On October 7, 2026, Kuwait circulated WTO TBT notification G/TBT/N/KWT/783 concerning GSO IEC 62368-1:2024, Audio/video, information and communication technology equipment - Part 1: Safety requirements.
The GSO record identifies the standard as a current Gulf Standard approved on January 31, 2024 and based on IEC 62368-1:2023. The standard uses a hazard-based safety approach that classifies energy sources and prescribes safeguards to reduce injury, pain and fire-related property damage. The notified measure remains a draft.
Stakeholders may comment until December 6, 2026. The notification indicates adoption 30 days after the comment deadline and entry into force one year after adoption. Manufacturers and importers should compare current safety reports and product designs with the 2024 GSO edition, but should not describe the proposal as final or already mandatory.
Impact
Impact assessment: Medium. The proposal could change the safety standard used for a broad range of AV and ICT products placed on the Kuwaiti market, but it is not yet final.
Who is affected?
Manufacturers, importers, distributors, local representatives, test laboratories, certification bodies and compliance teams responsible for AV and ICT equipment.
Conclusion:
Perform a gap assessment against GSO IEC 62368-1:2024 and IEC 62368-1:2023, identify test reports based on older editions, and submit comments by December 6, 2026 if the proposed transition or technical requirements create market-access concerns. Continue to track the final Kuwaiti measure.
Regulatory Authority
State of Kuwait / Public Authority for Industry (PAI); notified through the WTO TBT system
Regulatory Impact
| Impact Type | Status |
|---|---|
| Top Priority | |
| Type Certificate | |
| Spectrum Bands | |
| Import Changes (HS Codes) | |
| Standard Changes | |
| Product Changes | |
| Label Changes |