Mar 01, 2010

In a recent annual report, the Instituto Uruguayo de Normas Tecnicas (UNIT) notes that the successful partnership with ASTM International initiated more than 10 years ago continues.  UNIT and ASTM signed a memorandum of understanding in 2001. 

As one of ASTM’s earliest MOU signatories, Uruguay has adapted, adopted or referenced more than 100 ASTM standards in various sectors including metals, concrete, and paint and coatings since 2001.   

This year, UNIT published a complete set of national standards for biofuels, many of which are based on ASTM International standards.  In 2007, James A. Thomas, president of ASTM International, visited Uruguay and encouraged stakeholders to reference ASTM International standards from Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants in the promotion of renewable energy. 

In the past few years, UNIT standards have been established for the use of biodiesel (B100) at 2 % in diesel automotive fuels.  In January 2010, petroleum mixed with biodiesel and ethanol fuels were put on the market in Uruguay at a pilot scale.  UNIT has benefitted from ASTM international biodiesel standards from Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants in this regard.  “This has been a good example of how standards can benefit the energy needs, the environment and society as a whole, and a successful result of the MOU between ASTM and UNIT,” says Pablo J. Benia, general director of UNIT.

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
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org

Release 8513/Feb2010