May 03, 2011

The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) reports that it has adopted several ASTM International standards over the past year. SASO signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ASTM International in 2007.

As the sole standardization body in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, SASO is responsible for the development and approval of Saudi national standards for services, facilities, utilities and products.

In a recent annual report submitted to ASTM International, SASO notes that 314 ASTM standards were adopted as identical Saudi standards this year.  The majority of these standards are related to petroleum and roofing, and were developed by ASTM Committees D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants and D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing. Since 2007, SASO has adopted nearly 2,000 ASTM standards as Saudi standards and more than 350 ASTM standards for Saudi Building Codes.

More than 200 technical professionals from Saudi Arabia are participating members on one or more of ASTM International’s 142 technical committees through the MOU program.

H.E. Nabil Ameen Molla, governor of SASO, says the organization has taken advantage of ASTM’s experience to strengthen and develop Saudi standards related to health, safety and the environment through the MOU program.  “Significant cooperation between SASO and ASTM contributes to the development of Saudi standards and supports our country’s growth and expectations,” says Molla.

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 #8865