The Syrian Standards and Metrology Organization is coordinating agreements to unify standards with neighboring countries, aiming to facilitate trade and remove obstacles for Syrian products, while also implementing measures to regulate quality certificates and strengthen vehicle safety standards.
Yaser Alaiwi, the organization’s director, which operates under the Ministry of Economy and Industry, told Enab Baladi that coordination is underway with Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia to activate agreements to unify standards.
Alaiwi explained that the step would help facilitate trade and reduce obstacles to the movement of products, noting that no precise date can be set for its completion because it is linked to several official procedures.
According to Alaiwi, the organization is working to ensure that Syrian standards conform to international standards, which requires traders, importers, and industrialists to comply with them.
He said a local product’s compliance with specified standards represents a “passport” for entering international markets and strengthens its ability to compete there.
The initiative comes as relevant authorities seek to improve the quality of local products and increase their ability to reach new markets, after differences in standards and conformity certification requirements posed challenges for industrialists and exporters.
Alaiwi made the remarks on the sidelines of a panel discussion at the Damascus International Fair, attended by Enab Baladi.
Regulating Quality Certificates
Regarding quality certificates that some manufacturers obtained for export purposes, Alaiwi said such certificates used to be bought and sold before the fall of the former regime.
He added that the organization has introduced a unified guide and circulated instructions to chambers of industry and commerce requiring that any quality certificate be accredited by the Syrian Standards and Metrology Organization.
Applying standards does not pose an obstacle to owners of small and medium-sized enterprises, according to Alaiwi. Instead, it helps them follow the proper path and comply with appropriate quality standards. He stressed that standards are not a luxury and that the organization’s work has begun to become visible after years of marginalization.
Standard specifications serve as a reference for determining quality and safety requirements for goods and services. They also contribute to consumer protection, regulate import and export operations, and limit the entry of non-compliant products into markets.
Vehicle Inspection Standards
Alaiwi said the organization is coordinating with the Ministry of Transport to apply mandatory standards aimed at ensuring safety and security in the vehicle sector.
Transport Minister Yarub Badr had previously highlighted the importance of accrediting technical vehicle inspection centers and verifying the accuracy of their equipment to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. He also called for developing specifications for vehicles permitted for import in line with modern technologies.
Badr also said work is underway to amend the Traffic Law toward stricter safety standards, including specifications for motorcycle helmets and child safety seats inside vehicles.
Alaiwi added that specialized centers affiliated with the Ministry of Transport will test vehicles from various technical and mechanical aspects. Vehicles that pass the tests will be allowed on the roads, while non-compliant vehicles will not be permitted to operate, and traffic police may issue violations against them.
The Syrian Standards and Metrology Organization launched its new visual identity last June.