Exporting hardware structural components to the Middle East involves two levels of certification: the GC Mark (GCC system) recognized across the six Gulf states, and the SABER customs clearance system specific to Saudi Arabia. Hardware structural components often fall under the regulatory scope of construction materials; mistaking the certification level or failing to obtain the necessary certificates can lead to customs delays upon arrival.
This article breaks down the certification pathways for Middle East exports and the new changes effective in 2026.
I.
The Gulf Pass: GC Mark (GCC Certification)
Promoted by the Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO), the GC Mark (Gulf Conformity Mark) serves as the entry credential for products entering the seven Gulf states (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Yemen). It mandates controls on 14 major product categories. In principle, certification adheres to the latest versions of GSO/IEC standards; a two-year transition period applies following the release of a new standard, after which compliance with the new version becomes mandatory and certificates based on older versions must be updated.
Electrical hardware is assessed under the Gulf Technical Regulation for Low Voltage Electrical Equipment, while construction hardware must meet applicable requirements such as the Saudi Technical Regulation for Construction Materials (Part 1: Metals and Alloys).
II.
Saudi-Specific Requirement: The SABER Dual-Certificate System
Since January 1, 2021, all products entering the Saudi market have required local importers to apply via the SABER platform for two documents: the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC, valid for one year) and the Shipment/Batch Certificate of Conformity (SCoC, registered based on the invoice prior to each shipment). Customs clearance will not be granted without these certificates.
Certification schemes are tiered: non-regulated products follow the Supplier Conformity Declaration (SCoC) route; products subject to Saudi Technical Regulations (TR) follow the CoC route (requiring both PCoC and SCoC); electrical products can obtain a PCoC based on IECEE recognized certificates or GC Mark certificates;
and high-risk products require the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) or certification by a Notified Body.
III. Key Changes in 2026: Avoid Using Outdated Rules
- Mandatory 12-digit HS Codes: Starting January 1, 2026, the SABER system will fully integrate with Saudi Customs’ 12-digit tariff codes; old 8- or 10-digit codes will be rejected;
- Expanded Scope of Regulation: Between February and July 2026, more products will be transitioned in batches from the “SCoC-only” requirement to the dual “PCoC + SCoC” certification requirement;
- SCoC Required for All Imports: Effective October 1, 2025, all imported goods—including non-regulated products—must be registered for a Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC).
IV.
UAE and Other Countries
The UAE utilizes the ECAS certification system (covering electrical safety, energy efficiency, etc.). Starting August 2025, ECAS will no longer accept safety reports based on IEC 62368-1:2014, accepting only the 2018 or 2023 versions. For the UAE, Kuwait, and other GCC countries, customs clearance can be processed directly using a GC Mark certificate; however, compliance with specific national import clearance documentation requirements (such as bills of lading, invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and invoice attestation) remains mandatory.
V. Three Practical Steps: Pinpointing the Middle East Certification Path
Step 1: Determine the destination country (Saudi Arabia follows the SABER system, while other Gulf states require the GC Mark). Step 2: Cross-reference applicable technical regulations with HS codes (from 2026 onwards, it is crucial to verify the 12-digit code and regulatory control status). Step 3: Prepare the necessary test reports and certificates, and register by shipment—confirm SABER account procedures with the Saudi importer prior to export, as both PCoC and SCoC are mandatory.
Industry experts advise that Middle East certification policies are frequently updated (affecting labeling requirements, HS codes, and standard versions);
therefore, incorporating “tracking of certificate validity and regulatory updates” into export management is essential to avoid the predicament of discovering an expired certificate only upon the shipment’s arrival.
