May 18, 2010

A recent annual report indicates the strength of the partnership between the Standardization Organization for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GSO) and ASTM International that began with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in 2006.  

GSO prepares, approves and publishes Gulf Cooperation Council standards for goods and products, and works with the standardization organizations in member states to develop their production and service sectors, promote intra-GCC trade, protect consumer, environment and public health, and encourage GCC agricultural products and industry. The six members of the GSO are Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Per the latest annual report submitted by GSO, 56 ASTM International standards were adopted as GSO standards in 2009. GSO has also taken part in various training sessions offered by ASTM International to MOU members, including programs on cement and concrete, paint standards, amusement park safety and tire standards.  In November 2009, ASTM staff traveled to Dubai participate in the “Open Forum on the International Best Practices for Standardization,” which was sponsored by GSO.

“Adoption of ASTM International standards and the harmonization of ASTM and GSO standards boost trade between the GCC states and the United States,” says Dr. Anwar Al-Abdullah, secretary general of GSO.

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 #8571