On the global trade stage, the Middle East market attracts many enterprises due to its unique geographical location, abundant resources, and growing consumer demand. However, to successfully enter the Middle Eastern market, companies must first overcome the important hurdle of product certification. Among these, GCC certification and GCTS marking play a key role in the Middle Eastern product certification system.
GCC, or the Gulf Cooperation Council, consists of seven Middle Eastern countries: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Yemen. To ensure that goods entering the regional market are safe and of high quality, the GCC has established a standardized product certification system, known as GCC certification, also referred to as G-mark certification; both terms refer to the same certification. This certification is an essential market access requirement for specific products exported to the seven Middle Eastern countries. Currently, the GSO has issued unified technical regulations for children’s toys and low-voltage electrical equipment, among others, which set clear certification requirements for related products.
Within the GCC certification system, a key element that must be mentioned is the GCTS marking. GCTS, which stands for GSO Conformity Tracking Symbol, is a compliance marking granted by the GSO. It is a combination of a conformity marking for the Gulf region and a numerical annotation below it. The numerical annotation includes a four-digit identification code of the designated institution recognized by the GSO, as well as a QR code generated by the GSO certificate traceability system for tracking and tracing purposes. This marking serves as the “identity card” for products in the Middle Eastern market, with strict form and display requirements. For example, designated institutions can only use the master version downloaded from the GSO certificate traceability system to reproduce the GCTS, and any modifications to its design or appearance are strictly prohibited; the marking must be affixed to the product or its label (nameplate), and if it cannot be affixed due to the nature of the product, the GSO conformity marking containing the designated institution code must be affixed in a specific size according to relevant regulations; moreover, the GCTS marking must be affixed to the product’s outer packaging and accompanying documents (such as user manuals), ensuring clarity and readability, and must be scannable by scanners or smartphone readers.
So, which products require GCC certification? According to GSO requirements, there are currently 13 categories of products listed under mandatory certification, including common low-voltage electrical equipment, which applies to electronic and electrical devices used in the Gulf region with an AC voltage between 50 – 1000V and a DC voltage between 75 – 1500V. Household appliances such as fans, refrigerators, juicers, curling irons, and hair dryers fall into this category; children’s toys are also included. For these mandatory certified products, companies need to prepare product HS customs codes, product photos, and other materials, and the products must also have a product testing report issued by a third-party testing agency..
For companies, obtaining GCC certification and correctly using the GCTS marking has significant importance. From a market access perspective, it serves as the “key” for products to enter the markets of the seven Middle Eastern countries; without certification, products cannot smoothly clear customs and enter the market. From a consumer perspective, GCC certification and GCTS marking are important guarantees of product quality and safety, enhancing consumer trust in the products. In today’s highly competitive market environment, certified products often have a competitive edge, helping companies gain more business opportunities in the Middle Eastern market..
The Middle Eastern market has enormous potential, and GCC certification and GCTS marking are essential passes for companies entering this market. Companies must thoroughly understand the relevant certification requirements, strictly prepare materials according to regulations, apply for certification, and correctly use the marking to establish a foothold in the Middle Eastern market and achieve broader development.
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