GCC Gulf Conformity Mark (G-Mark) Certification Program - Overview

The GCC Gulf Conformity Mark (G-Mark) program provides a unified regional certification framework designed to ensure that regulated products comply with the safety and quality requirements established by the Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization.

Products falling within the scope of GCC technical regulations—including low-voltage electrical equipment, children’s toys, and certain electrically powered devices such as electric scooters—must undergo conformity assessment and obtain a GCC Certificate of Conformity before being placed on the GCC market.

Alongside the G-Mark scheme, related regulatory initiatives such as the Water Efficiency Label (Green Label) further strengthen the region’s regulatory framework by addressing water-consumption conservation products.

Together, these programs help enhance consumer safety, promote regulatory harmonization, facilitate regional trade, and support sustainability goals across the Gulf region.

1. Purpose and Scope

The Gulf Conformity Mark (G-Mark) is a mandatory regional certification system applied across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to ensure that regulated products meet applicable GCC technical regulations and safety standards before being placed on the market.

The GCC includes the following member states:

• Saudi Arabia

• United Arab Emirates

• Qatar

• Kuwait

• Bahrain

• Oman

The program was introduced to harmonize product safety requirements across the GCC region, allowing manufacturers to demonstrate compliance through a single conformity marking system recognized across all member countries.

The primary categories currently regulated under the G-Mark system include:

• Low Voltage Electrical Equipment (LVE)

• Children’s Toys

• Water-Consumption Products

Products falling within the scope of these regulations must undergo conformity assessment procedures before they can be certified and marked with the G-Mark symbol.

2. Government Authority

The regulatory framework for the G-Mark program is developed by the Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization, which establishes regional standards, technical regulations, and conformity assessment requirements for the GCC.

The GSO works in coordination with national regulatory authorities in each GCC member state, which are responsible for enforcing compliance and conducting market surveillance activities.

Certification is carried out by GSO-approved Notified Bodies, which are accredited organizations authorized to conduct testing, inspections, and certification procedures required for G-Mark approval.

3. Certificate of Conformity

Manufacturers wishing to place regulated products on the GCC market must obtain a GCC Certificate of Conformity issued by an approved Notified Body.

This certificate confirms that the product complies with the relevant GCC Technical Regulation, such as:

• GCC Technical Regulation for Low Voltage Electrical Equipment

• GCC Technical Regulation for Children’s Toys

• GCC Technical Regulation for Water Consumption Conservation Products

The certification process generally includes:

• review of product technical documentation

• laboratory testing of product samples

• verification of safety and performance requirements

Once compliance is confirmed, the certification body issues the Certificate of Conformity and the manufacturer is authorized to apply the G-Mark symbol to the product, packaging, or accompanying documentation.

Many products must also display the GSO Conformity Tracking Symbol (GCTS), which allows regulators to verify product certification and traceability information.

4. Products Subject to Verification

Several categories of products are subject to mandatory conformity assessment under GCC technical regulations.

Low Voltage Electrical Equipment (LVE)

Electrical products operating within defined voltage ranges must comply with the GCC Technical Regulation for Low Voltage Electrical Equipment before they can be marketed within GCC countries.

Typical products include:

• household electrical appliances

• lighting equipment

• power supplies and electrical accessories

• cooking and heating appliances

• plugs, sockets, and electrical connectors

The regulation also covers certain electrically powered consumer devices, including electric scooters and other personal mobility products, which may fall under electrical equipment safety requirements depending on their electrical characteristics and classification.

These products must meet applicable safety standards addressing risks such as:

• electric shock

• overheating

• fire hazards

• mechanical safety risks

Children’s Toys

Children’s toys must comply with the GCC Toy Technical Regulation, which establishes safety requirements designed to protect children from potential hazards.

The regulation addresses:

• mechanical and structural safety

• chemical composition of materials

• flammability risks

• electrical safety for electronic toys

• labelling and safety warnings

Manufacturers must obtain certification demonstrating compliance before toys can be sold in GCC markets.

Water-Consumption Conservation Products

The GCC regulatory system also includes technical regulations covering water-consumption conservation products, which require certification and labeling through a Water Efficiency Label (Green Label) scheme.

Products covered include:

• faucets and taps

• showerheads and mixers

• toilets and flushing systems

• urinals

• bidet taps

• flow regulators and aerators

These products must display a Green Label indicating their water consumption efficiency, supporting regional initiatives to reduce water usage and improve sustainability.

5. Conformity Assessment Process

The G-Mark certification process generally involves the following steps:

Step 1 - Application

Manufacturers submit an application to a GSO-approved Notified Body, along with product technical documentation.

Step 2- Technical Documentation Review

The certification body evaluates the documentation to verify compliance with the applicable GCC technical regulation.

Documentation typically includes:

• product specifications

• design drawings

• safety reports

• risk assessments

• labelling information

Step 3 - Product Testing

Product samples are tested in accredited laboratories to confirm compliance with the relevant safety standards.

Testing may include:

• electrical safety testing

• mechanical testing

• chemical testing for toys

• functional performance evaluation

Step 4 - Certification

If the product meets all regulatory requirements, the certification body issues the GCC Certificate of Conformity.

Step 5 - Application of the G-Mark

Once certification is granted, the manufacturer may apply the G-Mark logo to the product and related documentation.

Step 6 - Market Surveillance

Regulatory authorities in GCC member states conduct market surveillance to ensure continued compliance. Non-compliant products may be subject to enforcement actions including recalls or market withdrawal.

6. Objectives of the Program

The G-Mark program supports several key regulatory and economic objectives across the GCC region.

Consumer Protection
Ensuring that regulated products meet established safety requirements helps reduce risks associated with electrical hazards, unsafe toys, and defective consumer goods.

Regulatory Harmonization
The program creates a unified regulatory framework across GCC member states, simplifying compliance for manufacturers.

Trade Facilitation
A single conformity mark recognized across all GCC markets allows manufacturers to access multiple countries through one certification system.

Quality Assurance
Certification demonstrates that products meet defined safety and performance requirements, increasing confidence among regulators, retailers, and consumers.

Environmental Sustainability
Programs such as the Water Efficiency Label (Green Label) promote responsible water usage and support sustainability objectives within GCC countries.

How SANTIQ Can Assist

Navigating GCC conformity requirements can be complex, particularly when products must meet strict technical regulations and testing standards. SANTIQ supports manufacturers and exporters throughout the G-Mark certification process by leveraging our global network of accredited testing laboratories and approved certification partners.

From initial regulatory assessment and documentation preparation to coordinating product testing and certification with recognized Notified Bodies, SANTIQ helps streamline the path to obtaining the GCC Certificate of Conformity and applying the G-Mark. Our team works closely with trusted partners to ensure that products are tested against the relevant GCC technical regulations and that all compliance documentation is prepared correctly prior to submission.

By coordinating these activities through our established certification network, SANTIQ helps clients reduce delays, avoid costly re-testing, and prepare their products for smooth market entry across GCC member states.