Robust standards and technical regulations are critical to the success of the U.A.E.’s economic and social development. Standards give individuals confidence that products will function as advertised, interoperate with other products, and do them no harm while supporting government efforts to protect public health and the environment. At the same time, they ensure that businesses have reliable inputs for their production processes, and can access a national market for goods, all while facilitating international trade.
In the U.A.E., the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) is the official national standardization body. ESMA is mandated to formulate and issue national standards as well as adopt international standards and mandatory standards issued via binding resolutions of the U.A.E.’s Council of Ministers.
Thanks to its close working relationship with ESMA, the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council serves as a source of information about ESMA’s activities, ensuring that member companies stay abreast of U.A.E. standards and regulations. In this regard, the Council partnered with ESMA to publish a primer on technical regulations and standards in the U.A.E. It has also worked with ESMA’s media office to publish periodic updates on important initiatives.
At the same time, the Business Council leverages relationships with U.S. and U.A.E. officials alike to create platforms for industry to discuss evolving U.A.E. standards and technical regulations. As well, it helps serve as the collective voice of the U.S. business community regarding industry concerns.
The Business Council is also proud to count ASTM International among its members. ASTM International is a globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of voluntary consensus standards. Today, over 12,000 ASTM standards are used around the world to improve product quality, enhance health and safety, strengthen market access and trade, and build consumer confidence. In September 2019, the U.A.E. became home to an official ASTM International chapter.
