1. Certification Introduction

GCC is the abbreviation for the Gulf Cooperation Council. Its member states include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Yemen. In 2001, the GCC established the GSO (Gulf Standardization Organization) through a vote. The primary function of GSO is to set product standards and market access systems for the Gulf region.

The G-Mark is the certification mark for GCC certification. All products that obtain GCC certification must display the G-Mark on the product or its packaging.

GCC certification is also a prerequisite for other certifications. For example, when applying for Saudi Saber certification for toys and low-voltage electrical appliances, a GCC certificate must be provided; otherwise, Saber certification cannot be completed.

2. Certification Modes

(1) Non-mandatory products: Apply for customs clearance certification according to import clearance requirements.

(2) Mandatory products: After product testing, a GCC type certification certificate is issued.

3. Scope of Electrical Product Certification

Since June 1, 2015, the Gulf Technical Regulation for low-voltage electrical equipment and appliances has been implemented on a trial basis, and it became fully mandatory from July 1, 2016. The electrical standard specification document for G Mark is the "Gulf Technical Regulation - Low Voltage Electrical Equipment and Appliances" published by GSO, with document number BD-142004-01. Article 8 in Chapter 1, "Electrical Equipment," specifies the scope of electrical products requiring G Mark certification:

Category 1 (Product List 1): All electronic and electrical equipment, as well as devices containing electronic or electrical components, with an operating voltage of AC 50–1000V or DC 75–1500V, except for the 13 specific electrical products listed in List 2.

Category 2 (Product List 2): The 13 specific electrical products listed in TC143307-01. See the table below:

Note: The specific product list for List 1 has not been announced yet. Currently, GCC certification is conducted for the 13 specific electrical products in List 2.

Exempted Products

(1) Electrical products used in special environments (e.g., flammable environments).

(2) Products used for radiology and medical purposes.

(3) Components for freight or passenger elevators.

(4) Electricity meters.

(5) Power grid controllers.

(6) Radio interference products.

(7) Professional products used on ships, aircraft, or trains that comply with international safety standards.

4. Certification Types

Product List 1: Products undergo testing, and the manufacturer signs a Declaration of Conformity (DOC).

Product List 2: Products undergo testing and must obtain a GCC type certification certificate issued by a GSO-recognized certification body.

5. Required Documents

(1) Application form and declaration.

(2) Business license.

(3) Latest safety test report according to IEC/EN/GSO standards (including national differences).

(4) EMC report according to IEC/EN/CISPR/GSO standards.

(5) Arabic user manual (must include manufacturer & importer information) & nameplate (must include manufacturer information and warning statements).

(6) Other technical documents (circuit diagrams, PCB layouts, component lists, etc.).

(7) Risk assessment report.

(8) ISO9001 system certificate of the factory or manufacturer.

6. Certification Process

(1) Submit test samples & certification application form.

(2) Evaluate product safety and electromagnetic compatibility according to GCC technical regulations.

(3) Review documentation.

(4) Issue GCC certificate.

(5) Affix the G Mark label on the product.