Displays arylsulfatase activity at neutral pH, when co-expressed with SUMF1; arylsulfatase activity is measured in the secretion medium of retinal cell line, but no activity is recorded when measured in cell extracts. Binds 1 Ca(2+) ion per subunit. Localized in the intracellular granular structures. The oxidation of Cys-94 residue to 3-oxoalanine (also known as C(alpha)-formylglycine) by SUMF1/Sulfatase-modifying factor 1, seems critical for catalytic activity. Belongs to the sulfatase family.