Uganda National Bureau of Standards and ASTM International Continue Successful Partnership
In a recent annual report, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) indicates that it continues to reference several ASTM International standards – an ongoing benefit of the memorandum of understanding signed by both standards organizations in 2003.
Established in 1983, the mission of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards is to enhance national development through the application of standards in trade, industry and consumer protection. UNBS currently has 15 technical committees that oversee the development of Uganda standards, including committees on food and agriculture products, mechanical engineering and metallurgy, chemicals and environment, textiles, apparels and leather products, transport and communications, metrology, management systems, consumer products, furniture, energy management, medical devices and halal integrity.
UBNS reports that their analytical laboratories analyzed hundreds of samples using ASTM International standards this past year as they worked on monitoring the quality of imported and domestic products. ASTM standards were used for analysis of samples in various sectors such as textiles, building and construction, water, petroleum, cosmetics, and paper and paper products.
“Before UNBS and ASTM International started cooperating under a memorandum of understanding that was signed in 2003, ASTM International standards were in high demand, but not available in Uganda,” says Mr. George Opiyo, head of the Information Resource Centre Division at UNBS. “As part of the MOU, ASTM provides a complete collection of ASTM standards to UNBS on a quarterly basis. This has made it possible for users both in the public and private sectors in Uganda to gain access to up-to-date copies of ASTM International standards.”
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).
