Standards and Metrology Board of Directors Takes a Number of Decisions

Standards and Metrology Board of Directors Takes a Number of Key Decisions
April 3, 2022

Chaired by Mr. Khaled Al-Osaily, Minister of National Economy and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Palestinian Standards and Metrology Institution (PSMI), the first board meeting of 2022 was held today. The meeting was attended by Eng. Haider Hajja, Director General of the Institution, and focused on several key topics aimed at promoting national industry and enhancing its competitiveness in both local and international markets.

Key Decisions and Approvals:

• The Board approved the adoption of 30 new Palestinian standards covering various sectors, including:

  • Metallic materials and products

  • Animal feed

  • Cosmetics

  • Fertilizers and agricultural pesticides

  • Tobacco and its products

  • Food products

• The update of 8 existing Palestinian standards was approved, related to:

  • Roads

  • Food products

  • Animal feed

  • Cosmetics

• The Board also ratified the continued validity of 45 standards that had been reviewed after five years of initial adoption, in line with the standard preparation procedures.

Technical Regulations and Inspection Authorities:

The Board recommended designating the competent authorities responsible for monitoring and enforcing the following mandatory technical regulations:

• Technical Regulation (100-2022) on consumer food information: to be overseen by the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and National Economy, each within its respective jurisdiction.

• Technical Regulation (101-2022) on coffee and chicory extracts: to be enforced by the Ministries of Health and National Economy.

• Technical Regulation (102-2022), which amends Regulation (81-2019) on food additives: to also be enforced by the Ministries of Health and National Economy, each according to its specialization.

Other Notable Discussions:

• The Board reviewed the final draft of the Palestinian Electrical Installations Code and agreed to circulate it among members for comments within two weeks. This code was developed to keep pace with modern advancements and to provide professionals with easy access and clarity in implementation. It will be submitted to the Council of Ministers for official approval following feedback.

• The Board reviewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Palestinian Standards Institution and the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control (COSQC) in Iraq. The MoU aims to foster integration in the field of standards and quality and to enhance bilateral trade cooperation, especially in economic and commercial sectors. The Board praised the MoU and recommended forwarding it to the Council of Ministers for ratification and official entry into force.

• The 2021 Annual Report of the Standards and Metrology Institution was reviewed and approved for submission to the Council of Ministers. The report includes the institution’s activities and achievements over the fiscal year. The Board commended the progress made by the institution during the past year.