TUV Rheinland, a global leader in independent inspection services said it has become the first international third-party testing, inspection and certification (TIC) company to achieve Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) notified body status in Thailand and Japan.

They join TUV Rheinland Hong Kong, which was the first independent technical services company in the Asia Pacific to obtain GSO Notified Body status for electrical products and toys in June 2015, and TUV Rheinland Korea, which is also newly designated as NB by GSO.

In conjunction with TUV Rheinland's global network of laboratories, these notified bodies are authorised to certify products with the "G Mark" -- a mandatory requirement for a variety of goods entering GCC markets, said the company in a statement.

They can certify low voltage household appliances, plugs, socket outlets and cord extensions, it stated.

This will help more Apac manufacturers gain access to markets in the six affluent GCC countries of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, stated TUV Rheinland.

The GSO member states, which also include Yemen, have a total population of around 80 million and an estimated GDP of $3.2 trillion.

To be eligible for sale in any GCC market, products must meet the essential requirements set out in the GSO Technical Regulations. These are designed to protect consumers from potential hazards, such as physical injury, high temperatures, electric shock, fire or radiation.

The term "Notified Bodies" refers to independent conformity assessment organizations considered competent and impartial by the GSO, which are responsible for the regulatory process and technical assessment of products intended for the GCC common market.

"While the GSO standards for these products closely follow EU regulations, there are still enough variations and regulatory hoops to require close attention to every product detail. As an officially recognized Notified Body, TUV Rheinland can guide customers and provide the testing and documentation they need to successfully jump into the Gulf region," remarked Andreas Leo Hoefer, the executive VP for Asia Pacific / India, Middle East & Africa for TUV Rheinland.

"As an independent third-party testing, inspection and certification organization, TUV Rheinland prides itself on its in-depth understanding of the regulations across the Gulf region," stated Hoefer.

"Our network of offices and labs covers virtually every GCC country and we are accredited as an inspection body for the national import control schemes of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. In addition, TUV Rheinland is recognized as an approved testing laboratory for national energy efficiency labelling schemes for air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and lighting products," he added.-TradeArabia News Service