Syrian Arab Standards and Metrology Organization

The Syrian Arab Organization for Standardization and Metrology (SASMO) was established on October 13, 1969, by decree-law No. 248, under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry. Recognizing the critical role that standardization and metrology play in enhancing economic growth, improving product quality, facilitating trade, reducing production costs, protecting consumers, and increasing the competitiveness of Syrian products in international markets, SASMO was instituted as a pivotal national authority.

Objectives of SASMO

SASMO focuses on several fundamental objectives aimed at maintaining and improving national standards:

  1. Developing and Accrediting National Standards: Establishing standards for various products, measurement procedures, calibration, and testing methods to ensure quality and consistency.
  2. Updating Standards: Continuously modifying standards to align with evolving scientific and technological advancements.
  3. Promoting Awareness: Educating stakeholders and coordinating nationwide efforts related to standardization and quality control.
  4. Certification and Quality Marks: Setting guidelines for granting conformity and quality certificates, ensuring fair competition, and protecting consumer rights.
  5. International Collaboration: Engaging actively with international and regional standardization organizations to keep Syria’s standards aligned with global practices.

Tasks Performed by SASMO

SASMO executes a wide array of tasks crucial for maintaining quality across industries:

  • National Standards Issuance: Producing national standards to elevate product quality and ensure consumer protection.
  • Standardizing Methods: Unifying testing, measurement systems, and terminology to maintain clarity and reduce errors.
  • Research and Development: Conducting studies to assess the adequacy of standards and addressing quality-related issues proactively.
  • Education and Training: Organizing symposiums, workshops, and training programs highlighting the significance of standardization.
  • Information Dissemination: Providing up-to-date information on standards at local, regional, and international levels through SASMO’s dedicated information center.
  • Advisory Services: Offering expert guidance to industrialists, artisans, and traders to promote quality assurance practices.
  • Quality Certification: Facilitating national industries’ entry into global markets by promoting international certifications like ISO 9000 and granting conformity and quality marks.

Membership and International Cooperation

SASMO maintains memberships with notable international organizations, enhancing its capabilities through global collaboration:

  • AIDMO: Arab Industrial Development and Mining Organization.
  • ISO: International Organization for Standardization.
  • IEC: International Electro-Technical Commission.
  • FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (National Contact Point).
  • OIML: International Organization of Legal Metrology.
  • ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials.
  • AUCBM: Arab Union for Concrete and Building Materials.
  • IDF: International Dairy Federation.

Developing Syrian National Standards (SNS)

The development of a Syrian National Standard follows a structured approach to ensure comprehensive validation and accuracy:

  1. Formulating an annual work plan.
  2. Delegating plans to specialized SASMO directorates.
  3. Selecting appropriate references.
  4. Drafting preliminary standards.
  5. Reviewing preliminary drafts by technical committees.
  6. Preparing final drafts.
  7. Engaging relevant stakeholders and collecting feedback.
  8. Incorporating remarks and conducting thorough technical reviews.
  9. Performing final language and technical proofreading.
  10. Submitting the final draft to the permanent committee for adoption.
  11. Officially issuing the adopted standard by the Minister of Industry.

Through its strategic framework and robust operations, SASMO plays a critical role in shaping Syria’s economic and industrial landscape, ensuring quality, competitiveness, and consumer trust on both local and international stages.