Qatar General Organisation for Standards and Metrology (QGOSM) at the Ministry of Environment (MoE) has launched the second phase of control over imported electrical appliances and products.

These appliances include electric ovens, heaters, toasters and microwave ovens.

The voltage, according to Qatari law, should be 240 or 220-240 for single phase and 415 for three-phase systems with an alternation of 50hz.

QGOSM has also issued approved standards for electric wires sealed with PVC and water heaters.

Meanwhile, the QGOSM has issued explanatory ads indicating that electrical appliances and items that do not conform to such approved standards will be denied entry into the country and be banned from circulation at local markets starting from February next year.

Further, all such products should be accompanied by compliance certificates from an independent lab with ISO 17025 certification. Also, the merchant or importer has to submit the bill of lading, a list of the items, invoice, certificate of origin and commercial registration document.

These should be accompanied by an original compliance certificate besides a test report that includes all the required tests to prove compliance with the set standards. This report will be valid for one year when approved.

Accordingly, QGOSM will conduct an intensive inspection campaign in co-ordination with the entities concerned at local markets to ensure compliance. Similarly, random samples will be taken from all imported cargoes and tested before given approval to enter the country.

The first phase covered electric fans and ventilators, irons and hair dryers.