G-Mark Certification : Quality and Compliance Assurance

What is the G-Mark Certification ?

G-Mark certification, also known as the Gulf Conformity Mark, is a distinctive compliance standard. It ensures that your products have been rigorously tested and validated in accordance with the technical standards and regulations established by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The GCC includes six nations: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Although Yemen is not a member, this certification of conformity of goods is recognized.

Essential for a variety of products such as low voltage electrical equipment, medical devices, food and children’s toys, G-Mark certification certifies the quality and safety of your items for Gulf authorities and consumers. It is therefore mandatory to access the markets of these countries.

What are the criteria for G-Mark Certification ?

To be eligible for G-Mark certification, your products must meet the following requirements :

Compliance with GCC technical standards and regulations

They must adhere to the standards and technical regulations established by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). These guidelines include various aspects such as electrical and mechanical safety, environmental performance and energy efficiency.

In addition, you must determine the specific standards and regulations that apply to your product based on its category and use.

Tests and inspections by a notified body

Your product must be examined and tested by a GCC-accredited Notified Body to confirm compliance with GCC standards and regulations.

Select an authorized organization with the necessary qualifications and equipment to evaluate your product.

You will need to provide this organization with product samples and all relevant technical documentation describing its characteristics, components and instructions for use.

Applying for and obtaining the G-Mark certificate

1. After passing the tests and inspections, you must submit the results and technical documentation to the certification body, which will then award you the G-Mark certificate.
2. Complete the G-Mark Certification Application Form and send it to the certification body with all the necessary supporting documentation.
3. Certification fees vary depending on the type and volume of products to be certified, as well as the certification body chosen.
4. The G-Mark logo and the corresponding QR code must be affixed to your products and their packaging in accordance with the GCC marking guidelines.

What are the benefits of G-Mark Certification for companies ?

The G-Mark Certification offers important opportunities for companies wishing to market their products in the Gulf countries.

Build trust with customers and authorities

G-Mark Certification proves that your products meet the quality and safety requirements set by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), thus ensuring a high level of reliability.

It distinguishes you from the competition and enhances your reputation with Gulf customers and authorities, increasingly attentive to compliance criteria.

It also protects against sanctions, refusals or returns of products by customs and verification agencies of the Gulf, thanks to the G-Mark marking and the associated QR code, systematically controlled.

Facilitating access to Gulf markets

Mandatory for a variety of products such as low-voltage electrical appliances, medical devices, food and children’s toys, this certification is crucial to access key sectors.

Recognized in the six GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates) as well as in Yemen, it opens a market of more than 50 million consumers.

It simplifies procedures, offering a unified process for all Gulf countries without the need for specific national certifications.

Improve the performance and competitiveness of your company

It encourages the adoption of best practices in quality, safety, environment and energy efficiency, thus optimizing your processes and reducing your costs.

It opens doors to new business opportunities, strategic partnerships and tender markets in a region experiencing strong economic growth and diversification.

It increases your revenue and competitiveness by meeting the expectations of Gulf customers, ready to invest more in quality and compliant products.

Which countries recognize G-Mark Certification ?

The G-Mark certification is respected and accepted in the member countries of the coopération du Golfe (CCG) et dans d'autres états ayant des accords avec le CCG.  

GCC member countries

GCC countries that recognize G-Mark certification include :

• Saudi Arabia
• Bahrain
• Koweït
• Oman
• Qatar
• The United Arab Emirates

These nations require G-Mark certification as a mandatory compliance criterion for a wide range of products. This includes low voltage electrical appliances, food products, medical devices, and children’s toys. By harmonizing their standards and technical regulations, these countries significantly facilitate intra-regional trade and with other regions.

Non-GCC countries

In addition to GCC member countries, G-Mark certification is also recognized by some states that have concluded specific agreements with the GCC. Among them are :

• Yemen, since 2016
• Jordan, which signed a free trade agreement in 2001
• Morocco, signatory of a free trade agreement in 2011
• Turkey, bound by a free trade agreement since 2005

These countries accept G-Mark certification as a guarantee of conformity for products imported or marketed on their soil, without requiring additional documentation.

Who can issue a G-Mark Certification ?

G-Mark certification can only be obtained through an organization authorized by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). These bodies are responsible for testing, inspecting and certifying your products. There are two main categories of authorised bodies: notified bodies and certification bodies.

Notified bodies

Accredited by the GCC, notified bodies are essential to ensure that your products comply with GCC technical standards and regulations. Their role includes :

• Performing the necessary tests and inspections, depending on the category and use of your products
• Issuing test reports and inspection certificates proving the conformity of your products
• Sending test and inspection results to the certification body

It is important to choose a notified body that is suitable for your product, with the necessary skills and equipment.

Certification bodies

As for certification bodies, they are approved by the CCG to issue G-Mark certification after verifying that your products meet the CCG’s technical standards and regulations. Their responsibilities include :

• Receipt of your G-Mark certification request, along with test reports, inspection certificates and technical documentation
• Examination of your application to ensure that your products comply with GCC requirements
• The issuance of the G-Mark certificate, which allows you to affix the G-Mark logo and the associated QR code to your products and packaging

It is crucial to select a certification body recognized by the CCG and specialized in the field of your product.

What happens if my products do not pass food certification for export ?

When your products fail to obtain the necessary food certification for export, several obstacles may arise to access international markets. Let’s analyze the potential impacts :

Rejection or destruction of your products

Products that do not meet the standards of the receiving country may be refused or destroyed by local authorities, impacting your business significantly.

Faced with a rejection or destruction, your company will have to bear the costs of transport, storage, destruction or repatriation, not to mention possible fines or penalties.

This situation also leads to the loss of anticipated income and can undermine the trust and loyalty of your international customers.

Delay or suspension of your exports

In the event of non-compliance, your shipments may be delayed or suspended pending further analysis or verification by the relevant authorities.

Delays or suspensions require the provision of additional evidence or documents to prove the conformity of your products. A process that can be long and expensive.

This situation can lead to missed delivery times agreed with your foreign customers, negatively affecting your reputation and market position.

Restriction or prohibition of your exports

Non-compliant products may be subject to export restrictions or bans by authorities due to health or food safety concerns.

Faced with these limitations, you may be forced to reduce or halt your exports to certain markets, impacting your revenue and market share.

You will likely need to adjust your products to the specific requirements of the receiving countries, which may require changes in your production processes, ingredients or packaging.