The Qatar Organization for Standards and Metrology has recently announced an initiative aimed at boosting consumer protection rights in the country. The consumer goods sector in Qatar is reportedly under a huge threat, mainly due to the increased circulation of goods that do not conform to official standards, the provision of poor quality services, as well as counterfeiting. With this initiative, the Qatar Organization for Standards and Metrology will soon set up laboratories for inspection, sample testing, evaluation of results, and issuance of product conformity certificates. This means that all imported products will only be allowed into the country once they are issued the conformity certificates.
The Qatar Organization for Standards and Metrology is the sole authority in the country in respect of all issues related to standards, metrology, and quality. This public organization operates in accordance with international requirements and practices in order to develop the quality of products and services in the country and to guarantee the health and well–being of all society members.
By way of background, it is worth noting that the Qatari Council of Ministers ratified on September 27, 2007 a draft law on Border Measures related to Intellectual Property. The draft law was forwarded to the competent authorities for further review and approval. In general, the draft law is expected to contain provisions on customs activities related to the protection of intellectual property in the field of import and export of goods. The draft law aims at strengthening border control measures in order to deal with piracy and counterfeiting and is expected to be consistent with the special provisions of border measures of the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights concluded within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
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