The Instituto Ecuatoriano de Normalización (INEN) and ASTM International continue to see the benefits of a memorandum of understanding signed by the organizations in 2002.

Established in 1970, the Instituto Ecuatoriano de Normalización, which is attached to the Ministry of Foreign Trade, Industrial Development and Fishery, is the official body in charge of all standardization activities in Ecuador.  It promotes certification and also conducts metrological activities, weights and measures control and consumer protection.

According to the 2008 annual report submitted by INEN, 82 ASTM International standards were consulted as references for the preparation of the Norma Ténica Ecuatoriana (NTE), or Ecuadorian technical standard equivalent, over the past year.  In addition, 41 ASTM standards were adopted as INEN NTE Equivalent National Standards. Many of the standards are in the building construction sector.

Since the MOU signing, more than 150 ASTM International standards on steel and cement and concrete have been referenced or used as a basis for the development of Ecuador national standards, and 88 individuals from Ecuador have joined one or more of ASTM’s 141 technical committees.

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 #8272