This article was published before we became the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade on 10 July 2024, and this is reflected in references to our old brand and name. For more information about us becoming Chartered, visit our dedicated webpage on the change here.

Aerial photo of the Gulf region

 

April 1st 2017 is the deadline set for implementation of the Gulf Standards Association (GSO) new Gulf Conformity Tracking Symbol (GCTS) for electrical products certified for marketing in the Gulf region.


The deadline, which has been postponed from January 1st, means that as of April 1st 2017, each of the 13 types* of electrical product on GSO’s ‘List 2’ will be subject to the mandatory certification, and expected to carry the GCTS.


In light of this, we asked IOE&IT corporate member and expert in export procedures, XDS Solutions, to provide a simple regulatory update to help ensure Institute members are prepared:


GCTS Snapshot

GCTS is a combination of the mandatory G-marking and an associated QR-code for identification tracking, and is to be shown on the actual product (or on the packaging or following documentation if not possible on the actual product). 


The 13 types* of electrical product included on GSO’s ‘List 2’ are as follows:


1. Domestic Electrical Fans
2. Refrigerators, freezers and other refrigerating or freezing equipment
3. Centrifugal clothes dryers and clothes washing machines, including machines which both wash and dry.
4. Food grinders and mixers, fruit or vegetable juice extractors.
5. Toasters 
6. Electro-thermic hair-dressing apparatus and hand dryers
7. Domestic electric heating apparatus
8. Microwave ovens
9. Other ovens; cookers, cooking plates, boiling rings, grillers and roasters.
10. Electric instantaneous or storage water heaters and immersion heaters.
11. Electric smoothing irons
12. Plugs, Socket outlets, Adaptors, Cord Extension, Sets and Chargers.
13. Air conditioners


*This may be subject to change by GSO prior to implementation.


Electrical product exporters adapting procedural planning to accommodate the new Gulf region requirements can receive essential information via enquiries@xds-solutions.com


Exporters who are concerned about the complexities of international compliance can boost their knowledge base by enrolling staff on the Institute’s Diploma in World Customs Compliance. The pioneering 18 month to two-year online course offers part-time blended learning, with modular assessments, and leads to a full customs qualification at level 5 diploma level.


About XDS Solutions

Chelmsford-based XDS Solutions was launched in 2013 to offer export managers a fast and simple way to manage customs clearance. With more than 12 years’ experience in export compliance, its founders knew well the frustration felt at being unable to find a straightforward route. Instead of slow, complex, web-based conformity assessment programmes which fail to take into account unique business requirements, an XDS expert advisor personally manages every step of each client’s export compliance journey.

To discuss your firm’s export procedures, including faster SASO & SONCAP customs clearance documentation, visit XDS-solutions.com.