MUSCAT : The programme comprises a package of integrated initiatives, including tighter regulation of precious metals and gemstones, development of the conformity system, partnerships to promote standards across development sectors through the Omani Standards Store, enhanced technical metrology capabilities, establishment of the Omani Accreditation Center, development of the Omani Quality Mark, preparation of the 2026–2030 standardization and quality strategy, and implementation of the ISO 9001 quality management system.

Emad bin Khamis Al-Shukaili, Director General of Standards and Metrology at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, said 2025 recorded notable achievements under the 2025–2028 strategic objectives. Oman signed memoranda of understanding with Bahrain, India, Belarus and Tunisia to strengthen mutual recognition in precious metals and conformity systems.

He added that Oman expanded its international engagement with bodies such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML), and the Arab Industrial Development and Standardization Organization (AIDMO). Five new national standards projects were prepared covering traditional Omani ships, frankincense products, cosmetics, energy-efficient lighting, and smart water meters.

As part of the 2025 plan, nine new standards were adopted alongside 1,009 unified Gulf standards, including 196 developed by Oman. Omani representation on Gulf technical committees rose to 172 members.

In conformity services, procedures were simplified for importers and manufacturers, with more than 135,000 electronic conformity certificates issued, in addition to 79 national conformity certificates, 68 “To Whom It May Concern” certificates, and over 1,163 energy-efficiency labels under the second phase of technical regulations.

On accreditation, the Omani Accreditation Center’s logo was launched, five new testing laboratories were accredited, and more than 109 testing and calibration laboratories were registered or renewed. Registered conformity assessment bodies increased by 6% by October 2025 year-on-year, with 173 bodies licensed within a single year.

Digital transformation also advanced, with five new e-services launched via the unified government portal, re-engineered conformity services, and plans to integrate energy-efficiency labelling into the “Hazm” platform. Completion rates ranged from 85% to 95%, while the Omani Standards Store, the Omani Quality Mark, and precious metals and gemstones regulation achieved 100% completion.

Reflecting these efforts, Oman advanced 57 places in the UNIDO “Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development” (QI4SD) index to rank 60th globally out of 155 countries, up from 117th previously, and placed sixth in the Middle East. The Directorate General of Standards and Metrology continues to work with stakeholders and UNIDO to strengthen indicators tied to standardization and quality policy.

The Directorate has joined 40 international technical committees aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, including solar energy, environmental management, hydrogen, innovation management, and quality management. It also strengthened participation in OIML and the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) by joining seven additional technical committees.

A targeted media plan is being implemented to raise awareness among stakeholders of the importance of quality infrastructure.

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