Standardization News

ASTM and African Organization for Standardization Sign Memorandum of Understanding

ASTM International finalized a memorandum of understanding with the African Organization for Standardization on Feb. 17. ARSO includes more than 30 countries and its headquarters is in Nairobi, Kenya.

James A. Thomas, ASTM president, and Hermogene Nsengimana, Ph.D., secretary general, ARSO, signed the MOU.

"The MOU will strengthen the relationship between our organizations to help meet the needs of people and businesses in Africa and around the world," says Thomas. "In addition, the MOU will aid in the development of standards for health, safety and the environment in ARSO member states."

ASTM and ARSO have established the MOU with the following goals:

  • Promote communications between ASTM and ARSO;
  • Avoid duplication of work;
  • Promote knowledge of each organizations standards development activities;
  • Utilize ASTM resources to strengthen ARSO standards program;
  • Promote greater ARSO member input and content into ASTM standards; and
  • Promote acceptance and use of ASTM standards.

ARSO was founded in 1977. According to its mission statement, ARSO aims "to facilitate intra-African and global trade through providing and facilitating the implementation of harmonized standards." More than half of the countries in Africa are members of ARSO. According to MOU terms, ARSO may update its list of member states listed in the MOU with written notice to ASTM.

For more information on ARSO, visit its website. To learn more about ASTM's MOU program and global initiatives, visit the Global Cooperation section of ASTM's website.


Issue Month
May/June
Issue Year
2015