UAE to introduce new quality standards for PPE

The new specifications are set to come into effect in the first quarter of next year

UAE residents wear face masks as part of safety measures to combat Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National

The UAE will introduce new specifications for the manufacture of personal protective equipment to ensure the supply of quality products in the market and support the business sector.

The guidelines will come into effect in the first quarter of next year and will apply to face masks, sanitisers, gloves, medical clothing and disinfectants, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology said on Monday.

"The new system establishes an integrated infrastructure to facilitate [the] assessment of PPEs and ensure they are up to the set standards," said Abdulla Al Maeeni, head of the standardisation and metrology department at the ministry.

“It also helps boost the national economy by enabling Emirati manufacturers to operate in accordance with international best practice, rendering them more competitive in regional and international markets.”

Global demand for PPE has skyrocketed since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic earlier this year, with face masks and gloves considered effective in preventing the spread of the infection.

UAE companies are also looking to enter the sector and manufacture new products.

In May, Mubadala Investment Company announced its partnership with industrial company Honeywell to produce N95 face masks as part of its drive to nurture the UAE's manufacturing base and tackle the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We will work to develop a plan to implement the new system in co-ordination and co-operation with the relevant authorities in the UAE, " Mr Al Maeeni said.

"In accordance with the provisions of the project, it will not be allowed to offer, trade or market any registered products without obtaining the UAE conformity certificate from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology."