Blog

G-Mark (Gulf Conformity Mark) is a mandatory certification for low-voltage electrical equipment (LVE) entering the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).The certification aims to demonstrate compliance with the technical regulations established by the Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO), ensuring product safety and quality. 1. Applicable Countries and Product Scope Applicable countries: The certification is mandatory in all seven GCC member states, namely the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, as well as the Republic of Yemen, which also recognizes this regulation. Voltage range: The regulation mainly covers electrical equipment with an AC voltage between 50V and 1000V, or a DC voltage between 75V and 1500V. Specific products: Under the GSO technical regulation, this applies to 13 categories of household electrical appliances and equipment. Common products include: Electric fans, refrigerators, washing machines Microwave ovens, air conditioners, electric heating appliances Electric irons, toasters, kitchen mixers Electric hairdressing appliances, water heaters Plugs, sockets, adapters, battery chargers, etc. 2. Certification Process The G-Mark certification generally involves the following key steps: Product testing: The manufacturer must have the product tested by a GSO‑designated Notified Body. The tests are carried out against the latest IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards adopted by the GSO. Test reports are typically valid for 3 years. Submission and review: The manufacturer submits the complete application package along with the test report to the Notified Body. Certificate issuance: Upon successful review, the Notified Body issues the G‑Mark certificate, i.e., the Gulf Type Examination Certificate. The certificate is...

GCC G-Mark Certification
2026-07-13

For exporting toys to Saudi Arabia, the G-mark (Gulf Conformity Mark) certification is a mandatory market access requirement. What is the G-mark? The G-mark is a mandatory product conformity mark established by the Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) for specific product categories. It indicates that the product complies with the essential health, safety, and environmental requirements of the Gulf Technical Regulations (GTRs). This certification is valid in all seven GCC member states, which include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Yemen. Which toys require G-mark certification? All products designed or intended for use by children under 14 years of age fall under the scope. This includes, but is not limited to: Plastic toys, plush/stuffed toys Electric/electronic toys Construction/assembly toys Regardless of whether the product is battery-operated or mains-powered, it must comply with the technical regulation. Certification Process and Core Requirements Appoint a Notified Body: You must engage a GSO‑authorized Notified Body (conformity assessment body) to carry out the assessment and issue the certificate. Product Testing: The product must be tested according to the relevant standards. Commonly used standards for toys include the EN 71 series, ISO 8124 series, and for electric toys, EN 62115 / IEC 62115 also apply. Prepare Technical Documentation: A comprehensive technical file must be compiled, typically including: Product specifications, design drawings Test reports from an ISO/IEC 17025‑accredited laboratory Risk assessment report Draft product labelling Declaration of Conformity (DoC) Obtain the Certificate and Register: Upon successful review, the Notified Body issues the G‑mark certificate and...

GCC G-Mark Certification
2026-07-10

According to the regulations of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), electric fans are mandatory certified products and must obtain certification through the SABER system to clear customs smoothly. Core Certification Pathway: GCC Certification + SABER Platform The certification path for electric fans is: first obtain GCC certification (G-Mark certificate), then use it as the basis to apply for PC and SC certificates in the SABER system. Simply put, GCC certification proves that the product complies with Gulf regional standards, while SABER certification is the electronic customs clearance permit required for imports into Saudi Arabia. Two Key Certificates The entire SABER certification process primarily involves the following two certificates, both of which are indispensable: Certificate TypeFull NamePurposeValidityPC CertificateProduct Certificate of ConformityCertifies that a specific model meets Saudi requirements; serves as the basis for the SC certificate.Typically 1 yearSC CertificateShipment Certificate of ConformityA unique customs clearance document for each shipment.Valid per shipment (one certificate per consignment) Detailed Application Process Prepare basic documentation: Product specification, circuit diagram, HS Code, samples, etc. Obtain CB test report: Conduct safety and EMC tests according to IEC standards in a CNAS-accredited laboratory to obtain a CB report. Apply for GCC certification: Submit the CB report and other documents to a GSO (Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization) authorized body to obtain the G-Mark certificate. This certificate is usually valid for 3 years. Apply for PC certificate: The local Saudi importer must register an account on the SABER system, upload documents including the GCC...

Saudi Saber Certification
2026-07-07

For air conditioning products exported to Saudi Arabia, SABER certification is mandatory. SABER is an online mandatory customs clearance system operated by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). Core Certification: Two Key Certificates The SABER system requires two types of certificates for each product: Certificate TypeFull NamePurposeKey FeaturesPC CertificateProduct Certificate of Conformity"Entry permit" for the Saudi marketIssued per product model, valid for one year (renewable), can be used for multiple shipmentsSC CertificateShipment Certificate of Conformity"Customs clearance permit" for each batchRequired for each individual shipment; must be obtained before the goods arrive at the Saudi port Important Note: All applications on the SABER platform must be submitted by a Saudi local company (the importer). Exporters cannot apply directly. Mandatory Requirements for Air Conditioning Products As air conditioners are high‑energy‑consumption appliances, additional prerequisites beyond the SABER platform are usually required: Energy Efficiency Registration & Labeling – Testing must be performed at a SASO‑approved laboratory, followed by registration and obtaining the energy efficiency label. G‑Mark Certification – Household air conditioners must obtain the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) conformity mark, i.e., the G‑Mark. RoHS Testing – Products must comply with Saudi Arabia's restrictions on hazardous substances. Key Standards and Important Updates (2026) Energy efficiency is a critical focus for AC certification, and significant updates came into force in 2026. All exporters must pay close attention. Energy Efficiency Standards by Capacity: Small ACs (rated cooling capacity ≤ 65,000 Btu/h): apply standard SASO 2663. Large / Commercial ACs: apply standard SASO 2874. 2026 Standard Update and Enforcement Timeline: Key...

Saudi Saber Certification
2026-07-03

SASO and SABER are two distinct but closely linked concepts within Saudi Arabia's product conformity certification system. In short, SASO is the "rule‑maker," while SABER is the "rule‑enforcer." SASO: The Standard‑Setter SASO stands for the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization. Role: It is the official national standards body of Saudi Arabia, responsible for setting technical regulations, national standards, and quality requirements for all products entering the Saudi market. Functions: Its main functions include developing standards, accrediting and managing third‑party certification bodies, and supervising product quality in the market. Nature: You can think of it as Saudi Arabia's "national bureau of standards." SABER: The Certification Execution Platform SABER is a mandatory online certification network system launched by SASO. Role: It is the electronic platform developed by SASO to implement the "Saudi Product Safety Program" (SALEEM). Functions: All processes for product registration, certification applications, and certificate issuance for exports to Saudi Arabia must be completed on the SABER platform. Nature: You can view it as an "online service hall" for handling Saudi product certifications. Key Differences at a Glance AspectSASOSABERNatureOfficial body – a government organisationOnline system – a technical platformRoleSets the rules (standards, regulations)Executes the rules (registration, certification, issuance)ResponsibilitiesLegislation, supervision, accreditation of bodiesProduct registration, certificate applications and issuance, customs data integrationRelationshipOwner and manager of SABERTool and platform launched by SASO Key Points and Important Reminders Evolution of "SASO Certification": The traditional "SASO certification" is gradually being replaced by the new certification procedures carried out through the SABER platform. SABER can be seen as the digital upgrade of the SASO certification system. Core Certificates (PC...

Saudi Saber Certification
2026-07-02

SASO Expands MOCI-Controlled Product List – New Requirements Effective 18 June 2026 According to the latest notification from the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), the list of products subject to MOCI (Ministry of Commerce and Industry) declaration requirements has been significantly expanded, adding 135 new product categories, effective 18 June 2026. Key Changes Under the New Rule The core of this update is that for products on the newly expanded list, importers must obtain an approved "Product Declaration Form" (i.e., the MOCI declaration) from the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM) before applying for a Shipment Certificate (SC) through the SABER platform. Impact on process: Without this approved MOCI declaration, the SABER platform will not approve the SC, and the goods will be unable to clear Saudi customs. HS code applicability: If the tariff code (HS) listed in the notification is 8 digits, the requirement applies to all sub‑categories under that code. Overview of Newly Added Controlled Product Categories The expanded list covers a wide range of industrial, construction, electrical, mechanical, and consumer goods, including: Paints and chemical products: e.g., acrylic or vinyl polymer paints, varnishes, acrylic polymers, polyurethane panels, etc. Building materials – this is a major focus of the expansion, including: Surface treatment agents: for exterior walls, floors, and other non‑refractory surfaces. Plastic and cement products: plastic products for construction, cement/concrete/artificial stone products. Steel products: various steel billets, hot‑rolled steel coils, etc. Textiles: e.g., carpets, rugs, and synthetic fibre dresses....

Saudi Saber Certification
2026-07-01