Middle East

National Standards Organizations in the Middle East:

• United Arab Emirates - Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology (ESMA)
• Bahrain - Bahrain Standards & Metrology Directorate (BSMD)
• Saudi Arabia - Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO)
• Oman - Oman Directorate General for Specifications and Measurements (DGSM)
• Qatar - Qatar General Organization for Standardization (QS)
• Kuwait - Kuwait Standards and Industrial Services Affairs (KOWSMD)
• Kuwait - The Public Authority for Industry (PAI)
• Gulf - Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO)

Ves Certification provides assistance with the following certifications:

• G-Mark

Ves Certification also supports certification testing for:

• ECAS
• SASO

Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology (ESMA)

ESMA is the UAE’s federal authority for quality standards, established under Federal Law (28) 2001. Its mission is to enhance the national economy by ensuring excellence and compliance with international standards.

Standardization:

Technical Committees develop standards in areas such as food, construction, electrical and electronic products, chemicals, plastics, petroleum products, lubricants, metrology, and IT.

Accreditation:

• Ensuring competence of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs)
• Building confidence in accredited compliance results
• Establishing Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) with global organizations

Conformity Assessment:

ESMA operates the Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS) and the Emirates Quality Mark (EQM), ensuring both local and imported products meet UAE standards.

Metrology:

• Maintaining and improving national measurement standards
• Providing technical support on metrology issues
• Overseeing legal metrology functions

Bahrain Standards & Metrology Directorate (BSMD)

BSMD is Bahrain’s official standards authority, active in adopting international and Gulf standards. It is a member of ISO and OIML, and works on conformity assessment for imported products through inspections and market surveillance.

Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO)

SASO develops and enforces Saudi Arabia’s national standards. Certification ensures compliance of products across categories such as food, electronics, equipment, and cosmetics, through documentary verification, labeling checks, and testing.

Directorate General for Specifications and Measurements (DGSM – Oman)

DGSM is Oman’s national authority for standards and metrology. It develops national standards, manages conformity assessments, operates quality assurance programs, and represents Oman in international organizations.

Qatar General Organization for Standardization (QS)

QS is Qatar’s standards authority, responsible for developing technical regulations, issuing conformity marks, conducting product testing, calibration, and analysis of precious metals, while representing Qatar in international standardization bodies.

Kuwait Standards and Industrial Services Affairs (KOWSMD)

KOWSMD oversees standardization and testing in Kuwait, ensuring compliance of imported products, issuing quality marks, and representing Kuwait in regional and international standardization organizations.

The Public Authority for Industry (PAI – Kuwait)

Established in 1997, PAI manages and regulates Kuwait’s industrial sector, promoting local industry, ensuring product quality, and supporting regional industrial cooperation.

Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO)

Founded in 2001, the GSO harmonizes standards among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states (UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait). Its mission is to promote Gulf trade, protect consumers and the environment, and improve economic competitiveness.

Gulf Conformity Marking (G-Mark)

 

The G-Mark is the conformity marking for Gulf states, confirming compliance with Gulf Technical Regulations. Since July 1, 2016, it is mandatory for low-voltage electrical equipment and children’s toys sold in GSO member countries.

Steps for obtaining G-Mark:

1. Preparation of technical documentation, including safety and EMC test reports from accredited laboratories (CB Test Reports)
2. Review and registration in the GSO Electronic Certificate Tracking System (for Notified Bodies)
3. Issuance of the G-Mark certificate and Gulf Conformity Tracking Symbol (GCTS), including a QR code and Notified Body number
4. Affixing the G-Mark to products and/or packaging before placing them on the market