The G-Mark (GCC Conformity Marking) is the unified conformity mark for the Gulf Cooperation Council. If you are exporting LED lighting products to the Middle East, understanding G-Mark requirements is essential — particularly if you plan to sell across multiple GCC countries rather than only Saudi Arabia. This guide explains what G-Mark is, which products require it, and how it differs from SASO certification.
What Is the G-Mark?
The G-Mark is a mandatory conformity mark introduced by the GCC Standardization Organization (GSO). It indicates that a product complies with the relevant Gulf Technical Regulations and is legally permitted to be sold in all six GCC member states: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
For LED lighting products, the applicable regulation is GSO 2530 (Low Voltage Electrical Products and Appliances — Energy Efficiency Labelling Requirements for Lighting Products), which aligns closely with SASO 2902 but applies region-wide.
Product Scope
The G-Mark applies to the following lighting product categories:
- LED lamps and modules (integrated and non-integrated)
- LED luminaires for indoor and outdoor use
- Street and road lighting fixtures
- Flood lights and high bay lights
- Downlights, spotlights, and track lights
- Panel lights and linear fixtures
Exemptions include products operating on batteries below 5V and specialized medical or aviation lighting.
Certification Process and Testing Standards
The G-Mark certification process involves the following steps:
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Product testing at a GSO-recognised accredited laboratory (ISO 17025). Tests cover:
- Safety: IEC 60598-1 and applicable part-2 standards
- Performance: luminous flux, efficacy, CRI, colour temperature
- Energy efficiency: per GSO 2530 requirements
- EMC: CISPR 15
- IP rating (for outdoor products): IEC 60529
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Technical file preparation: includes test reports, product photos, circuit diagrams, BOM, and user manuals (in Arabic and English).
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Application to a GSO-recognised Notified Body (e.g., TUV, Intertek, SGS, UL). The Notified Body reviews the technical file and issues a GCC Type Examination Certificate.
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G-Mark registration: the certificate is registered on the GSO Conformity Tracking System (GCTS), and the product is assigned a unique tracking number that appears on the G-Mark label.
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Label affixation: the G-Mark label must be affixed on the product, packaging, or accompanying documentation. It must be visible, legible, and indelible.
The G-Mark certificate is valid for three years, after which recertification is required.
G-Mark vs SASO: What Is the Difference?
Many exporters are confused about whether they need G-Mark, SASO, or both. Here is a clear comparison:
| Aspect | G-Mark | SASO |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | All 6 GCC countries | Saudi Arabia only |
| Platform | GSO GCTS portal | SABER portal |
| Certificate validity | 3 years (type certificate) | Per shipment (Shipment Certificate) |
| Customs document | GCC Certificate + G-Mark label | SABER Shipment Certificate (SC) |
| Applicable standard | GSO 2530 | SASO 2902 / SASO 2890 |
Key point: Saudi Arabia accepts both G-Mark and SASO certification. However, even with a G-Mark certificate, you still need to issue a SABER Shipment Certificate for each shipment entering Saudi Arabia. The G-Mark certificate can be uploaded to SABER as supporting documentation, streamlining the process.
How to Satisfy Both Certifications Simultaneously
If you plan to sell across the entire GCC, the most efficient strategy is:
- Conduct testing once at a lab accredited for both GSO and SASO requirements. Since GSO 2530 and SASO 2902 are closely aligned, a single test campaign can often satisfy both.
- Obtain the GCC Type Examination Certificate (G-Mark) — this covers all six countries for three years.
- For Saudi-bound shipments, use the G-Mark certificate to fast-track SABER registration and issue Shipment Certificates.
- For other GCC countries (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman), the G-Mark label on the product is sufficient for customs clearance.
This dual approach eliminates redundant testing and simplifies documentation management across the region.
At Yakeen Lighting, our LED products carry both G-Mark and SASO certification. Contact us to discuss your multi-country GCC distribution plans and we will provide the complete certification documentation package.