UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has established a National System for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in cooperation with its government and private sector partners, to ensure the supply of quality products in the market and support the business sector.
The system, which is the first-of-its-kind initiative in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, outlines a set of technical requirements in line with international best practices for the production of face masks, protective and medical gloves, eye shields, medical clothing, chemical sterilizers, disinfectants, and other related products.
The initiative is the part of the central role of the ministry in enhancing the industrial potential of the UAE, supporting the business sector of the country, and developing advanced industries that reinforce the position of the UAE as a world leader in quality infrastructure systems. The guidelines will take effect from the first quarter of next year.
Abdulla Al Maeeni, Director General of Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology said, “The system includes basic products used in the medical sector, including various kinds of face masks, protective and medical gloves, personal eye protectors, protective clothing, chemical sterilizers, and disinfectants, which aim to prevent infection and the transmission of pathogens.”
Abdulla Al Maeeni Director General ESMA
“The new system establishes an integrated infrastructure to facilitate the assessment of PPEs and ensure they are up to the set standards. It also helps boost the national economy by enabling Emirati manufacturers to operate following international best practice, rendering them more competitive in regional and international markets. We will work to develop a plan to implement the new system in coordination and cooperation with the relevant authorities in the UAE. Under the provisions of the project, it will not be allowed to offer, trade, or market any registered products without obtaining the UAE conformity certificate (ECAS) from MoIAT.”
“The system was developed in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Community Protection and the Ministry’s strategic partners, within the context of integrating national efforts and ensuring the quality control of products traded in the UAE market. It prevents the presence of products that do not conform to the UAE standard specification,” Mr. Al Maeeni concluded.
