Bahrain King ratifies, issues law on metrology

Manama : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa yesterday ratified and issued Law 9/2016 on standards and metrology.

The law stipulates that the Standards and Metrology Directorate (SMD) is the only approved body in Bahrain in charge of standardising and controlling the quality of production, developing the standards and issuing the national technical regulations.

The directorate develops, amends and cancels the national standards and submits them to the National Committee for Standards and Metrology to approve them.

The law also stipulates the establishment of the National Committee for Standards and Metrology, under the chairmanship of the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister. Members of the panel, ranked directors at least, shall comprise SMD Director and representatives of five sides related to standards and metrology.

The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry shall nominate three members, while the Minister shall appoint two experienced members.

The Prime Minister shall issue an edict on forming the National Committee for Standards and Metrology, based on the nomination of the relevant parties.

Members will serve for a renewable four-year term. According to the law, Decree-Law 16/1985 with respect to standards and metrology will be abrogated, and any text that contracts its provisions will be cancelled.

The Prime Minister and the relevant Ministries shall implement the law which takes effect a day after its publication in the Official Gazette.

The Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister shall the executive regulation of this law within six months after its takes
effect.