Standardization News

ASTM International Fuel Standards Adopted in Kazakhstan

The Kazakhstan Institute for Standardization and Certification (KAZINST) has adopted several ASTM International fuel standards over the past year. KAZINST signed a memorandum of understanding with ASTM International in 2008.

Established in 1999, KAZINST promotes international cooperation in the field of standardization as well as harmonization of national standards with international, regional and national standards bodies of advanced foreign countries in order to improve Kazakhstan standards, the quality of domestic products and their competitiveness in the global market.

As part of the MOU agreement, KAZINST submits an annual report to ASTM detailing its adoption and use of ASTM standards over the past year. KAZINST reported that 10 ASTM International standards were consulted in the preparation of Kazakhstan national standards, and 65 ASTM standards were adopted as identical standards.

The majority of the adopted standards are from ASTM International Committees D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants and D03 on Gaseous Fuels. Committee D02 has more than 2,000 international members who oversee 785 standards for fuels and lubricants. Oil and oil products are an important industry in Kazakhstan and one of its principal export commodities.

Initiated in 2001, ASTM International's MOU program promotes communication between ASTM International and national standards bodies worldwide, fostering awareness of the standardization systems of all parties involved. The purpose of the program is to increase greater worldwide participation in the ASTM standards development process and facilitate the development of national standards that will aid health, safety, and environmental and economic conditions. More information on the MOU program can be found on the ASTM International website.