Qatar is set to enforce a new regulation aimed at significantly improving water conservation across the country. The Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), working with the Qatar General Organization for Standards and Metrology (QGOSM), announced the mandatory implementation of the GCC technical regulation for water conservation devices, beginning February 24, 2026. This move aligns Qatar with broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) sustainability efforts and seeks to reduce water waste.
The regulation will impact a wide range of plumbing fixtures commonly used in residential, commercial, and public settings throughout Qatar. According to the official announcement, this includes showerheads, faucets (kitchen, restroom, and ablution), toilet flushing systems, and flow regulators. The initiative is part of Qatar’s ongoing commitment to responsible resource management in a region facing increasing water scarcity.
Mandatory Water Conservation Standards in Qatar
The core of the regulation centers on establishing stringent technical requirements for water efficiency. All covered products must meet these standards, which are harmonized with those of other GCC member states. This standardization is intended to facilitate trade and ensure a consistent approach to water management across the region.
A key component of the new rules is the requirement for a GCC Green Label on all regulated products. This label will clearly display the water consumption rate – measured in liters per minute or per flush – a GCC conformity mark with a unique traceability code (GCTS), and a star rating indicating the product’s overall water efficiency. This transparency is designed to empower consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.
Conformity Assessment and Responsibilities
Manufacturers bear the primary responsibility for ensuring their products comply with the regulation. They are required to undergo a conformity assessment process based on ISO/IEC 17067, utilizing an accredited third party. This involves submitting technical documentation and undergoing testing of representative samples.
The conformity assessment must be renewed every three years to maintain compliance. Interestingly, the regulation specifies that while manufacturers are responsible for conformity, importer data will be linked at a national level across all GCC countries. This aims to improve supply chain oversight and accountability.
Kahramaa, through its “Tarsheed” national program for conservation and energy efficiency, is actively preparing suppliers for the upcoming changes. The program is conducting awareness campaigns to explain the technical requirements and documentation needed for compliance. Related efforts include promoting the use of the Green Label and GCTS code at retail locations.
To further support the implementation, a comprehensive workshop will be held on December 16, 2025. This event will bring together suppliers and stakeholders to address technical questions and clarify the practical aspects of adhering to the new regulation. The workshop is expected to provide detailed guidance on the conformity assessment process and the use of the GCC Green Label.
The “Tarsheed” program, launched in 2012, has already yielded substantial improvements in both electricity and water efficiency within Qatar. According to Kahramaa, the program has fostered a greater awareness of sustainability and responsible resource consumption. This new regulation builds upon that foundation, aiming to accelerate progress towards Qatar’s national sustainability goals. The initiative also supports broader regional efforts to address water scarcity and promote environmental sustainability.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on ensuring widespread awareness and preparedness among suppliers before the February 24, 2026, enforcement date. The effectiveness of the regulation will depend on consistent monitoring of compliance and the accuracy of the GCTS traceability system. It remains to be seen how quickly the market adapts and whether consumer behavior shifts towards more water-efficient products, but the initiative represents a significant step forward in Qatar’s commitment to responsible water management.
