The training program on conformity and designation requirements for water dispensers, personal electric vehicles, and gas appliances commenced today. Targeting employees of the Directorate General of Standards and Metrology at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, the program is jointly organized by the Ministry and the GCC Standardization Organization, represented by the GCC Standardization Training Center. It will run for three days, concluding on June 24.
The program aims to enhance awareness of the technical and procedural requirements outlined in the 2025 administrative decisions and to build national capacity in conformity assessment and certification. This will contribute to improving the efficiency of product control systems and enhancing the quality and safety of goods available in the market.
The program includes a detailed explanation of the application of the GCC Technical Regulation for Low-Voltage Electrical Appliances to water dispensers, the technical requirements for personal electric vehicles within a specific product list, and the requirements for gas appliances and their accessories. It also reviews the procedures governing designation and conformity issuance within the GCC Conformity Mark system. Emad bin Khamis Al-Shukaili, Director General of Standards and Metrology at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, stated that the program represents a strategic step towards strengthening the quality infrastructure in the Sultanate of Oman and enhancing the efficiency of national personnel working in the fields of control and inspection, keeping pace with legislative and technical developments at the Gulf level.
He explained that the implementation of administrative decisions related to water dispensers, personal electric vehicles, and gas-powered appliances comes within the framework of enhancing safety levels and consumer protection in the Omani market. He emphasized that ongoing cooperation with the Gulf Standardization Organization contributes to developing regulatory performance and facilitating the smooth flow of trade between GCC countries through the activation of unified electronic platforms, most notably the "Hazm" platform.
The program focuses on familiarizing participants with the requirements of administrative decisions, clarifying the responsibilities of relevant authorities, conformity assessment mechanisms, and procedures for issuing unified Omani and Gulf national conformity certificates via the "Hazm" platform, thereby enhancing the readiness of national personnel to implement technical regulations efficiently and effectively. The program employs an interactive training methodology that combines awareness and technical sessions, visual presentations, case studies, and hands-on practical training using the "Hazm" and "Gulf Conformity Badge" platforms. This ensures the development of participants' practical skills and enhances their ability to handle conformity and appointment procedures.
The program is overseen by Mr. Mufreh Al-Wadaani, Head of Training Operations at the Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO), who ensures a comprehensive training environment that guarantees the program's objectives are met. The training sessions are delivered by Eng. Rashid Issa, Senior Conformity Specialist at the GSO and a certified trainer in conformity activities, market research, and regulatory personnel development.
The program allows participants to learn about the procedures and requirements for issuing conformity certificates and the obligations of accredited and appointed bodies. It also equips them with the necessary knowledge and technical skills to participate in the advanced program for qualifying assessors specializing in implementing these administrative decisions.
