"The Standards and Metrology Board approves and updates 402 new and revised standards."
The Standards and Metrology Board Holds Its Second Meeting of 2024 and Approves and Updates 402 Standards
The second meeting of 2024 for the Board of Directors of the Palestinian Standards and Metrology Institution (PSMI) was held today, chaired by the Minister of National Economy, Khaled Al-Osaily, and attended by the Institution’s Director General, Eng. Haider Haja.
The meeting focused on several strategic issues aimed at advancing the national industry and enhancing its competitiveness in both local and international markets.
During the session, the Board approved 28 new Palestinian standards and updated 73 existing standards in various sectors, including construction products, cosmetics, food products, textiles and clothing, medical devices and supplies, metallic materials, electrotechnical products, agricultural products and crops, petroleum derivatives, surfactants, paints and varnishes, plastics, furniture, and personal protective equipment.
Additionally, the Board endorsed 100 previously reviewed standards, confirming their continued validity. It also approved the cancellation of 13 standards, as recommended by technical committees, after a five-year period in accordance with standard preparation guidelines.
The Board also reviewed the PALGAP system for Good Agricultural Practices in animal production, the first national system for the quality of Palestinian agricultural products. This system was developed by the national team formed by PSMI and is tailored to Palestinian specificities while aligning with the GLOBALG.A.P. system. It complements the existing good practices system for plant production.
Furthermore, the Board approved the Guidance Manual for Good Storage and Distribution Practices of Medical Products.
The Board also adopted the 2023 Annual Report of the Institution, which presents a comprehensive overview of its activities and achievements during the fiscal year. In 2023, the Institution provided approximately 24,077 services to the Palestinian business community and public sector—representing a 16% increase compared to 2022, and a 388% increase compared to 2013.
Throughout the reporting period, PSMI's efforts contributed significantly to improving the business environment by developing various mandatory technical regulations and standards, supporting national companies through continuous training and qualification, issuing certificates of conformity and quality marks, and delivering technical services, including measurement and calibration.
Moreover, the Institution worked to strengthen national capacities in areas such as energy efficiency and reliance on local resources to promote self-sufficiency in light of the absence of external funding, while also enhancing social responsibility.