Amman: Jordan's Standards and Metrology Organization (JSMO) is intensifying its efforts to align its systems with international benchmarks, focusing on product safety, competitiveness, and supporting the national economy, according to Abeer AlZuhair, the director general of JSMO.
According to Jordan News Agency, during a Government Communication Forum meeting with media representatives, themed "The role of the Standards and Metrology Organization in supporting the competitiveness of the national economy," AlZuhair highlighted JSMO's role in monitoring local products, imports, and exports to ensure compliance with approved technical regulations. She emphasized the organization's achievements in collaboration with other agencies and the significant role of consumers in reporting violations.
AlZuhair stated that JSMO is recognized internationally for its contributions to quality of life and economic competitiveness. The organization aims to build trust in product quality and safety by adopting best practices, upgrading conformity assessments, developing national standards in line with international ones, and enhancing institutional performance based on excellence criteria.
Jordan's ranking improved to 67th in the 2025 Quality Infrastructure Index, moving up from 72nd in 2022. AlZuhair detailed the agency's responsibilities, which include issuing standards, conducting market surveillance, verifying imported products, managing the national measurement system, calibrating instruments, overseeing the quality of precious metals, and granting conformity certificates, including the Jordan Quality Mark. JSMO also accredits conformity assessment entities and collaborates with regional and international organizations.
JSMO maintains partnerships with the Jordan Customs Department, the Food and Drug Administration, various ministries, and the Jordan Chamber of Industry and Commerce, among others. It is a member of several international standardization bodies, including the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Over the past three years, JSMO has gained recognition from the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), enhancing trust in its accreditation certificates. The organization has expanded its inspection activities to include imported vehicles and gas tank meters and has introduced organic certification services to facilitate the export of Jordanian farm products to Europe.
AlZuhair also mentioned that the institution received recognition from the Islamic Development Department for its halal certificates, positioning Jordan as a hub for halal products. JSMO has signed memoranda of understanding with counterparts in Iraq, the UAE, Palestine, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, as well as six local agreements to enhance cooperation.
Regarding vehicle gas conversion, AlZuhair noted that while a committee will follow up on standards, the process is not yet under JSMO's purview. She emphasized the importance of safety requirements and proper calibration of equipment at testing centers, with four centers currently approved and others under review.
AlZuhair also addressed the regulation of e-cigarettes and online trade, stating that the Public Security Directorate's cybercrime unit monitors online ads, while JSMO inspects products referred by customs' e-commerce center. Efforts are underway to regulate online trade in coordination with national bodies.
On the issue of counterfeit trademarks, AlZuhair explained that border checks and an anti-counterfeiting unit handle violations, with penalties including product confiscation, destruction, or return to source, and potential referral to prosecutors.
Looking forward, AlZuhair outlined plans for a new "Product Safety System" in line with the national quality policy, which will include new technical regulations, alignment with World Trade Organization requirements, and recognition of conformity assessment bodies. The organization plans to expand oversight to cover medical devices and electric vehicle chargers, introduce eco-labels, and develop halal certification for cosmetics.
AlZuhair highlighted JSMO's participation in 58 ISO technical committees and collaborations with various international organizations. The session concluded with a Q and A between AlZuhair and media representatives.