Update: Technical Regulation in Gulf Region Will Apply to all Toys

December 4, 2017 | The Toy Association is alerting members that a QR tracking code will soon be required for all toys and children’s products exported to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Previously, the Gulf Standards Organization (GSO) Gulf Conformity Tracking Symbol (GCTS) was required only on certain toys and children’s products. The technical regulation did not affect the majority of toys exported to the region, except for toys not completely addressed by GSO toy standards.

However, this regulation has now changed, and the QR code for identification tracking will have to be applied in addition to the mandatory “G Mark” certification marking. While the details of this regulation are still being ironed out, The Toy Association has learned that manufacturers will either be able to self-certify their products and apply the GCTS themselves, or have their products undergo a review by a “notified body” for type acceptance, before applying for a QR code for each toy (or family of toys) prior to distribution. Exact details on the information that will be required in the QR code are unclear at this time.

Members will be kept apprised of developments on this issue; in the meantime, questions may be directed to Alan Kaufman, senior vice president of technical affairs at The Toy Association.