"The Standards and Metrology Board approves and updates 131 new standards."
The Standards and Metrology Institution Board Holds Its Third Meeting of 2023 and Approves 131 Updated and New Standards
The third meeting of the year 2023 for the Board of Directors of the Palestinian Standards and Metrology Institution was held under the chairmanship of Minister of National Economy, Khaled Al-Osaily, and in the presence of the Institution's Director General, Eng. Haider Haja.
During the meeting, several important topics were discussed, the implementation of which is expected to advance the national industry and enhance its competitiveness in local and international markets.
The Board approved 47 new Palestinian standards, and updated 84 existing ones 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 ratified 37 reviewed Palestinian standards, confirming their continued validity, and approved the cancellation of 9 standards as recommended by the technical committees, following a 5-year period since their initial approval, in accordance with the standard preparation guidelines.
The Board also recommended designating the competent authorities for monitoring and inspecting the implementation of mandatory technical regulations. It was decided that the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of National Economy shall be responsible for overseeing the implementation of Mandatory Technical Regulation No. 111-2023, which amends Regulation No. 81-2019 concerning food additives.
Furthermore, the Board recommended assigning relevant regulatory authorities to intensify inspections of various products, including construction stone, footwear, electrical appliances, and construction steel.
The Board reviewed the Guidance Manual for Good Storage and Distribution Practices of Medical Products, and a report regarding the Institution’s accession to the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML). The aim is to facilitate the exchange of technical knowledge, best practices in legal metrology, and benefit from the support provided by the organization to legal metrology authorities. This includes participating in the OIML certification system and attending the organization’s technical committee meetings as an associate member. The Board approved the Institution’s membership as an Associate Member in the OIML.
At the end of the session, the Board reviewed the cumulative report for the second quarter of the Institution’s 2023 implementation plan, as well as the 2024 implementation plan, which was approved. The new plan includes key pillars such as activating e-services and online payment systems for citizens and the business community regardless of location, covering all governorates. It also includes the international accreditation of the Institution’s services to facilitate the acceptance of its certificates in global markets, thereby contributing to increased exports.
Moreover, the plan includes a comprehensive review and digitization of all institutional procedures in line with the national digital transformation strategy