Legal Background
In 1990, law No. 4 on “Standards and Metrology System” established the “Advisory Committee for National Standards” ACNS, amended in 2002 with Law No. (16), establishing Qatar General Organization for Standards and Metrology (QGOSM). In 2009, QGOSM was affiliated to the Ministry of Environment as “Laboratories & Standardization Affairs” with the same activities and scope of responsibilities. Then, according to Emiri Decision No. 44/2014, the organization was re-established and retained its name Qatar General Organization for Standardization (QS) comprising three technical departments: Quality and Conformity Department, Standards and Metrology Department, and Central Laboratories Department.
Key Functions and Responsibilities of QS:
Develop and publish Qatari and Gulf product and service standards (voluntary) and technical regulations (mandatory) with the participation of relevant stakeholders, including industry, academia, and regulatory bodies.
Ensure the high quality and safety of products, commodities, and materials by closely following up new trends and developments in the field of activity.
Participate in relevant international and regional organizations.
Grant the license to use Qatar Quality Mark.
Grant the license to use the Conformity Certificate and Conformity Mark.
Accredit laboratories and non-governmental bodies.
Conduct testing of products, commodities, and raw materials.
Perform in- house and external calibration services.
Perform calibration and stamping of precious metals and gemstones.
Serve as Qatar WTO/TBT National Enquiry Point and Notification Authority.
Representation in Standardization Organizations
International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex).
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).
The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM).
The Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC).
Arab Industrial Development, Standardization, and Mining Organization, (AIDSMO).
GCC Standardization Organization (GSO).