Two marks. Two purposes. One product. Understanding the difference between G-Mark and the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) for electrical accessories.
When exporting electrical accessories to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region, manufacturers often encounter two important conformity marks: G-Mark and the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM).
While both relate to product compliance, they serve different purposes and may apply to the same product at different stages of market access.
What is G-Mark?
The G-Mark (Gulf Conformity Mark) is a conformity mark issued under Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regulations. It demonstrates that a product complies with the applicable Gulf Technical Regulations relating to safety, health, and environmental requirements. It is commonly required for regulated products such as low-voltage electrical equipment and electrical accessories entering GCC markets.
Importantly, the G-Mark is not a quality mark. It confirms that a product meets the essential regulatory requirements needed to be placed on the market.
What is the Saudi Quality Mark (SQM)?
The Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) is issued by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO). Unlike the G-Mark, the SQM focuses not only on product compliance but also on the manufacturer's ability to consistently produce products that meet Saudi standards through ongoing quality controls and factory assessments.
The SQM provides additional confidence to importers, distributors, contractors, and end users regarding the quality and consistency of a product.
Key Differences
G-Mark
✅ Demonstrates compliance with GCC technical regulations
✅ Focuses on safety and regulatory requirements
✅ Used across GCC member states
✅ Mandatory for certain regulated electrical products and accessories
SQM
✅ Demonstrates compliance with Saudi standards
✅ Includes assessment of manufacturing quality systems
✅ Focuses on ongoing product consistency and quality
✅ Specifically recognized within the Saudi market [hqts.com]
Can a Product Need Both?
Yes.
For some electrical accessories, obtaining a G-Mark may be necessary to demonstrate compliance with GCC technical regulations, while an SQM may be required or preferred to demonstrate ongoing quality compliance in Saudi Arabia.
In simple terms:
G-Mark demonstrates that the product is compliant.
SQM demonstrates that the product and manufacturer consistently meet quality requirements.
How Cotecna Can Help
Cotecna supports manufacturers and exporters of electrical accessories through:
Product compliance assessments
Testing coordination
Technical document review
G-Mark certification support
Saudi Quality Mark (SQM) guidance
Market access assistance for Saudi Arabia and the GCC
Whether you manufacture plugs, sockets, extension cords, switches, chargers, or other electrical accessories, Cotecna can help you navigate the applicable certification requirements with confidence.
Contact Cotecna today to learn more about G-Mark and SQM requirements for your products, or download our free SQM Exporter guide and G-Mark Exporter guides.
About Cotecna
For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.