Standards and Metrology Board Approves 206 Palestinian Standards and Strengthens the National Quality Infrastructure
Standards and Metrology Board Approves 206 Palestinian Standards and Strengthens the National Quality Infrastructure
Ramallah – The Board of Directors of the Palestinian Standards and Metrology Institution (PSMI) held its second meeting for 2026, chaired by H.E. Minister of Industry Mr. Arafat Asfour, and attended by the Institution’s Director General, Dr. Haidar Hajjeh, and members of the Board.
The Board discussed a number of issues and files related to the development of the national quality infrastructure, supporting Palestinian industry and products, enhancing product competitiveness, and improving quality and safety levels. These efforts contribute to consumer protection and strengthening consumer confidence in products available in the Palestinian market.
As part of efforts to develop the Palestinian standards system, the Board approved 206 Palestinian standards, including 116 new standards and 90 updated standards, covering a wide range of vital sectors. These include food products, construction products, cosmetics, medical devices, textiles, electrotechnical products, petroleum derivatives, furniture, personal protective equipment, tobacco, footwear, metals, fuel equipment and fire safety, information and communication technologies, medical laboratories, agricultural products and crops, surface-active agents, plastic pipes and fittings, paints and varnishes, plastics, animal feed, as well as other industrial and agricultural fields.
The Board also reviewed the results of the work of the standards review committees since the beginning of the current year. The committees reviewed 143 Palestinian standards, recommending that 109 standards remain in force and that 34 standards be withdrawn, as part of the periodic review process aimed at ensuring that standards remain aligned with technical and technological developments.
With regard to the implementation of mandatory technical regulations, the Board recommended designating the Ministries of National Economy, Industry, and Health as competent authorities, each within its respective area of jurisdiction, to monitor and inspect compliance with the technical regulations concerning preserved, dehydrated milk products and cosmetics, in accordance with Mandatory Technical Regulation No. (126-2026).
The Board also recommended that the same ministries be designated as competent authorities to monitor and inspect compliance with Mandatory Technical Regulation No. (127-2026) concerning claims permitted for use on cosmetic products.
The Board reviewed the cumulative report on the implementation of the Institution’s executive plan through the end of the second quarter of 2026. The report showed an implementation rate ranging between 50% and 55% of the annual plan, reflecting the continued monitoring of programs and activities and efforts to improve institutional performance.
In support of the agricultural sector, the Board reviewed the Palestinian Organic Agriculture System, which aims to regulate and develop organic products, enhance their quality and safety, protect the environment and biodiversity, support agricultural products, and improve their access to target markets. The Board recommended preparing a comprehensive report on the implementation mechanism of the system.
The Board stressed the importance of continuing to develop the national system of standards, metrology, quality, and regulatory oversight, while strengthening coordination and integration among relevant authorities. These efforts aim to support productive sectors, enhance the competitiveness of Palestinian products, protect consumers, and contribute to strengthening the national economy.
