New system to be implemented to check quality of imported products

MUSCAT: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion will start implementation of the technical chart for the conformity system of safety and quality of products imported to the Sultanate in June.

The implementation of the chart comes as part of the efforts of the Ministry to ensure conformity of products to the standard specifications and the technical regulations applicable in the Sultanate.

Emad bin Khamis Al Shukaili, Director General of Specifications and Measurements at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion said that the  technical chart would contribute to enhancement of the safety and security of products.

“The chart would also regulate the actions taken for verification  that the products imported to the local markets meet the requirements set forth in the standard specifications or the applicable technical charts, through approval of such products before entry to the Sultanate by international bodies concerned with conformity of products. These bodies are appointed by the Directorate General for Specifications and Measurements,” he added.

He said that the technical chart aimed to facilitate the customs procedures  and smooth flow of imported goods to the local markets, verification of the product  conformity to before imported from the factory.

The conformity of product is verified through the product conformity certificate issued by the department concerned, which certificate facilitate entry of products to the Sultanate through the border posts.

This procedure saves the time and cost for importing companies, he said adding that it would also lead to increase the direct imports to the Sultanate through direct import from the  factories / manufacturers and ensure that the consumer receives secure and high quality products.

He also reaffirmed that the technical chart would include a number of products, as an initial phase , selected on the mechanism for evaluation of the level of risks of the products  and the preparedness of operators to the procedures which would be applied during the upcoming stage.