Saudi SASO Modular Wall Panels Fire Standard Effective July 2026

Saudi Arabia’s Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has issued a revised fire performance standard for modular wall panels—SASO IEC 62368-1:2026 Annex F—which takes effect on 1 July 2026. The update introduces mandatory certification requirements for structural adhesives used in prefabricated wall systems, directly impacting manufacturers, exporters, and suppliers engaged in the construction materials supply chain to the Saudi market.

Event Overview

In May 2026, SASO officially published SASO IEC 62368-1:2026 Annex F, the new fire safety standard for modular wall panels. It becomes compulsory on 1 July 2026. The standard explicitly requires all structural adhesives integrated into modular wall systems to undergo EN 15425:2021+A1:2025 testing for fire-resistance bond strength and to be accompanied by a third-party fire endurance report confirming ≥90 minutes of performance under standard fire exposure conditions.

Industries Affected

Direct Exporters and Trading Companies

Exporters supplying modular wall panels or associated components to Saudi Arabia will face compliance verification at customs and project-level acceptance stages. Non-compliant structural adhesives may result in shipment rejection or delayed project approvals, especially for government-funded infrastructure or commercial developments subject to SASO pre-shipment inspection.

Raw Material Suppliers (Adhesive Formulators & Distributors)

Suppliers of structural adhesives—including polyurethane, epoxy, and hybrid formulations—must now ensure their products meet EN 15425:2021+A1:2025 test criteria and maintain valid third-party fire endurance documentation. This affects technical data sheet accuracy, product labeling, and contractual warranties offered to panel fabricators.

Panel Manufacturers and System Integrators

Manufacturers assembling modular wall systems must verify adhesive compatibility with fire-rated substrates (e.g., gypsum, fiber cement, steel framing) under the full system configuration tested per Annex F. Certification is system-specific; adhesive approval alone does not guarantee panel-level compliance.

Distribution and Certification Support Providers

Local SASO-accredited certification bodies and conformity assessment service providers are expected to see increased demand for EN 15425:2021+A1:2025 testing coordination, fire endurance reporting, and technical documentation review. Lead times for such services may extend as capacity adjusts to the new requirement.

Key Focus Areas and Recommended Actions

Monitor official SASO communications for implementation guidance

While the standard is published and effective from 1 July 2026, SASO may issue technical clarifications, transition timelines for legacy stock, or accepted test laboratory lists. Stakeholders should subscribe to SASO’s official notifications and track updates via the SASO e-Services portal.

Prioritize adhesive qualification for high-volume export SKUs

Companies should identify top-selling modular wall configurations destined for Saudi projects and initiate EN 15425:2021+A1:2025 testing for the specific adhesive-substrate combinations used. Testing should reflect actual installation methods (e.g., joint width, substrate priming, curing conditions) to avoid retesting later.

Distinguish between regulatory signal and operational readiness

The publication of the standard signals regulatory intent—not immediate enforcement action prior to 1 July 2026. However, major contractors and developers in Saudi Arabia may begin requesting proof of compliance earlier, particularly for tenders issued after May 2026. Proactive documentation strengthens bid competitiveness.

Align procurement and technical documentation ahead of deadline

Procurement teams should confirm with adhesive suppliers whether EN 15425:2021+A1:2025 certification and ≥90-minute fire endurance reports are available—and whether those reports reference the exact product batch or formulation used in final assembly. Internal technical files must be updated to reflect this evidence before first shipment post-July 2026.

Editorial Perspective / Industry Observation

Observably, this update reflects SASO’s broader shift toward system-level fire safety accountability—not just component-level ratings. It moves beyond passive fire protection (e.g., intumescent coatings) to require verified structural integrity under fire exposure. Analysis shows that while the requirement targets adhesives specifically, its impact cascades across design validation, factory production control, and supply chain traceability. From an industry perspective, this is less a standalone compliance event and more a signal of tightening integration between material certification and built-environment performance standards in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets. Continued attention is warranted as other GCC members may adopt similar annexes in future revisions of regional harmonized standards.

Conclusion: The SASO modular wall panel fire standard update formalizes a technical threshold for structural adhesives entering the Saudi construction market. Its significance lies not only in the new testing mandate but in how it reinforces the linkage between material certification and real-world system performance. Currently, it is best understood as a binding regulatory milestone with clear implementation timing—requiring targeted, evidence-based preparation rather than broad strategic recalibration.

Source: SASO Official Gazette (May 2026), SASO IEC 62368-1:2026 Annex F; EN 15425:2021+A1:2025 (CEN, 2025).
Noted for ongoing observation: SASO’s pending guidance on transitional provisions, accepted test laboratories, and applicability to retrofit or non-load-bearing wall variants.