Electronical and electrical equipment and toys are some of the most regulated products in various markets. Typically, to prove that such products comply with local regulations, they meet the requirements and bear an appropriate mark. In the Gulf Cooperation Council market, this marking is G-Mark.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is an international organization in the Middle East. It was established on May 25, 1981, in Riyadh. Its six State Members are:
- Saudi Arabia
- Bahrain
- Qatar
- Kuwait
- Oman
- United Arab Emirates.
Based on the signed agreement, these countries established political and economic cooperation. In terms of trade, the Council established a common market by harmonizing tariffs and customs procedures and specifying requirements for products placed on the market. The standardization of regulations regarding products and more is overseen by the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO).
What is the Gulf Conformity Mark (G-Mark)?
G-Mark, or the Gulf Conformity Mark, is the compliance mark in the GCC. When affixed to a product, it proves its compliance with GCC technical regulations. It is not a quality mark but rather a marking that proves conformity of products at least to the essential requirements of health, safety and environment. It was introduced in 2009.
G-Mark is necessary for products such as:
- toys
- domestic electrical fans
- refrigerators, freezers, and other refrigerating or freezing equipment
- centrifugal clothes dryers and clothes washing machines, including machines with both wash and dry
- food grinders & mixers, fruit or vegetable juice extractor
- toasters
- electro-thermic hair-dressing apparatus and hand dryers
- domestic electric heating apparatus
- electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters
- microwave ovens
- air conditioners
- plugs, socket outlets, adaptors, cord extension sets and chargers
- other ovens: cookers, cooking plates, boiling rings, grillers, and roasters
- electric smoothing iron.
How to obtain GSO and G-Mark certification?
The technical regulations specify the conformity assessment procedures for each product category, which should be applied by the manufacturer or a notified body.
Obtaining G-Mark certification is a process that involves testing and inspections to ensure that the product meets the necessary standards. This includes carrying out product tests in terms of electrical safety, mechanical safety, environmental performance, etc.
G-Mark certification is valid for 3 years for low-voltage equipment and 5 years for toys, after which the manufacturer/distributor must apply for recertification to maintain it.
If you introduce products to the GCC market, you must ensure that you provide the Gulf Conformity Tracking Symbol as a QR code (so-called GCTS) so that interested parties can access more information about the product and its compliance. GCTS registrations must be renewed annually.
Obtaining a GSO certificate step by step – standard procedure
- Submitting documents for examination to an authorized notified body to assess conformity with technical regulations for children’s toys (BD-131704-01) or low-voltage products (BD-142004-01).
- Conformity assessment procedure takes place.
- Issuing a certificate or certificate of examination.
- Affixing the G-Mark to the product and/or its packaging (see regulations).
Why is it worth having G-Mark?
G-Mark is mandatory for products such as toys and electronic/electrical products in the Gulf Cooperation Council market, meaning in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.
You can find verified products that meet G-Mark requirements here.
