Product Certification for Kuwait: G-Mark and Exporter Support
itmad issues the G-Mark as a GSO-approved Notified Body and supports exporters and manufacturers with product conformity for the Kuwaiti market.
Product certification for the Kuwaiti market centres on the G-Mark, the Gulf Conformity Mark that itmad issues as a GSO-approved Notified Body for low voltage electrical equipment and toys, and on supporting exporters and manufacturers with the product conformity requirements for Kuwait. Regulated categories cannot legally be imported, sold or distributed without the correct certification. itmad has worked in Kuwait for more than 10 years.
Why product certification matters for Kuwait
Getting a product into Kuwait is a regulatory exercise before the exercise becomes commercial. Regulated categories cannot legally be imported, sold or distributed without the correct certification, and customs authorities check certification marks and documentation at the port. Retailers and distributors can also require proof of certification before accepting stock.
G-Mark: the Gulf Conformity Mark
The G-Mark is mandatory across all GCC states, including Kuwait, for low voltage electrical equipment and children's toys. itmad is a GSO-approved Notified Body authorised to conduct the conformity assessment and issue G-Mark certificates for low voltage electrical equipment and toys, including the GSO Conformity Tracking Symbol with QR code that must appear on certified products. Without the G-Mark, affected products cannot legally enter any GCC state, including Kuwait.
Support for exporters and manufacturers
itmad supports exporters and manufacturers with the product conformity requirements for the Kuwaiti market and with ongoing compliance. The product and its compliance remain the responsibility of the manufacturer or importer.
Which scheme applies
- Low voltage electrical equipment or toys, selling anywhere in the GCCThe G-Mark is mandatory, and the certificate is issued by a GSO-approved Notified Body. itmad is a GSO-approved Notified Body for low voltage electrical equipment and toys.
- Other regulated products exported to Kuwaititmad identifies which scheme and standards apply to the specific product and target market, and advises on the route before the manufacturer commits to testing or shipment.
Model identification and customs
Wildcard or generic model numbers on certificates have been phased out. Every specific model must be identified on the certificate, and a mismatch between the certificate, the model and the HS code can cause shipments to be held at the port. Getting the model schedule right at application stage prevents a problem that is expensive to resolve once a container has landed.
How itmad works on product certification
itmad reviews the technical documentation, identifies which scheme and standards apply to the specific product and target market, coordinates testing where required, and carries out the conformity assessment for the G-Mark. Where the assessment requires a factory audit, the factory audit is conducted as part of the scheme.
Frequently asked questions
What does product certification involve for the Kuwaiti market?
Product certification confirms that a regulated product meets the requirements for the market before the product is imported, sold or distributed. itmad reviews the technical documentation, identifies which scheme and standards apply to the specific product and target market, and coordinates testing where required.
What is the G-Mark and who needs the G-Mark?
The G-Mark is the Gulf Conformity Mark, mandatory across the GCC, including Kuwait, for low voltage electrical equipment and children's toys. The G-Mark must be issued by a GSO-approved Notified Body, and itmad is a GSO-approved Notified Body for low voltage electrical equipment and toys.
Does itmad support exporters and manufacturers?
Yes. itmad supports exporters and manufacturers with the product conformity requirements for the Kuwaiti market and with ongoing compliance. The product and its compliance remain the responsibility of the manufacturer or importer.
Can one G-Mark certificate cover several product models?
Only where every model is individually identified on the certificate. Wildcard model designations are not accepted, and models absent from the model schedule are not covered.
Why must every model be identified on the certificate?
A mismatch between the certificate, the model and the HS code can cause shipments to be held at the port. Getting the model schedule right at application stage prevents a problem that is expensive to resolve once a container has landed.