a different configuration. No adapter is a permanent solution for public infrastructure compliance.[MANDATORY] GB/T AC charging connector (GB/T 20234.2) is physically incompatible with IEC 62196-2 Type 2, which SASO mandates for AC EV charging equipment in Saudi Arabia. Exporters must redesign or re-specify the connector type before market entry — this is a compulsory hardware compliance gap, not a documentation gap. Gulf Standards Organization (GSO)2026-06-12 · unverified
DC EV Fast-Charging Connector Standard — IEC 62196-3 (CCS Combo 2 / CHAdeMO in Saudi Context) China uses GB/T 20234.3-2023 (Connection set for conductive charging of electric vehicles — Part 3: DC charging coupler) for DC fast charging, defining a 9-pin connector with different geometry from both CCS Combo 2 and CHAdeMO. GB/T 20234.3 is physically incompatible with IEC 62196-3 CCS Combo 2 and with CHAdeMO. The communication protocol used with Chinese DC chargers is GB/T 27930 (CAN-based), whereas CCS Combo 2 uses ISO 15118 over PLC. No mutual recognition or harmonisation exists between GB/T 20234.3 and IEC 62196-3.GB/T 20234.3-2023 — Connection set for conductive charging of electric vehicles — Part 3: DC charging coupler (current edition, up to 1500 V / 800 A)
GB/T 27930-2015 — Communication protocol between off-board charger and BMS of electric vehicle (CAN-based)		 Saudi Arabia's SASO EV-charging technical regulation mandates IEC 62196-3 DC connector configurations for DC fast-charging equipment, with CCS Combo 2 (IEC 62196-3 Configuration FF) as the compulsory DC connector configuration and CHAdeMO (IEC 62196-3 Configuration AA) recognized within the Saudi/GSO framework where applicable. This is a regulatory mandate for Saudi market entry, not merely a project preference or practice note.IEC 62196-3 — Plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets — DC and AC/DC pin and contact-tube vehicle couplers (CCS Combo 2 = Configuration FF; CHAdeMO = Configuration AA)
GSO IEC 62196 — Gulf Standards Organization adoption of IEC 62196 series (verify current edition and scope)		 Critical hardware gap: Chinese GB/T 20234.3 DC connectors are physically incompatible with IEC 62196-3 CCS Combo 2 and CHAdeMO recognized for Saudi DC charging. DC charging stations exported from China must be manufactured with or retrofitted to the SASO-mandated IEC 62196-3 connector configuration, with CCS Combo 2 required for DC fast charging and CHAdeMO recognized where applicable. The communication protocol also differs — GB/T 27930 CAN vs. ISO 15118 PLC for CCS2 — compounding the incompatibility beyond the physical plug. Hardware redesign is required; this is not a documentation gap.[MANDATORY] GB/T 20234.3 DC connector is physically and electrically incompatible with IEC 62196-3 CCS Combo 2 and CHAdeMO. DC chargers exported from China to Saudi Arabia require hardware redesign to the SASO-mandated IEC 62196-3 connector configuration and re-validation of communication protocols. IEC Webstore2026-06-12 · unverified
EMC Requirements — SASO EMC Technical Regulation / CISPR Standards China's EMC framework for EV charging equipment includes: GB/T 18487.2-2017 (EMC requirements for AC and DC EV supply equipment — recommended, based on IEC 61851-21-2:2015); GB 4824-2019 (mandatory, based on CISPR 11:2015 — ISM equipment radio-frequency disturbance); GB 17625.1-2022 (mandatory, harmonic emissions, IDT IEC 61000-3-2:2020); and GB/T 17799.4-2022 (mandatory, generic industrial emissions, IDT IEC 61000-6-4:2018). All Chinese EMC test reports are issued at 50 Hz; the 60 Hz Saudi grid introduces additional complexity in re-applying Chinese test data. CCC EMC certification is not accepted by SASO.GB/T 18487.2-2017 — Electric vehicle conductive charging system — Part 2: EMC requirements (recommended, based on IEC 61851-21-2:2015)
GB 4824-2019 — Industrial, scientific and medical equipment — Radio-frequency disturbance characteristics (mandatory, based on CISPR 11:2015)
GB 17625.1-2022 — Limits for harmonic current emissions (mandatory, IDT IEC 61000-3-2:2020)
GB/T 17799.4-2022 — Generic industrial emission standard (mandatory, IDT IEC 61000-6-4:2018)		 Saudi Arabia, through SASO, has issued EMC technical regulations that reference CISPR (International Special Committee on Radio Interference) standards for electromagnetic emissions and IEC 61000 series standards for immunity. SASO adopts GSO technical regulations for EMC where GCC-harmonised standards exist, and may reference CISPR 11 (Industrial, Scientific and Medical equipment — radio-frequency disturbance characteristics) for EV charging equipment classified as industrial electrical apparatus. Products subject to SASO mandatory EMC regulations require a SABER PCoC demonstrating conformity with the applicable CISPR/IEC 61000 standards. [NOTE: The specific SASO/GSO EMC technical regulation number applicable to EV charging equipment as power electronics / industrial electrical apparatus, and the current edition of CISPR standards referenced, should be verified directly with SASO or on the SABER platform — SASO has periodically updated its EMC regulations and product scope. The 60 Hz grid in Saudi Arabia means that harmonic emissions test results (IEC 61000-3-2) performed at 50 Hz may not be directly applicable; confirm 60 Hz test requirements with the SASO-approved conformity assessment body.]CISPR 11 — Industrial, scientific and medical equipment — Radio-frequency disturbance characteristics — Limits and methods of measurement (applicable to EV charging equipment as power electronics)
IEC 61000-3-2 — Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current ≤ 16 A per phase)
IEC 61000-3-3 — Limitation of voltage changes, voltage fluctuations and flicker
IEC 61000-4 series — EMC immunity test standards
SASO EMC Technical Regulation (verify current regulation number and edition on saber.sa)
GSO EMC standards as adopted by SASO (where applicable)		 Three gaps exist for Chinese EV charger manufacturers targeting Saudi Arabia: (1) Certification body — SASO requires conformity assessment by a SASO-approved body for SABER PCoC; Chinese CNAS EMC test reports and CCC certification are not accepted; fresh testing to CISPR 11 / IEC 61000 series by a SASO-approved or internationally accredited laboratory is required; (2) Frequency — All Chinese EMC tests are performed at 50 Hz; Saudi Arabia's 60 Hz grid may require fresh EMC testing at 60 Hz, particularly for harmonic emission tests (IEC 61000-3-2) and conducted emission measurements where switching-frequency harmonics interact with grid frequency; confirm 60 Hz test scope with the SASO-approved conformity assessment body; (3) Standard edition — GB 4824-2019 is based on CISPR 11:2015; if SASO references a later CISPR 11 edition, a new test report citing the current SASO-referenced edition will be required.[INFORMATIONAL] Chinese EV charger EMC certification (CCC / CNAS reports) is not accepted by SASO. Fresh EMC testing by a SASO-approved conformity assessment body, to CISPR 11 and applicable IEC 61000 series, is required for SABER PCoC. The 60 Hz Saudi grid introduces a significant test condition difference from Chinese 50 Hz test norms — manufacturers should confirm whether 60 Hz-specific EMC testing is required with the conformity assessment body before planning the test campaign. SASO — Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization2026-06-12 · unverified
Grid Connection & Installation Requirements — Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) Grid Code China's EV charging installation is governed by GB 50966-2014 (Code for design of electric vehicle charging station) and GB/T 51313-2018 (Technical standard for electric vehicle charging infrastructure), administered by MOHURD. China's grid operates at 220/380 V, 50 Hz — the frequency difference from Saudi Arabia (60 Hz) is fundamental. Chinese EV charger hardware is designed and tested for 50 Hz operation. Power electronic components (inductors, transformers, power factor correction circuits) must be re-specified for 60 Hz operation, as 50 Hz-only designs may overheat or operate outside rated performance at 60 Hz. There is no bilateral grid connection standard recognition between China and Saudi Arabia.GB 50966-2014 — Code for design of electric vehicle charging station (MOHURD)
GB/T 51313-2018 — Technical standard for electric vehicle charging infrastructure (MOHURD)		 EV charging equipment installed in Saudi Arabia must comply with the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) Distribution System Standards and Grid Code, which govern connection to the Saudi national grid. Key requirements relevant to EV chargers include: (1) Supply voltage: 230 V (single-phase) / 400 V (three-phase), 60 Hz — NOTE: Saudi Arabia operates at 60 Hz (unlike most IEC-standard countries at 50 Hz), which has significant implications for charger design, transformer selection, and power factor correction components; (2) SEC connection approval: medium- and large-scale EV charging installations (typically commercial fast-charging stations) require formal grid connection approval from SEC, including load flow studies and protection coordination; (3) SEC Distribution Code: specifies earthing arrangements (Saudi grid typically uses TN-C-S or TT systems in residential/commercial areas), protection relay requirements, metering, and demand management; (4) Saudi Building Code (SBC): electrical installation chapter governs wiring, switchgear ratings, cable selection, and circuit protection for EV charging circuits. [NOTE: The SEC Distribution System Standards are not publicly available in full; specific connection requirements should be obtained directly from SEC for the relevant distribution region (SEC has multiple regional operating areas). The 60 Hz frequency is a confirmed, critical Saudi grid characteristic — verify all EV charger hardware specifications against 60 Hz operation before ordering.]SEC Distribution System Standards (Saudi Electricity Company — contact SEC for current version)
SEC Grid Code (Saudi Electricity Company)
Saudi Building Code (SBC) — Electrical installations chapter
Saudi Electricity Law (Royal Decree M/43, 1421H) — governing electricity supply framework		 The 60 Hz grid frequency is the most critical and often overlooked Saudi-specific hardware gap. Chinese EV chargers designed for 50 Hz may: (a) have inductors and transformers wound for 50 Hz that will saturate or overheat at 60 Hz; (b) have power factor correction (PFC) circuits tuned for 50 Hz switching harmonics; (c) have firmware-controlled PWM timing based on 50 Hz grid synchronisation. All of these require hardware and firmware review before Saudi deployment. Additionally: (1) SEC connection approvals are project-specific and not covered by any product certification; (2) Saudi ambient temperature (routinely >45°C) requires derating of installation components; (3) Arabic-language documentation is expected for installation manuals used by licensed Saudi electricians; (4) Chinese installation standards (GB 50966 / GB/T 51313) are not accepted by SEC or Saudi inspectors as equivalent to Saudi requirements.[INFORMATIONAL] The 60 Hz grid frequency in Saudi Arabia is a critical and often underestimated hardware gap for Chinese EV chargers designed for 50 Hz. All power-conversion components, PFC circuits, and grid-synchronisation firmware must be validated for 60 Hz operation before export. SEC project-specific connection approval is additionally required for commercial charging stations and is separate from SABER product certification. Saudi Electricity Company (SEC)2026-06-12 · unverified
Market Access — SABER Platform: Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) China's market access system for EV charging equipment is CCC (China Compulsory Certification), administered by CNCA/SAMR. CCC involves product testing by a designated Chinese CAB, factory inspection, and issuance of a CCC certificate. The structural differences from SABER are: (1) CCC is a single domestic certificate — SABER requires both PCoC (product-level) and SCoC (per-shipment); (2) CCC certificates are issued to and held by the Chinese manufacturer — SABER PCoC is linked to the Saudi importer's account; (3) CCC does not require per-shipment documentation — SABER SCoC is required for every individual import consignment; (4) Chinese CNAS-accredited CABs are not SASO-approved CABs unless separately accredited. There is no bilateral recognition agreement between CNCA and SASO that would allow CCC certification to satisfy SABER requirements.CNCA-C25-01:2024 — CCC implementation rules for EV charging equipment (mandatory CCC from 1 March 2025)
Measures for the Administration of Compulsory Product Certification (SAMR 2020)
CCC — China Compulsory Certification system administered by CNCA		 Saudi Arabia operates the SABER (Saudi Product Safety Programme) conformity assessment platform, administered by SASO. All regulated products — including electrical and electronic equipment such as EV charging equipment — must obtain both a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) before being imported into, or placed on, the Saudi market. The PCoC is product-specific and is issued by a SASO-approved conformity assessment body (CAB) after testing and factory/quality assessment; it is registered on the SABER platform and links to the product model. The SCoC is shipment-specific and is issued for each consignment, attesting that the shipped goods correspond to the certified product. Without both a valid PCoC and SCoC, Saudi Customs will not clear the goods. PCoC is linked to the Saudi importer's or distributor's account on the SABER platform. Third-party exporters must coordinate with a Saudi importer registered on SABER to initiate the PCoC application.SABER platform (saber.sa) — mandatory conformity assessment platform for regulated products entering Saudi Arabia
SASO Technical Regulations — mandatory product safety requirements enforced via SABER
Saudi Customs clearance requirements — PCoC and SCoC required for customs release of regulated products		 SABER is a fundamentally different market access architecture from CCC. Key gaps for Chinese exporters: (1) No mutual recognition — CCC certification cannot be accepted on SABER; fresh testing and evaluation by a SASO-approved CAB is required; (2) Saudi importer dependency — the PCoC application on SABER must be initiated by or coordinated with a registered Saudi importer or distributor; Chinese manufacturers without a Saudi partner cannot complete SABER registration independently; (3) Per-shipment SCoC — every shipment to Saudi Arabia requires a separate SCoC issued by a SASO-approved CAB, creating a recurring per-shipment compliance cost not present under CCC; (4) Arabic labelling and documentation — product labels, safety warnings, installation manuals, and technical specifications are expected in Arabic for Saudi market compliance, which is not required for CCC; (5) Model-specific registration — each product model variant must be separately registered on SABER; bundle or family certification practices used in CCC do not directly translate to SABER.[INFORMATIONAL] SABER PCoC + SCoC is the mandatory Saudi market access gate for EV charging equipment. CCC certification is not accepted. Chinese exporters must engage a SASO-approved conformity assessment body, coordinate with a registered Saudi importer for SABER platform access, obtain product-level PCoC before first shipment, and obtain a separate SCoC for every subsequent shipment. Arabic labelling and documentation are expected. Exporters should visit saber.sa to identify the current applicable SASO technical regulation and approved CAB list for EV charging equipment before initiating a compliance programme. SASO — Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SABER platform)2026-06-12 · unverified
Saudi Importer Registration, Arabic Labelling, and Product Documentation Requirements Chinese product labelling for domestic market requires Chinese-language labels (GB/T 191 packaging symbols; GB 10396 safety labels for machinery). Export products are not legally required to carry Arabic labels under Chinese domestic law — Arabic labelling is a destination-country requirement that Chinese manufacturers must add before or during export. CCC certificates are issued to and held by the Chinese manufacturer; there is no Saudi-importer linkage requirement under CCC.GB/T 191 — Packaging — Pictorial marking for handling of goods (Chinese domestic standard)
CCC — China Compulsory Certification (no Saudi-importer linkage requirement)		 Beyond the SABER PCoC/SCoC certification, products placed on the Saudi market must comply with SASO labelling and documentation requirements: (1) Arabic language: product labels, safety markings, installation instructions, and user manuals must be in Arabic (or bilingual Arabic/English); this is enforced by Saudi Customs and SASO market surveillance; (2) Importer identity: the Saudi importer's name and commercial registration number must appear on the product label or accompanying documentation; (3) Country of origin labelling: required on the product and packaging per Saudi import regulations; (4) Conformity mark: the SASO conformity mark (or reference to the SABER PCoC number) is required for regulated products; (5) Technical documentation must be retained and made available to SASO market surveillance authorities on request, for a period specified in the applicable SASO technical regulation.SASO labelling requirements for regulated products (verify current requirements on saso.gov.sa)
Saudi Customs import regulations — country of origin and importer labelling
SABER platform — importer account registration and PCoC linkage requirements		 Chinese manufacturers exporting EV chargers to Saudi Arabia face documentation and labelling gaps with no Chinese domestic regulatory analogue: (1) Arabic labels and manuals must be produced from scratch — typical Chinese product documentation is in Chinese and English only; (2) Saudi importer name and registration number must appear on labels — Chinese manufacturers must have a Saudi distribution partner established before first shipment; (3) SASO conformity mark must be applied — this requires PCoC completion before label printing; (4) Per-shipment SCoC coordination — the Saudi importer or a freight forwarder familiar with SABER must manage SCoC issuance for each consignment; (5) Technical documentation in Arabic or English accessible to SASO market surveillance — Chinese-only documentation is not sufficient.[INFORMATIONAL] Arabic product labels, Saudi importer identification, SASO conformity mark, and Arabic/English technical documentation are mandatory for EV charging equipment on the Saudi market. These requirements have no equivalent in Chinese domestic CCC compliance and must be built from scratch. A Saudi distribution partner is a practical prerequisite for SABER platform access and PCoC application initiation. SASO — Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization2026-06-12 · unverified
AC EV Charging Equipment Safety — SASO Technical Regulation / IEC 61851-1 China's primary standard for AC EV supply equipment safety is GB/T 18487.1-2023 (Electric vehicle conductive charging system — Part 1: General requirements), the 2023 revision of GB/T 18487.1-2015. GB/T 18487.1 is technically aligned with IEC 61851-1 but incorporates national deviations, notably the control pilot waveform and voltage ranges tuned to China's GB/T connector ecosystem. Mandatory CCC (China Compulsory Certification) for EV charging equipment applies from 1 March 2025 under CNCA-C25-01:2024. CCC certificates issued by Chinese designated bodies (CABs) are not recognised by SASO and do not substitute for SABER PCoC.GB/T 18487.1-2023 — Electric vehicle conductive charging system — Part 1: General requirements (current edition, supersedes 2015 version)
CNCA-C25-01:2024 — CCC implementation rules for EV charging equipment (mandatory CCC from 1 March 2025)		 Saudi Arabia requires EV charging equipment to comply with SASO technical regulations that reference IEC 61851-1 (Electric vehicle conductive charging system — Part 1: General requirements) as the applicable safety standard for AC EV supply equipment. SASO adopts Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) standards published by the Gulf Standards Organization (GSO) where available, and directly references IEC standards for products not yet covered by a dedicated GSO standard. Products subject to SASO mandatory technical regulations must obtain a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) through the SABER conformity assessment platform before being placed on the Saudi market. IEC 61851-1 covers Modes 1–4 conductive charging, insulation requirements, protection against electric shock, earthing, overcurrent and overtemperature protection, and control pilot functions. SASO prohibits Mode 1 charging in all areas and prohibits Mode 2 charging in public areas, so compliant Saudi EVSE must use controlled charging modes appropriate to the installation.IEC 61851-1:2017 — Electric vehicle conductive charging system — Part 1: General requirements
SASO SABER platform — Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) mandatory for regulated electrical products
GSO standards as adopted by SASO (where applicable — check current GSO catalogue)		 Chinese GB/T 18487.1 certification and CCC certificates are not accepted by SASO as equivalent to IEC 61851-1 compliance for the SABER PCoC pathway. Exporters must have the product tested to IEC 61851-1 (and IEC 61851-23 for DC stations) by a SASO-approved or internationally accredited conformity assessment body, then register the product on the SABER platform and obtain a PCoC before shipment. Saudi mode restrictions are also a design and installation gap: Mode 1 charging is prohibited in all areas, and Mode 2 charging is prohibited in public areas. Additionally, the following Saudi-specific installation conditions may introduce product-level design requirements: (a) 230/400 V, 60 Hz supply (voltage aligns with IEC standard supply, but Saudi grid frequency, grid characteristics, and earthing system — typically TN-C-S or TT — should be confirmed with the Saudi Electricity Company); (b) ambient temperature range in Saudi Arabia regularly exceeds 45°C, which may require product derating or higher thermal class components not typically validated under default IEC 61851 test conditions. Documentation gap: SABER registration, PCoC certificate, Arabic-language product labelling and installation instructions are all required.[INFORMATIONAL] EV charging equipment exported from China to Saudi Arabia requires IEC 61851-1 compliance assessed by a SASO-approved conformity assessment body, and a valid PCoC registered on the SABER platform before shipment. Chinese GB/T 18487.1 / CCC certification is not recognised. SASO prohibits Mode 1 charging in all areas and Mode 2 charging in public areas. High ambient temperature (>45°C) and Arabic labelling requirements are Saudi-specific considerations beyond the IEC standard test conditions. SASO — Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SABER platform)2026-06-12 · unverified
DC EV Charging Station Safety — IEC 61851-23 China's DC charging system standard is GB/T 18487.5-2024 (Electric vehicle conductive charging system — Part 5: DC charging system for GB/T 20234.3 connector), the current edition governing off-board DC charger requirements in China. The DC coupler standard is GB/T 20234.3-2023 (updated from 2015 edition, supports up to 1500 V / 800 A). Chinese DC stations use the GB/T communication protocol (GB/T 27930 — CAN-based), which is technically distinct from IEC 61851-24 (ISO 15118 / CAN-based depending on version). CCC certification to Chinese GB/T standards is not accepted by SASO as equivalent to IEC 61851-23 compliance.GB/T 18487.5-2024 — Electric vehicle conductive charging system — Part 5: DC charging system for GB/T 20234.3 (current DC system standard)
GB/T 20234.3-2023 — Connection set for conductive charging of electric vehicles — Part 3: DC charging coupler
GB/T 27930-2015 — Communication protocol between off-board charger and BMS of electric vehicle (CAN-based)		 DC EV charging stations (off-board chargers, Mode 4) must comply with IEC 61851-23 (Electric vehicle conductive charging system — Part 23: DC EV charging station) as referenced by SASO technical regulations. IEC 61851-23 covers isolation monitoring, interlock systems, control pilot functions, communication protocol requirements (including DC charging communication per IEC 61851-24), maximum voltage and current ratings, and protective earthing for high-power DC supply equipment. A SABER PCoC is required before DC charging stations can be legally sold or installed in Saudi Arabia.IEC 61851-23:2014 — Electric vehicle conductive charging system — Part 23: DC EV charging station (and IEC 61851-23:2023 where adopted)
IEC 61851-24 — Digital communication between a d.c. EV charging station and an electric vehicle for control of d.c. charging
SASO SABER platform — PCoC required for regulated electrical products		 DC charging stations exported from China to Saudi Arabia face compound gaps: (1) Certification gap — Chinese GB/T 18487.5 / CCC certification is not accepted by SASO; fresh IEC 61851-23 testing and SABER PCoC are required; (2) Connector gap — Chinese DC stations use GB/T 20234.3 (9-pin DC connector) while Saudi Arabia follows IEC 62196-3 (CCS Combo 2 or CHAdeMO — see the connector fragment); hardware redesign is typically needed; (3) Communication protocol — GB/T 27930 CAN-based DC charging communication may differ from IEC 61851-24 requirements depending on the SASO specification version; (4) Ambient thermal — Saudi climate routinely exceeds 45°C; components and thermal management systems must be validated accordingly.[INFORMATIONAL] DC charging stations from China require IEC 61851-23 compliance and SABER PCoC for Saudi market entry. The connector type (GB/T 20234.3 vs. IEC 62196-3) is typically a hardware redesign item. High ambient temperature validation and Arabic documentation are additional Saudi-specific requirements beyond standard IEC testing scope. IEC Webstore2026-06-12 · unverified

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