TÜV Rheinland Hong Kong, as a GSO Notified Body for the Gulf Technical Regulation for Low Voltage Electrical Equipment and Appliances (BD-142004-01), has concluded a recognition agreement with Dubai Central Laboratory (DCL) in the United Arab Emirates.
DCL, the government laboratory in Dubai Municipality, established in 1997, is the only IECEE CBTL in the Middle East, and is the first and only laboratory in the Arab world to sign such a recognition agreement with the TÜV Rheinland Group, a global technical testing and inspection expert established in 1872.
The cooperation agreement allows TÜV Rheinland to directly accept DCL test reports for Gulf Type Examination Certification of low voltage equipment and appliances, and ensures that products can be registered and be legally marked with the G-mark or GCTS (Gulf Conformity Tracking Symbol).
This opens a unique fast track for market access to the GSO member countries -- the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Yemen -- for both manufacturers and importers in the Gulf region and beyond.
Eng. Amin Ahmed, Director of Dubai Central Laboratory, says: "Dubai is a regional trading hub in the region, and also has a pivotal role in the global trade map. It is keen to apply best practices in health and safety to achieve its goals of promoting a happy and sustainable lifestyle in the Emirates with a claim to first place in the world.”
He explains the important role and support of the Dubai Municipality for the private sector through the conclusion of agreements with local and international certification bodies, which facilitates the import and export of electrical equipment to and from the country.
It also supports local industry by reducing the high cost of sending samples for testing and evaluation outside the country.
Fares Naouri, Managing Director of TÜV Rheinland Middle East, says that the agreement is based on the confidence gained by the laboratory through its uniqueness at the Arab level, having obtained international recognition in the field of testing electrical appliances for safety and efficiency.
TÜV Rheinland close cooperates with Dubai Central Laboratory in many technical fields through its local presence in the UAE, its Dubai branch (TÜV Rheinland Middle East FZE).
The agreement was reached through the commitment and amicable negotiations between Mr. Abdulrahman Mohammed Abdulla Al Ali, Head of Renewable Energy and Electromechanical Laboratories Section at DCL, and Mr. Issa Alaydie, General Manager of Government Inspections and International Trade at TÜV Rheinland Middle East, as well as Martin Werthammer, Vice General Manager of Business Stream Products Accreditation & Certification, Greater China and Global Program Manager for the GSO Notified Body Services at TÜV Rheinland Group.
The two sides have agreed on regular exchanges on technical issues and regulation developments in the UAE and the Gulf region, to further deepen this relationship in the future, and to cooperate in all product areas.
About TÜV Rheinland:
TÜV Rheinland is a global leader in independent inspection services, founded 145 years ago. The group employs 20,000 people around the globe. Annual revenue is more than €2.1 billion. The group’s independent experts stand for quality and safety for people, technology, and the environment in nearly all industrial sectors and areas of life. TÜV Rheinland inspects technical equipment, products, and services, and oversees projects, processes, and information security for companies. Its experts train people in a wide range of careers and industries. To this end, the company operates a global network of approved labs and testing and education centers. Since 2006, TÜV Rheinland has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact to promote sustainability and combat corruption.
About Dubai Central Lab Department:
Dubai Central Laboratory Department was established in 1997, with the aim of centralizing all labs within Dubai Municipality under one department. DCL’s mission is to “Provide Product Conformity Assessment and perform Tests, Studies, Standards Development and Measurement Control, relying on our expertise and accredited laboratories; contributing to consumer protection and achieving customer satisfaction.” Its relentless efforts in monitoring and maintaining product quality, testing and related services and enforcement of Dubai Municipality regulations play a vital role, guided by a simple objective -- “Enhancement of Quality of Life in Dubai.”
It is the first Department within Dubai Municipality to be certified under ISO 9001: 2000. In addition, DCL recently achieved DAC certification under ISO IEC Guide 65.
Dubai Central Laboratory Department Sections:
• Food & Environment Laboratory Section established in 1975.
• Engineering Materials Laboratory Section established in 1979.
• Inspection & Certification Section established in 1991.
• Research and Standardization Management Office established in 1997.
• Consumer Product Laboratory Section established in 1998.
• Metrology Section established in 2002.