Exporting LVEs and Children’s Toys? ? Let us guide you through the G-Mark assessment process, and the steps you need to take to get your goods certified for export.
The Gulf Conformity Scheme aims to harmonize the standardization efforts of GCC member states. In addition to developing the GCC production and service sectors, the scheme also fosters intra-GCC trade, consumer protection, as well as public and environmental health.
The scheme aims to ensure that LVEs and children's toys imported in the Gulf region conform to the requirements set by the Gulf Technical Regulations. The scheme also regulates the use of GCTS markings.
The GSO Conformity Assessment Procedure includes requirements related to labelling, safety information and instructions of use, affixing of the GCTS on products and/or packaging and cooperation with Market Surveillance Authorities in the Gulf region.
GSO LVE Assessment Requirements
GSO regulates LVEs based on two categories. The first category called "List 1" consists of products that do not require certification by a notified body. Instead, manufacturers must self-comply during the production process. However, LVE List 2 products are subject to conformity assessment by notified bodies like Cotecna.
Certification requirements for LVE products include:
- Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) test reports from an accredited laboratory
- Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity
- Importer’s Declaration of Conformity
- Risk assessment report detailing evidence of risk analysis conducted by either the manufacturer or a notified body like Cotecna
- Clear LVE product photos
- Rating and warning labels in Arabic or both Arabic and English
- Instruction manual either in Arabic or both Arabic and English
- Plug certification for appliances whose plugs are not included in the equipment test report
- Additional technical documents like conceptual designs, schematic drawings, technical specifications, and the list of components/materials
GSO Children’s Toys Assessment Requirements
The Gulf Toys Technical Regulation applies to all toys used by children below the age of 14. The regulation applies regardless of whether the toy is intended for the exclusive use of children or not. In particular, the technical regulation includes toys covered by the European Standard EN 71 series and IEC 62115 series for electrical toys.
The list of requirements to certify your toy products include:
- Test reports from an accredited laboratory
- Manufacturer’s Declaration of Conformity
- Importer’s Declaration of Conformity
- Risk assessment report detailing evidence of risk analysis conducted by either the manufacturer or a notified body like Cotecna
- Safety data reports on the chemicals used
- Safety assessment from a notified body like Cotecna
- Clear photos of the toys
- Rating and warning labels in Arabic or both Arabic and English
- Instruction manual either in Arabic or both Arabic and English.
- Plug certification for appliances whose plugs are not included in the electrical toys test report.
- Additional technical documents like conceptual designs, schematic drawings, technical specifications, and the list of components/materials.
Step-by-Step Process
- The exporter / importer will have to fill out the GSO Application Form and Declaration of Conformity
- Once we receive your request, a dedicated and local coordinator will review your request.
- Your coordinator will check all the necessary documentation and from that, define the scope of work including certification requirements.
- Whenever necessary and to comply with GSO regulations, your dedicated coordinator will guide you through the needed verifications and will schedule sample testing, inspections and/or audits.
- After satisfactory results, Cotecna will issue the Gulf Type Examination Certificate (GTEC) or Shipment Certifications.
Request a Certification
To learn more about the G-Mark Scheme, or to get a certificate for your exports, please send us a request.