A 2010 annual report indicates that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the Standardization Institution of Israel (SII) and ASTM International in 2007 continues to be a success. 

Established in 1953, SII is Israel's official body for the preparation and publication of Israeli standards. SII oversees standardization, testing, certification and training activities and has laboratories in almost all technological areas, providing testing and inspection services to industry and commerce, as well as regulatory services to government.

The Standardization Division coordinates the preparation of Israeli standards through approximately 600 technical committees and task groups made up of representatives from all sectors of Israeli economy and society.  There are currently more than 3,000 published Israeli standards, and SII has adopted, adapted and referenced several ASTM standards for the development of those standards.  This year, SII reports that four ASTM standards were adopted as identical/equivalent Israeli standards, and 20 ASTM standards were referenced in the development of new Israeli standards.

“Standardization must always keep up with technology,” says Daniel Goldstein, director general of SII. “Where energy is concerned, this is even more important due to the fast pace of the emerging innovative technologies in this field. SII has set a goal to focus on solar energy this year, and we see the great potential in the cooperation we have with ASTM Inernational.”

Individuals from countries that have signed an MOU with ASTM have the opportunity to participate freely as full voting members in the ASTM standards development process. Approximately 50 technical experts represent Israel on one or more of ASTM’s 141 technical standards development committees.  SII has also taken part in other MOU benefits, such as technical assistance training and the Standards Expert Program (SEP).

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 #8713