A recent annual report provides information on the use of ASTM International standards by the Emirates Standards and Metrology Authority (ESMA) in 2009.  ESMA and ASTM signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in 2008.

A Federal United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) Authority established by Federal Law in 2001, the Emirates Standards and Metrology Authority oversees all national standards and technical regulations in the United Arab Emirates.  Like ASTM International, where there are 141 technical committees covering various industry sectors, ESMA has established technical committees in the areas of construction and building materials, electrical and electronic products, chemical and plastic products, and petroleum products and lubricants.

In the report, ESMA states that 10 ASTM International standards were adopted as identical United Arab Emirates national standards and an additional 22 ASTM standards were used in the preparation of U.A.E. standards over the past year. Close to 100 individuals from the U.A.E. participate on one or more ASTM technical committee(s). 

Over the past few years, members and staff from ASTM International have traveled to the United Arab Emirates to participate in various standards-related workshops and conferences and to teach ASTM technical training courses.

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).

ASTM Staff Contact: Teresa Cendrowska, Phone: 610-832-9718; tcendrow@astm.org

Release #8589