Botswana Bureau of Standards References ASTM International Standards

In a 2008 annual report, the Botswana Bureau of Standards addresses their use of ASTM International standards over the past year. The two standards organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in 2007.

Governed by a 12-member Standards Council appointed by the Minister of Trade and Industry, the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) is the official body responsible for all issues related to standardization and quality assurance at the national level in Botswana. BOBS offers technical services in the areas of standardization, testing of goods, certification of products, industrial and trade metrology, quality management systems, environmental management systems, information and training in quality and environmental management systems.

According to the annual report, BOBS consulted three ASTM International standards in the preparation of Botswana  national standards and referenced dozens of ASTM standards as normative references in their national standards over the past year. The opportunity to utilize ASTM standards as part of the MOU agreement helps BOBS expedite the development of new national standards and regulations.

Dr Elsie Meintjies, managing director at the Botswana Bureau of Standards, believes the 2007 MOU agreement signed by the standards organizations is very beneficial to local industry and government stakeholders in Botswana, saying, “This cooperation is now bearing fruit in that BOBS is able to tap from the vast experience of ASTM International in the area of standards development.”

Meintjies continues, “The use of ASTM standards to contribute to standards development initiatives in Botswana is a positive step in that Botswana standards can be compared with the best in the world. The benefit to Botswana in using ASTM standards in the areas of materials and testing has significantly enhanced confidence in the work of the Botswana Bureau of Standards.”

Initiated in 2001, ASTM International's MOU program promotes communication between ASTM International and national standards bodies worldwide, fostering awareness of the standardization systems of all parties involved. The purpose of the program is to increase greater worldwide participation in the ASTM standards development process and facilitate the development of national standards that will aid health, safety, and environmental and economic conditions. More information on the MOU program can be found on the ASTM International Web site (www.astm.org/GLOBAL).

 
 
 Release #8393/Nov2009
Category
November 5, 2009