IJCA Vol 5 Issue 1 - Flipbook - Page 26
The International Journal of Conformity Assessment
2026 | Volume 5, Issue 1
by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality
Organization (SASO)
By facilitating smoother market entry and
regulatory acceptance, accredited TIC services
strengthen trade flows, enhance supply chain
reliability, and reinforce the Gulf’s integration into
global trade systems.
• ECAS and Emirates Quality Mark (United
Arab Emirates) – mandatory certification and
conformity assessment programs for consumer
products
•KUCAS (Kuwait), DGSM (Oman), and BSMD
(Bahrain) – national systems regulating imports
and compliance with product safety requirements
As regulatory oversight and enforcement intensify,
businesses increasingly rely on accredited TIC
services to maintain market access and manage
legal, financial, and reputational risk.
6.3 Enhancing Global Trade Competitiveness
Accredited TIC services play a critical role in
reducing technical barriers to trade (TBTs) and
enabling Gulf-based manufacturers and exporters
to compete in regulated global markets. By
aligning conformity assessment practices with
internationally recognized standards, TIC services
help ensure that products meet the regulatory and
quality requirements of destination markets.
In practice, this includes:
• Verifying conformity with international
standards and schemes such as ISO, IEC,
Codex, and ASTM
• Supporting mutual recognition agreements
(MRAs) that enable cross-border acceptance of
test results and certifications
• Helping local manufacturers qualify for export
to regulated markets in the European Union,
United States, and Asia
This function is especially important as Gulf
countries position themselves as global hubs for
manufacturing, logistics, and re-exports. Exportoriented businesses depend on accredited TIC
services to prevent delays, shipment rejections,
and non-compliance penalties at international
borders.
6.4 Growing Demand for Consumer Protection and
Transparency
Alongside regulatory evolution, consumer
awareness and expectations for safe, high-quality,
and ethically sourced products are rising across
the Gulf. This shift is reflected in growing reliance
on accredited conformity assessment to verify
that:
• Food products are safe and traceable
• Consumer goods meet labeling and safety
requirements
• Construction materials comply with fire
resistance and durability benchmarks
• Pharmaceuticals are tested and manufactured
under validated protocols
In parallel, retailers, insurers, and multinational
brands increasingly require third-party, accredited
conformity assessments as part of broader risk
management and supply chain transparency
strategies. These requirements further reinforce
demand for accredited TIC services and strengthens
confidence in products placed on the market.
6.5 Broader Economic Contributions of TIC Growth
Beyond its technical functions, the expansion of
accredited TIC services generates a multiplier
effect within the Gulf’s broader economy:
• Job Creation and Workforce Development:
Demand for skilled technicians, auditors,
engineers, data analysts, and regulatory
specialists supports employment in technical and
STEM fields.
• Support for R&D and Innovation: Accredited
laboratories provide the technical backbone
for product development, prototype testing,
and industrial innovation, fostering homegrown
technologies and strengthening intellectual
property protection.
• SME Enablement and Market Access: Access
to accredited TIC services enables small and
medium-sized enterprises to meet quality
benchmarks, participate in public procurement
programs, and compete in international markets.
• Investment and Economic Confidence: Robust
conformity assessment systems strengthen
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