GSO  
 
 
 
 
 
GULF STANDARDISATION ORGANIS ATION  
 
OF THE GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL    
 
GSO  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT DOCUMENT NO. (1) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHILDREN'S TOYS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ISSUE NO. (1)           FINAL DRAFT 1           DATE: (28 / 10 / 2007)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notice  
This final  draft constitutes what was agreed at the meeting of the Gulf Conformity 
Assessment Committee held on 24 -9-2007 and amended on 28 -10-2007  Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
GSO  
 
 
Conformity Evaluation Document for Children's Toys No. (1) Issue No. 2  Final amended draft  
Date: 28/10/2007        Page 2 of  27  
 
CONTENTS  
 
 
 
Details  Page 
No. 
Preamble  3 
Clause  One  5 
Clause  Two  5 
Clause  Three  6 
Clause  Four  6 
Clause  Five  6 
Clause  Six 6 
Clause  Seven  7 
Clause  Eight  8 
Clause  Nine  8 
Clause  Ten 9 
Clause  Eleven  10 
Clause  Twelve  10 
Clause  Thirteen  10 
Clause  Fourteen  10 
Clause  Fifteen  10 
Appendix 1: Products which are not to be treated as children's toys  11 
Appendix 2: T he basic requirements for  children's toys  12 
Appendix 3: The conformity assessment procedures for children's toys  20 
Appendix 4: References  21 
 Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
GSO  
 
 
Conformity Evaluation Document for Children's Toys No. (1) Issue No. 2  Final amended draft  
Date: 28/10/2007        Page 3 of  27 PREAMBLE  
 
1. In pursuance of the objective of the Gulf Cooperation Council  to achieve 
integration and coordi nation between the member  states in all areas in order to 
work towards its greater unity, and further to the aims of the new "Unified 
Economic Agreement" made between the countries of the Council - which has 
laid down the basis of the Gulf Common Market - through the development of 
common working methods among the Council states  - and which has set out a 
series of steps towards economic integration , starting with the establishment  
of a Free Trade Zone and then a Customs Union, followed by the completion 
of the Gulf Common Market and ending with economic monetary union and 
the unification of the commercial, industrial and customs l egislation applicable 
within it;  
 
2. And whereas i n order to furt her these objectives, the Gulf C ooperation 
Council set up the Gu lf Standardisation Organisation  (GSO) to strengthen the 
process of economic integration and set in train w hat is required to establish a 
Customs U nion, by harmonising the specification and standards of the 
member states and ensuring  the safety and quality of the commodities entering 
the markets of the members states, which will be to the advantage of their 
citizens, and whereas i t is also intended  to unify the various standardis ation 
activities and monitor the application of them and adherence to them in or der 
to perform its role in the development of the productive and service sectors 
and the development of trade between them, and to protect the consumer and 
the environment and public health, and also to encourage  Gulf agricultural 
industries and products s o as to support the Gulf economy and protect the 
gains made by the Council states and participate in removing the technical 
obstacles to trade in order to meet the objectives of the Customs Union and 
also to meet the obligations of the countries  concerned under WTO 
agreements ; 
 
3. And f urther to the resolution of the Financial & Economic Cooperation 
Committee adopted at its seventy -second meeting (held on 4  - 5 November 
2006) concerning "the urging of the Standardisation Organisation  of the Gulf 
Cooperation  Council to complete its effort to lay down unified procedures for 
applying standard specifications in the Council states so that they can be 
enforced in a unified manner at the secondary entry points to support the 
enforcement of the requirements of the C ustoms Union within the spe cified 
time and to facilitate th e free movement  of commodities";  
 
4. And further to the resolution of the board of directors of the Standardisation 
Organisation  adopted at its sixth meeting held on 5 June 2007 which approved 
the start of the implementation of the recommendations of the Regional 
Conformity Assessment Scheme (RCAS)  project in the Cooperation Council 
states and confirming "the approval of the rule that there must be compulsory 
compliance with the basic requirements for the products (safety, health and 
environment) as a basis for enshrining the new Gulf program in le gislation;  Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
GSO  
 
 
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Date: 28/10/2007        Page 4 of  27  
5. And whereas i t is evident that the laws and legislation and methods of 
supervision in force in the member states, especially in relation to  the safety of 
low-voltage electrical items, vary in scope and content, and that these 
differences constitute a n impediment to trade because there is thus a 
discrepancy in the competitive conditions within the unified internal market 
which is aspired to by  the countries of the Cooperation Council  -  but without 
those difference producing any tangible benefit in terms of consumer 
protection against the risks which arise from those products;  
 
6. And whereas i t is clearly necessary to remove any impediments to  the 
establishment of the unified market which is aspired to by the countries of the 
Cooperation Council in respect of the sale of harmless products which possess 
a sufficient degree of safety.  
 
7. It is thus necessary to ensure that there is harmonisation  by the laying -down of 
basic requirements and unified rules between the member states to protect the 
health and safety of the consumer , in order to ensure that all low -voltage 
electrical equipment which is offered on the market is safe and may move 
freely within the area of the Customs Union.  
 
8. Also to be taken into account is scientific opinion on the toxicity and , just as 
important,  the environmental toxicity of the chemical components in the 
setting of the maximum levels for the metallic components of toys and an 
assessment of  the effect they may have on children's health.  
 
9. It is also necessary to ensure that th ose children's toys which are offered in the 
putative unified market do no t cause direct or any other damage to the user of 
them.  
 
10. The s afety specifications for children's toys must specify the maximum 
standard limits of the intended use of them, but these must be set higher than 
they might be otherwise be, bearing in mind that children often pay less 
attention to these matters than adults  would.  
 
11. It must also be ensure d that the safety specifications for children's toys which 
are offered on the market are binding throughout the evident and usual period 
of use of the children's toys.  
 
12. The Standardisation Organisation  of the Gulf Coo peration Council has been 
charged with laying down and authorising and modernising and publishing the 
technical regulations and Gulf Standard Specifications , and for establishing 
regional assessment procedures for commodities and products and systems for 
metrology and standards and definitions and codes and technical terminology 
and enforcement conditions and methods for taking samples, and regulations 
relating to inspection and testing for conformity with the standards, in 
accordance with the executive reg ulations issued in that connection.  Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
GSO  
 
 
Conformity Evaluation Document for Children's Toys No. (1) Issue No. 2  Final amended draft  
Date: 28/10/2007        Page 5 of  27  
These regulations have been issued in respect of children's toys and they set out the 
basic requirements which must be satisfied for children's toys, whether they are 
manufactured locally or whether  they are imported fr om abroad i nto any of the 
countries  of the Cooperation Council . They apply to any of those products the free 
trade of which is permitted in the markets of the member states without any hindrance 
by the customs authorities  - unless the re are also other reas ons which are not related 
to non -conformity with the basic requirements.  
 
Note:  This preamble and all the appendices to these regulations comprise an 
inseparable part of them.  
 
 
 
CLAUSE ONE  
 
1. These regulations relate to children's toys. A children's toy  mean s any product 
or material which is designed exclusively or is explicitly intended for use as a 
toy by children under 14 years of age.  
 
2. For the purpose of these regulations, the products listed in Appendix No. 1 are 
not to be treated as children's t oys. 
 
 
CLAUSE TWO  
 
1. These regulations are intended to protect the users of toys, and also the people 
around them, from health risks or physical injury when the toy is being used 
for the purpose it has been designed for, or in a  manner which could be 
expe cted -  taking into account the behaviour of an ordinary child.  
 
2. Children's toys must meet the basic requirements laid down in these 
regulations when the items are in, or enter, the markets of the countries of the 
Gulf Cooperation Council, always taking  into account the pre sumed age of the 
user.  
 
3. The member states must take all necessary measures to ensure that th ose 
children's toys which are offered in the markets of the countries of Gulf 
Cooperation Council do conform to the basic requirements set o ut in 
Appendix No. 2 of these regulations.  
 
4. The offering of a commodity in the markets of the countries of Gulf 
Cooperation Council includes the activities of both sales and distribution.  
 
 
 
 Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
GSO  
 
 
Conformity Evaluation Document for Children's Toys No. (1) Issue No. 2  Final amended draft  
Date: 28/10/2007        Page 6 of  27  
CLAUSE THREE  
 
The member  states must take all necessary meas ures to ensure the free movement of 
children's toys which do meet the requirements of Clause Two of these regulations, 
including Appendix No. 2 (the basic requirements), and not hinder them on the 
grounds of safety.  
 
 
CLAUSE FOUR  
 
1. Children's toys which are manufactured in accordance with  the Gulf S tandard  
Specifications or those specifications which are laid down by the 
Standardisation Organisation  of the Gulf C ooperation Council shall be deemed 
to meet the basic requirements stipulated for in these regu lations.  
 
2. All the countries of the Council accept that children's toys which bear the Gulf 
conformity mark (or any other equivalent mark which is issued) do conform to 
all the conditions laid down in these regulations, including the conformity 
assessmen t procedures.  
 
 
CLAUSE FIVE  
 
1. If it happens that any of any member states find that the specifications referred 
to in the previous Clause do not include all the basic requirements laid down 
in these regulations, the matter should be referred to the Stand ardisation 
Organisation  of the Gulf Cooperation Council for study.  
 
2. After the matter has been studied and an opinion expressed, the members 
states will be notified to update the Standard Specifications if that is what is 
required.  
 
 
CLAUSE SIX  
 
1. If it happens that any one of the member states should confirm that some of 
the children's toys which bear the Gulf conformity mark (or any other 
equivalent mark which is issued) in fact pose any danger to the health and 
safety of the user and that it is thus i mmediately taking all measures necessary 
to withdraw those products from the market, it must then also inform the 
Standardisation Organisation  of the Gulf Cooperation Council of those 
measures explaining the reason why the item concerned does not conform. 
This may be because:  
 
 A. The basic requirements of the regulations / or the specifications have 
 not been met.  Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
GSO  
 
 
Conformity Evaluation Document for Children's Toys No. (1) Issue No. 2  Final amended draft  
Date: 28/10/2007        Page 7 of  27  B. Because the specification has been incorrectly applied.  
 
 C. Because there are shortcomings in the specification.  
 
2. The Standardisation Or ganisation  will then study the matter with the other 
members states and if it is found that the measures taken by the country 
concerned are correct then the Standardisation Organisation  will take the 
necessary action, always observing what is stipulated in  Clause Five.  
 
 
CLAUSE SEVEN  
 
1. The Gulf conformity mark (or any other equivalent mark which is issued) 
must be affixed (printed) on a children's toy which has been manufactured in 
accordance with the Gulf Standard Specifications  or any specifications wh ich 
are laid down by the Standardisation Organisation  of the Gulf Cooperation 
Council before they are put into the markets of the countries of the Council . In 
affixing the mark, this constitutes a declaration by the manufacturer or his 
licensed representat ive that the toy confo rms to the basic requirements laid 
down in these regulations.  
 
2. The manufacturer or his licensed representative must maintain technical file 
containing the following information, which must be ready for inspection:  
 
 2.1 A descripti on of the method (test report etc....) by which the 
manufacturer has confirmed that the product does in fact meet the 
basic requirements referred to in Clause Two, and he must als o - if 
appropriate - retain a certificate of the model (or alternative mark) 
issued by  an acceptable authority "and" copies of the documents 
submitted to that acceptable authority "and" a description of the means 
by which the manufacturer has ensured that it conforms to the 
authorised model.  
 
 2.2 The addresses and places where the  manufacture and storage has been 
effected.  
 
 2.3 Details information about the design and the manufacture.  
 
3. If neither the manufacturer nor his representative are present in the countries 
of the Council, the responsibility will fall upon the party whic h introduced 
those products into the markets of the countries of the Council to ensure that 
they comply with the requirements of  Section 2 above.  
 
4. In the even t of non -compliance, the member  states will require the 
manufacture or his representative to pa y the costs of any test in order to ensure 
that his products satisfy the requirements of Section 1 of this Clause.  
 Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
GSO  
 
 
Conformity Evaluation Document for Children's Toys No. (1) Issue No. 2  Final amended draft  
Date: 28/10/2007        Page 8 of  27  
CLAUSE EIGHT  
 
1. The manufacturer must affix a Gulf conformity mark (or any other equivalent 
mark which is issued) to children's toys which  are not wholly or partially 
manufactured in accordance with the Gulf Standard Specifications or those 
standard specifications which are laid down by the  Standardisation 
Organisation  of the Gulf Cooperation Council. T his constitutes a declaration 
by the ma nufacturer or his licensed representative that he has followed one of 
the methods of conformity assessment stipulated for in Appendix 3 through 
one of the acceptable authorities published about by the Standardisation 
Organisation  of the Gulf Cooperation Co uncil.  
 
2. In these circumstances, the manufacturer or his licensed representative must 
retain the following information ready for inspection:  
 
 2.1 A description of the product.  
 
 2.2 A description of the method (such as a test report, technical file) by 
which the manufacturer has confirmed the way in which the product 
conforms to the sample which was tested.  
 
 2.3 The addresses and places where the manufacture and storage has been 
effected.  
 
 2.4 Copies of the documents which were submitted to the accepta ble 
authority in accor dance with what is stated in Clause Seven.  
 
 2.5 The test certificate for the sample, or a copy of it.  
 
3. If neither the manufacturer nor his representative are present in the countries 
of the Council, the responsibility will fall up on the party which introduced 
those products into the markets of the countries of the Council to ensure that 
they comply with the requirements of Section 2 above.  
 
4. In the event of non -compliance, the member states will require the 
manufacture or his rep resentative to pay the costs of any test in order to ensure 
that his products satisfy the requirements of Section 1 of this Clause.  
 
 
CLAUSE NINE  
 
The selection by the manufacturer or his representative of the recognised authorities 
must be made in accorda nce with Reference No. 15 of Appendix 4.  
 
 
 Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
GSO  
 
 
Conformity Evaluation Document for Children's Toys No. (1) Issue No. 2  Final amended draft  
Date: 28/10/2007        Page 9 of  27 ARTICLE  TEN  
 
1. The testing of the specimen (if the case requires this) shall be done by one of 
the acceptable authorities, confirming that the specimen of the toy does indeed 
conform to the basic requirements s et out in Appendix 2 of these regulations.  
 
2. A request to "test a specimen" shall be submitted to one of the acceptable 
authorities by the manufacturer and his licensed representative in the countries 
of the Council.  
 
3. The request must include the foll owing:  
 
 3.1 A description of the toy.  
  
 3.2 The name and address of the manufacturer or his representative and the 
place of manufacture.  
 
 3.3 Details of the engineering design of the toy must be attached to the 
specimen.  
 
4. The acceptable authority sha ll investigate the conformity of the specimen in 
the following manner:  
 
 4.1 Ensure that all the document s requested are  present.  
 
 4.2 Ensure that the toy does not expose the  user to any danger and that it  
does not have any effect on health or safety.  
 
 4.3 Carry out all the tests required (using the Gulf Standard Specifications 
or those standard specifications which are laid down by the 
Standardisation Organisation, as well as any other specifications) in 
order to ensure that the specimen satisfies the ba sic requirements of 
these regulations.  
 
 4.4 The acceptable authority  may request additional specimens so that 
further investigations can be carried out.  
 
5. If the specimen successfully passes the tests, then the acceptable authority will 
issue a certific ate of conformity for the specimen.  
 
 Any of the members states (through the Standardisation Organisation of the 
Gulf Cooperation Council) may obtain a copy of that test certificate.  
 
 
 
 
 Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
GSO  
 
 
Conformity Evaluation Document for Children's Toys No. (1) Issue No. 2  Final amended draft  
Date: 28/10/2007        Page 10 of  27 CLAUSE ELEVEN  
 
As far as the conformity mark is concerned (the form,  method of affixing etc...) 
reference should be made to the reference material contained in Appendix No. 4.  
 
 
CLAUSE TWELVE  
 
The taking of samples and market surveys and the compilation of reports by the 
members states shall be done by applying the regulat ions of the standards 
organisations in the member states themselves, or by those authorities designated by 
each state.  
 
CLAUSE THIRTEEN  
 
The members states shall notify the Standardisation Organisation of all the actions 
taken to apply these regulations, s o that the Standardisation Organisation can ascertain 
whether there are any discrepancies in the procedures being followed within the 
countries of the Council.  
 
 
CLAUSE FOURTEEN  
 
The  Standardisation Organisation must be notified of any procedure relating to the 
withdrawal or halting of any product falling under these regulations within the 
countries of the Council . 
 
 
CLAUSE FIFTEEN  
 
The member  states  will adopt these regulations from the date : - 
 
The member states will apply the provisions of these regulat ions from the  date: - 
 
The member states will enforce these regulations from the date : - 
 
The members states will send a copy of the Law which is promulgated locally (in the 
light of these regulations) to the Standardisation Organisation of the Gulf Coope ration 
Council.  
 
 
 Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
GSO  
 
 
Conformity Evaluation Document for Children's Toys No. (1) Issue No. 2  Final amended draft  
Date: 28/10/2007        Page 11 of  27 APPENDIX NO. 1  
 
PRODUCTS WHICH ARE NOT TO BE TREATED AS CHILDREN'S TOYS  
 
 
1. Ornaments for festivals and occasions.  
2. Model items  showing detail  and intended for adults . 
3. Equipment designated for use in communal games.  
4. Sporting eq uipment.  
5. Water equipment designed for use in deep water.  
6. Folk dolls, ornamental dolls and other similar items which are collectables for 
 adults.  
7. A "professional" game erected in public places (shopping centres, stations, 
 etc.) 
8. A puzzle and th ought game with 500 pieces or without a picture, designed for 
 enthusiasts . 
9. Air guns and rifles.  
10. Fireworks, including explosive caps (with the exception of caps specifically 
designed for use in children's toys, without prejudice to more stringent 
conditions applicabl e in some member  states (if any).  
11. Projectiles and catapults.  
12. Sets of arrows with metallic tips.  
13. Electric stoves and irons and other functional products which operate at a 
nominal voltage of greater than 24 volts.  
14. Products containing heating elements intended for use under the supervision 
(control) of an adult for educational purposes.  
15. Vehicles and aircraft with an internal combustion engine.  
16. Steam engines intended as a game.  
17. Bicycles designed for sports use or f or travel on public highways.  
18. Video games which play through a video screen and which operate at a 
nominal voltage of greater than 24 volts.  
19. Dummy teats.  
20. Products which are replicas of real firearms.  
21. Children's jewellery items.  Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
GSO  
 
 
Conformity Evaluation Document for Children's Toys No. (1) Issue No. 2  Final amended draft  
Date: 28/10/2007        Page 12 of  27 APPENDIX NO . (2) 
 
THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILDREN'S TOYS  
 
 
 
1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES  
 
 
Serial 
No. Basic requirements  
1 Protection must be given to the users of toys, and also those people 
around them, from health risks or physical injury when the toy is 
being used for the purpose it has been designed for, or in a manner 
which could be expected -  taking into account the behaviour of an 
ordinary child. Those risks are:  
 
(A) Those connected with the design and formation and 
composition of the toy;  
 
(B)    Those which arise from the use of the toy, but which cannot 
be completely eliminated by altering the formation and 
composition of the toy without actually changing its function or 
causing it to lose it s basic properties . 
 
2 (A)  The level of risk when the toy is bein g used  must be 
appropriate to the ability of those using it - under supervision if 
that is required - at the various levels. In particular this applies to 
toys which - by their functionality and dimensions and properties - 
are designed for use by children of less then 36 months old.  
 
(B)   In applying this principle, it should be stated - whenever this 
is appropriate - what the minimum age is for the user of the toy 
and/or the need to ensure that it is only used under the supervision 
of an adult.  
 
3  It mu st be ensured that the information leaflet fo r the toy or the 
box it comes in  should draw the attention of the users, or their 
supervisors, to the risks associated with the toy when it is being 
used and the way s of avoiding those risks.  
 
4 No children's t oy or the box it comes in should contain any 
pictures a nd/or forms which offend the religion of Islam.  
 
 Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
GSO  
 
 
Conformity Evaluation Document for Children's Toys No. (1) Issue No. 2  Final amended draft  
Date: 28/10/2007        Page 13 of  27 2. PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES  
 
 
Serial 
No. Basic requirements  
1 In the case of a fixed toy, the toy and its parts and fixings must be 
of the  necessary mechanical solidity and stability to bear the stress 
put upon it while it is being used, so that it does not break or  
shatter , which could then result in the risk of physical injury.  
2 Those edges which  may be touched , and the projections and t he 
wires and cables and connecting parts of the toy must be designed 
and constructed in such a way that the risk of physical injury 
through contact with it is minimised as far as it can be.  
3 The toy must be designed and constructed in such a way that the  
risk of physical injury arising fro m the movement of its parts is 
reduced to the lowest possible level.  
4 Where it is possible for the components and parts of the toy to be 
separated, and where the toy is expressly intended for use by 
children under the age of 36 months, the dimensions must be such 
that it is impossible  to swallow or shatter the pieces.  
5 Neither the toy, nor its parts nor the wrapping it co mes in for retail 
sale purposes should present any risk of strangulation or 
suffocation.  
6 A toy which is intended for use in shallow water and which is 
capable of carrying and supporting a child on the water should be 
design ed and constr ucted in such a way as to minimise the danger 
that the toy may lose its buoyancy or fail to provide the support 
provided to the child, taking into account the recommended usage 
of the toy.  
7 A toy which can be entered into and which thus constitutes an 
enclosed space for anyone entering it , must  also  contain an exit 
which can easily be opened from the inside.  
8 A toy  which affords movement to the user must contain a braking 
system which is appropriate, as far as possible, to the nature of the 
toy and commensurate with the force of the movement it generates. 
That system must be easy to operate by the user without any r isk of 
flying headlong or of physical injury being caused to the user or to 
another party.  
9 The form and composition of projectiles and  the force of the 
movement they  generate when being fired from a toy designed for 
that purpose must be - taking into ac count the nature of the toy - 
such that there is no reasonable chance of physical injury to the 
user or another party.  Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
GSO  
 
 
Conformity Evaluation Document for Children's Toys No. (1) Issue No. 2  Final amended draft  
Date: 28/10/2007        Page 14 of  27  
Serial 
No. Basic requirements  
10 A toy containing heating elements must be constructed in such a 
way that:  
 
   The maximum temperatu re which can be reached by any 
surface will not cause burns if touched.  
 
 Liquids and gases contained within the toy must not come 
into contact with any temperature or pressures which might 
cause them to leak from the toy and cause burns or scalding 
or wo unding (unless that leaking occurs as a basic property 
of the proper performance of the toy).  
 
3. FLAMMABILITY  
 
Serial 
No. Basic requirements  
1 The children's toy must not contain any element which could be 
flammable in the environment of the child (arou nd the child).  
Consequently, it must be ensured that it be made from materials as 
follows:  
1. They must not ignite if they are exposed directly to a flame 
or a spark or any  potential fire base; or  
2. It must not be easily flammable (the fire should be 
extinguished as soon as cause of the fire is covered).  
3. If it does catch fire, it should be slow -burning and the flame 
should only spread slowly; or  
4. Regardless of the chemical composition of the toy, it 
should be treated with flame -retardant.  
 
Those mater ials which are flammable should not pose a risk to the 
other materials used in the toy.  
2 Those children's toys which - for reasons essential to its 
functionality - do contain dangerous materials or preparations. and 
in particular substance s and equipment  relating to chemical 
experiments or collecting samples, or making ceramic moulds or 
enamelling or photograph y or similar activities must not - in 
themselves - contain substance s or preparations which can become 
flammable as a result of the loss of non -flammable volatile 
components.  
3 A childre n's toy must not be explosive or  contain elements or 
substance s which can explode when they are used. This condition 
does not apply to caps for toys, and reference should be made to 
point 3 above.  Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
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Conformity Evaluation Document for Children's Toys No. (1) Issue No. 2  Final amended draft  
Date: 28/10/2007        Page 15 of  27 Serial 
No. Basic r equirements  
4 Children's toys - and in particular chemical children's toys must in 
themselves not contain the following substances  or preparations:  
 
1. Those which - when they are mixed - can possibly 
explode: - 
2. By chemical reaction or by heating;  
3. When they are mixed with oxidised substances;  
4. Those w hich contain volatile component s which are 
flammable in air and can produce inflammable fumes or a n 
explosive air mixture.  
 
 
4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES  
 
Serial 
No. Basic requirements  
1 No children's toy o r the packaging for it should contain 
anything derived from pigs.  
2 Children's toys should be designed and constricted so that when 
they are used in the manner detailed in Clause Two of these 
regulations they will not present any risk to health or physica l 
injury if they are swallowed, if they crack or if they come into 
contact with the skin , mucous membranes  or with the eyes.  
In all circumstances, they must comply with the legislation 
concerned relating to particular classes of products, or prohibitions 
or restrictions on their use or clarificatory information about 
dangerous substances or preparations.  
3 In particular - in order to protect the health of children - the 
bioavailability arising from the use of the children's toy - as a 
target - must not exc eed the following levels / day:  
0.2 micrograms for antimony  
0.1 micrograms for arsenic  
0.25 micrograms for barium  
0.6 micrograms for cadmium  
0.3 micrograms for chrome  
0.7 micrograms for lead  
0.5 micrograms for mercury  
5.0 micrograms for selenium  
or any oth er value which is stipulated, whether for those substances 
or other substances in the legislation of the Cooperation Council 
based on a scientific justification (scientific proof).  
Note:  Bioavailability means the quantity of those substances 
extracted int o the body and absorbed by it and which have a 
high level of toxicity.  Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
GSO  
 
 
Conformity Evaluation Document for Children's Toys No. (1) Issue No. 2  Final amended draft  
Date: 28/10/2007        Page 16 of  27 4 A children's toy should not contain dangerous substances or 
preparations in quantities which could damage the h ealth of a child 
using it. In  all circumstances, it is strictly forbidd en for any toy 
whatever to contain dangerous substances or preparations if they 
themselves are to be used while the toy is being used.  
On the other hand, where there is a limited number of substances 
or preparations which are essential for the toy to funct ion properly, 
and in particular substances and eq uipment for chemical 
experimental sets  or for taking samples, or for making plastic and 
ceramic moulds, or for enamelling or photography or similar 
activities, it is permitted to use them up to the level of the 
maximum concentration specified for each substance or 
preparation.  
 
 
5. ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES  
 
 
Serial 
No. Basic requirements  
1 The children's electrical toy should not require an operating voltage 
of more than 24 volt s, and similarly the voltage in any part of the 
toy must not be greater than 24 volts.  
 
2 Parts of the children's toy which are connected to - or exposed to - 
contact with the electrical source and which could cause electrical 
shock, including cables or other conductors through which 
electricity can flow to those parts, must be well insulated and 
mechanically protected so as to prevent the risk of electrical shock.  
 
3 The children's toy should be designed and constructed so as to 
ensure that the maximum temperatures which are reached on  any 
directly accessible  surfaces (which it is easy to reach) do not cause 
burns when those surfaces are touched.  
 
 
 
6. HEALTH REQUIREMENTS  
 
 
Serial 
No.  
1 The children's toy must be designed and manufactured in such a 
way as to satisfy the health and hy giene requirements, in order to 
avoid any danger of infection and disease and contamination.  
 Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
GSO  
 
 
Conformity Evaluation Document for Children's Toys No. (1) Issue No. 2  Final amended draft  
Date: 28/10/2007        Page 17 of  27 7. RADIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY  
 
 
Serial 
No.  
1 The children's toy must not contain any elements or substances 
where the composition of them and the proportions of the m could 
possibly be damaging or injurious to the health of children.  
 
 
8. CLARIFICATORY INFORMATION  
 
 
Serial 
No.  
 It must be ensure d that the following information is written in 
Arabic - or the Arabic and English languages - on the toy in a non-
erasable  manner:  
 
1 The name of the manufacturer / or his trade mark and the place of 
manufacture.  
 
2 The age of the child appropriate to use the toy.  
 
3 Mention should be made as to whether the toy requires the 
supervision or control of adults.  
4 Operating No . (Code 9)  
 
 
9. INSTRUCTION MANUAL REQUIREMENTS  
 
Serial 
No. Basic requirements  
 The toy must be accompanied by a written warning in Arabic - or 
in both Arabic and English - which is appropriate and is easy and 
clear to read in order to minimise the risks  accompanying the use 
of the toy, as set out in the basic requirements, and in particular the 
following:  
1 Toys which are not intended for children of less than 36 
months old  
A toy which is a risk to children of less than 36 months old must 
display a clea r warning to that effect, such as: "Unsuitable for 
children of less than 36 months old" or "Unsuitable for children of 
less than three years old" accompanied by a brief drawing . In the 
instructions for use, details can also be provided about particular 
risks which justify such a warning.  Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
GSO  
 
 
Conformity Evaluation Document for Children's Toys No. (1) Issue No. 2  Final amended draft  
Date: 28/10/2007        Page 18 of  27 This condition does no t apply to (namely, such toys are exempted) 
to toys which - taking into account their function and their 
dimensions and characteristics and properties or other evident 
grounds - it is obvious cannot be  suitable for children of less than 
36 months of age.  
The age warning must be written  using the same format as the text 
cited above or by using a symbol indicating the same information 
and taking the following form:  
 
 
 
Age Warni ng Symbol  
2 Slides and seesaws and roundabouts and acrobatic or sports 
swings, and ropes or similar for acrobatic displays  
 
These toys must be accompanied by a picture for guidance drawing 
attention to the need to carry out inspections and maintenance on 
the main parts (means of suspension, fixings etc.) at regular 
intervals and stating that if the inspections of the toy are not carried 
out this may result in falling or turning over.  
Accurate instructions must be given for assembly and erecting the 
toy, in dicating those parts which may be dangerous if they are 
assembled in an incorrect manner.  
3 Functional children's toys  
 
A functional toy or its box must have written on it clear ly 
"Warning - Must be used under the supervision of an adult".  
Apart from this , such a toy must also be accompanied by guidance 
and by providing operating instructions and also details of the 
precautions which the user must take , and contain a warning that 
failure to observe such precautions may expose the user to risk  - 
usually tho se associated with the equipment or the product of 
which the toy comprises a scale model or imitation. It should also 
be stated that the toy should be kept out of the reach of very small 
children.  
A "functional toy" means a toy which is usually a scale mod el of 
some equipment or fixtures which are normally used by adults.  
 
Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
GSO  
 
 
Conformity Evaluation Document for Children's Toys No. (1) Issue No. 2  Final amended draft  
Date: 28/10/2007        Page 19 of  27 4 Children's toys containing dangerous adhesive substances or 
preparations in them, chemical children's toys  
 
(A)  With out prejudice to the conditions set out below in the 
instruction gu ide, relating to the classification, packaging and the 
provision of clarificatory information relating to dangerous 
substances and preparations. there are special instructions for the 
use of toys containing dangerous adhesive substances and 
preparations fo r which the warning must provide information about 
the nature of the danger of those substances or preparations and a 
statement of the precautions which must be taken by the user in 
order to avoid the risks inherent in them , and which must be briefly 
menti oned depending on the nature of the toy. Reference must also 
be made to the first aid which must be provided in the case of a 
serious accident arising from the use of that type of toy. It must 
also be stated that it is necessary to keep the toy out of the reach of 
very young children.  
 
(B)  In addition to the instructions detailed in section (A) above,  
the following clarificatory information must also be placed on the 
boxes of chemical children's toys:  
"Warning: Only for children over the age of (*) years o f age. For 
use u nder the supervision of an adult" . 
In particular, the following toys are considered to be chemical 
children's toys:  
Chemical sets and plastic moulding sets and miniature workshops 
for ceramics and enamelling, or photography and similar chil dren's 
toys.  
(*)  The age to be specified by the manufacturer  
5 Roller -skates and skateboards for children  
If these products are offered for sale as a children's toy, the 
following information must be clearly stated:  
"Warning: protective equipment must be  worn".  
In addition to this, the instructions for use must also state that the 
toy must be used with care, since it requires great skill, in order to 
avoid falling over or a collision injuring the user and third parties, 
and information must also be given about the protective equipment 
which is recommended ( helmet, gloves, knee -pads, elbow -pads, 
etc.) 
6 Children's toys intended for use in the water  
The children's toys intended for use in the water detailed in section 
F under serial No. 29 in sub -clause 2.4 (physical and mechanical 
properties)  must contain a warning which matches the specification 
stipulated for in normative reference 11.  
Warning! Only for use in water where the child is within its depth 
and under supervision.  
 Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
GSO  
 
 
Conformity Evaluation Document for Children's Toys No. (1) Issue No. 2  Final amended draft  
Date: 28/10/2007        Page 20 of  27  
APPENDIX NO. ( 3) 
 
THE CONFOR MITY ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES  
 
In order for a children's toy to obtain the Gulf Conformity Mark, it must successfully 
satisfy one of the following two options:  
 
Option One:  Internal production control module "A"  
 
  This covers the internal design and monitori ng of the product. This 
  module does not require an acceptable authority to take any procedures 
  and it comprises a declaration of conformity in its own right (SDoC) . 
 
Option Two:  Model test module "B" for the design phase, followed by model 
  conformity  module "C" for assessment of the production phase.  
 
  See the Gulf Guide to Conformity Assessment P rocedures which gives 
"the series and details of the conformity assessment procedures 
referred to in the previous tests (Appendix 4).  
 
This means that the m anufacturer has the right to select the procedures appropriate for 
him in order to obtain the Gulf Conformity Mark; he can either select module "A"  
which does not require an acceptable authority, or he can choose between modules 
"B" - which requires an acc eptable au thority - and "C" which does not  require an 
acceptable authority.  
 Gulf Standardisation 
Organisation of the Gulf 
Cooperation Council  
GSO  Conformit y Assessment Document No. (1)  
Issue No. 2  Date: 28/10/2007  
Final amended draft - Children's Toys   
GSO  
 
 
Conformity Evaluation Document for Children's Toys No. (1) Issue No. 2  Final amended draft  
Date: 28/10/2007        Page 21 of  27 APPENDIX NO. (4)  
 
REFERENCES  
 
Number and date of the 
Standard Specification  Serial 
No. 
Gulf   Name of the Standard Specification / 
Document  
1 577 GSO   Children's Toys - Genera l safety requirement  
2 578 GSO   Methods of Testing  Toys Part One: 
Mechanical and chemical t ests 
3 579 GSO   Methods of Testing Toys Part Two: 
Flammability tests 
4  EN71 -2 Safety of Toys -  Flammability  
5  EN71 -1 Safety of Toys - Part No. (1): Mechanical  and 
physical properties  
6  EN71 -10 Safety of Toys - Part No. (1 0): Organic and 
chemical compounds - preparation and taking 
of samples  
7  EN71 -11 Safety of Toys - Part No. (11): Organic and 
chemical compounds - methods of analysis  
8  EN71 -3 Safety of T oys - Part No. (3): Removing 
certain elements  
9  EN71 -4 Safety of Toys - Part No. (4): Experimental 
chemistry sets and activities  associated with 
them  
10  EN71 -5 Safety of Toys - Part No. (5): Chemical 
children's toys (sets)  other than experimental 
sets 
11  EN71 -6 Safety of Toys - Part No. (6): The symbol 
designed for the Age Warning Symbol  
12  EN71 -7 Safety of Toys - Part No. (7): Fingerprints  - 
the test requirements and methods  
13  EN71 -8 Slides [sic - safety of?] in Toys - Part No. 
(8): Swings and s lides and similar activity 
toys relatin g to inside and outside activities  
14  EN71 -9 Safety of Toys - Part No. (9): Organic and 
chemical compounds - requirements  
15   Gulf Manual for selecting and registering the 
acceptable authorities  
16   Gulf Manual for conformi ty assessment 
procedures  
17   Gulf Manual for Customs Handling of 
Products and Methods of Registration  
18   Gulf Manual for the Gulf c onformity  mark