For selected sanitary and water-consuming products, GCC compliance may extend beyond product certification to include mandatory water efficiency labelling requirements.
Most exporters targeting GCC markets are familiar with product certification requirements and the Gulf Conformity Mark (G-Mark). However, compliance obligations continue to evolve, and for certain product categories, an additional requirement now applies: Water Efficiency Rating (WER) labelling.
The WER scheme forms part of the GCC's broader efforts to promote sustainable water consumption across the region and applies to a range of sanitary and water-consuming products.
Compliance Is More Than Product Safety
When preparing products for GCC market access, manufacturers often focus on demonstrating compliance with applicable technical regulations and certification requirements.
For products covered by the WER scheme, however, compliance also includes meeting water efficiency requirements designed to support water conservation objectives across GCC member states.
As a result, manufacturers should consider water efficiency requirements early in the product compliance process rather than treating them as a final administrative step.
Which Products Are Covered?
The current scope includes several commonly traded sanitary and water-related products, including:
Taps, mixers, showers and sprayers
Shower heads
Urinal systems
Water flow regulators attached to sanitary ware
Flushing tanks
Toilets
Manufacturers and exporters of these products should verify the applicable requirements before placing their products on GCC markets.
Why Exporters Should Pay Attention
Water efficiency requirements add another consideration to the GCC compliance landscape and highlight the growing importance of sustainability-focused regulations.
Businesses that identify applicable requirements early can better prepare their technical documentation, certification activities and market access plans, helping to avoid unnecessary delays later in the export process.
Preparing for GCC Market Access
As regulatory requirements continue to evolve, exporters should ensure they understand all applicable obligations for their products.
For sanitary and water-consuming products, this may include both conformity assessment requirements and water efficiency labelling obligations.
Cotecna supports manufacturers and exporters with conformity assessment services for regulated products destined for GCC markets and can help businesses understand the requirements applicable to their products.
Contact our team to learn more about GCC compliance requirements.
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.