The Gulf States is a generic name for the area comprising Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Six of them (not Iraq) are working towards a common market (they are already a customs union) and formed the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, known as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Yemen was expected to join this year. They are also part of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) formed in 1997.

Through its standards development organisation the GCC has introduced new requirements for low-voltage electrical products entering its member states. G Marking will be required for all products within the scope. The G marking is akin to the EU’s CE marking to demonstrate conformity with legislation and the GCC already requires it for products such as toys.

The pilot phase is due to begin on 1 June 2015 with full enforcement from 1 July 2016.