Some products need to provide GCC certification, also known as G-MARK certification, when applying for Saudi Saber certification. G-Mark certification, also known as Gulf Mark certification, is a mandatory certification for the import or sale of low-voltage electrical equipment (LVE) and children's toys in the countries covered by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

1. Certification scope and applicable countries

Scope of certification: G-Mark certification is mainly applicable to low-voltage electrical equipment and children's toys. These products must comply with the technical specifications and relevant standards of GCC countries and the Republic of Yemen.

Applicable countries: Including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and the Republic of Yemen. Although Yemen has not joined the Gulf Cooperation Council, the country also recognizes the validity of the G-Mark logo.

2. What are the updates to G-Mark certification?

a.Test report requirements

Validity: From July 31, 2024, test results used for G-Mark certification are generally considered valid only if they are no more than 3 years from the date of application. This period starts from the date when the test is completed and the test report is issued as clearly stated in the laboratory test report.
Traceability: The test report must clearly state the manufacturer, brand, and model of the product applying for G-Mark certification, and be consistent with the information provided in the certification application. In addition, the test report should include sufficient photo documents of the tested product to allow the NB Notified Body to identify the applied product.
Re-issued report: Any re-issued report must meet the relevant requirements of ISO/IEC 17025, and it is not allowed to re-issue the test report within the scope of accreditation three years after the end of the test (without retesting), even if it explicitly refers to the initial report it replaces.

b.Certification process update

Application: Applicants need to fill in the application form, provide detailed information, samples and relevant test reports of the product.
Preliminary evaluation: G-MARK's evaluation team will conduct a preliminary evaluation to understand the product's innovation, the uniqueness of the design concept, and its satisfaction of the actual needs of users.
Field testing and evaluation: Products that pass the preliminary evaluation will enter the field testing and evaluation stage, where the evaluation team will personally use the products and conduct comprehensive tests on them.
Expert review: After field testing and evaluation, the products will enter the expert review stage, where a review committee composed of industry experts will conduct a comprehensive evaluation.
Certification: After expert review, the G-MARK certification will be granted by the evaluation committee. Products that have obtained the G-MARK certification will be authorized with the G-MARK certification mark.

c.Certification standard update

New version standard adoption: For example, GSO officially adopted the new version of the standard IEC 60335-2-24:2020 (household refrigeration equipment, ice cream equipment and ice makers) on January 31, 2024, and it corresponds to GSO IEC 60335-2-24:2024. The standard will be enforced on February 1, 2026. G-Mark certificates obtained based on the old version of the standard have a 2-year transition period and must be updated before January 31, 2026.

d. Registration system update

Since July 27, 2024, the Gulf Conformity Traceability Mark Registration System (CTS) has implemented a number of updates, including automatic certificate status update, status update of superseded certificates, monthly email notifications, electronic certificate product model descriptions, and localization of product public list.
In summary, G-Mark certification has been updated in terms of test report requirements, certification process, certification standards, and registration system. These updates are intended to ensure product quality and safety in compliance with the technical specifications and corresponding standards of GCC countries and the Republic of Yemen.