CONTENTS

1. General information on QSAE

2. Standards

3 Conformity assessment and certification

4. Miscellaneous

1. General information on QSAE

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1.1 Just what is QSAE?

The Quality and Standards Authority of Ethiopia (QSAE) is the national standards body of Ethiopia entrusted with the responsible for Ethiopian Standards development in all fields, materials/products testing, calibration services and custodian of national measurement standards/Etalons, product and system certification, provision of standards information, and training.

1.2 Who runs QSAE?

QSAE is a government body reporting to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

1.3 Where can I find the facts and figures on QSAE?

The section ''About QSAE'' of this site provides detail profile of QSAE's achievements, organizational setup, business areas, and related matters.

1.4 How can I keep up to date on QSAE and its activities?

Check out this site regularly, especially our ''News'' section.

1.5 Who pays for QSAE?

QSAE is financed from fees collected for the services it renders and also from Government subsidy as required.

1.6 Can one become a member?

QSAE is a Government agency and as such membership of the policy-making organ (Board of Management) of the Authority is decided by the Government. Information on membership for obtaining packaged Quality and Standards services is given under the section "Technical Information" of this site.

1.7 Where can I find out what standards QSAE has to offer?

The online catalogue under the section ''Ethiopian Standards'' of this site provides lists of published Ethiopian standards and other publications like handbooks.

1.8 Does QSAE provide courses on standardization and related activities?

QSAE provides training on quality management, standardization, food quality and safety, and related subjects. Information about training courses is given in the section ''Training and Education'' of this site.

2. Standards

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2.1 What can I do if I’m looking for a standard, but I’m not sure if it exists?

Browse the list of Ethiopian Standards arranged in accordance with the International Classification for Standards (ICS). In addition, the online catalogue provides a search engine which allows you to search by keyword or reference number. Further assistance is available on the ''Help''' page and by contacting our Documentation and Technical Information Group: [qsae@ethionet.et].

2.2 Where can I find links to other standards bodies (international, regional or national)?

Consult the World Standards Services Network (WSSN), accessible via the QSAE home page. It contains links to international, regional and national standardization bodies, including international and regional organizations which develop standards in their specialized subject area, in addition to their principal activity.

2.3 How can I find out which Ethiopian Standards are equivalent to other standards (international, regional or national)?

Ethiopian Standards identical with ISO, OIML, IEC etc standards have designations that include the number of the adopted standards.

For example, ES ISO 759:2001 means the Ethiopian Standard is identical (technically and presentation wise) with the International Standard ISO 759:1981.

2.4 Can I access Ethiopian Standards online or through some other electronic database?

Not at the present time, but drafts for comments are freely accessible (downloadable).

2.5 Can I order Ethiopian Standards and publications online?

This service is not presently available.

2.6 Where can I obtain technical assistance on Ethiopian Standards?

All enquiries for technical assistance should be sent to the Documentation and l Information Service:[qsae@ethionet.et].

2.7 Can I reproduce material from Ethiopian Standards?

Consent should be obtained in writing from QSAE to reproduce materials from Ethiopian Standards.

2.8 What can I expect to find in an Ethiopian Standard?

Ethiopian Standards are prepared on products, services, systems and processes specifying technical requirements, terminologies, test and sampling methods and other aspects.

2.9 Technology moves on – what about Ethiopian Standards?

Ethiopian Standards are frequently updated. The general rule is that all Ethiopian Standards must be reviewed at least every 5 years by the responsible technical committee.

2.10 Does QSAE have standards for everything?

No. Ethiopian Standards are prepared in cases where there is a repetitive and common problem to be solved by standardization and also if interest is shown by stakeholders to participate in the standards development work.

2.11 What other products does QSAE offer?

In addition to Ethiopian Standards, QSAE's products certifying products, providing testing and calibration services, technical info on standards and related documents, and training on standardization and related subjects.

The complete lists of our products are available in sections via the home page of this site.

2.12 How does QSAE decide what standards to develop?

Thru periodic needs surveys and also from proposals submitted form stakeholders at the national level.

2.13 Who actually develops Ethiopian Standards?

Stakeholders at the national level who are made up of suppliers, buyers, regulators and other members of technical committees.

2.14 How are Ethiopian Standards developed?

Ethiopian standards are developed by technical committees comprised of members from industry, trade, government bodies and other stakeholders as well as individuals who have the requisite expertise.

The development stages of Ethiopian standards are described in the section ''Ethiopian Standards'' of this site.

2.15 What should I do if I want to take part in the development of a standard?

Participation in Ethiopian Standard development is open to all interested by attending committee meetings and/or commenting on Draft Ethiopian Standards. Contact the Standards Development Group for more info:[qsae@ethionet.et].

2.16 Are Ethiopian Standards mandatory?

Some Ethiopian Standards are made mandatory/compulsory by the Ethiopian Government the list of which is given under the section ''Inspection and Certification'' of this site. The general rule for making the enforcement of Ethiopian Standards mandatory is health, safety, environmental protection, consumer protection for items of strategic value and related considerations.

3. Conformity assessment and certification

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3.1 What does ''conformity assessment'' mean?

At its simplest, "conformity assessment" means checking that products, materials, services, systems or people measure up to the specifications of a relevant standard. For example, a customer may want to check that the product he or she ordered from a supplier meets the purpose for which it is required. One of the most efficient ways to do this is when the specifications of the product have been defined in a standard. That way, both supplier and customer are on the same wavelength, even if they are based in different countries, because they are both using the same references.

3.2 What does ''certification'' mean?

The internationally-accepted definition of ''Certification'' according to ISO/IEC Guide 2 is: a procedure by which a third party gives written assurance that a product, process or services conforms to specified requirements. Certification is taken as one activity of conformity assessment.

The most well-known examples of certification are: management system certification and product certification. Other types of certification would include personnel certification, certification of services, certification of forests, etc.

3.3 Does QSAE carry out conformity assessment and certification?

Regarding conformity assessment activities QSAE provides inspection, testing and calibration services to its customers. Product certification is also offered. More information is found on services offered by QSAE via the home page of this site.

3.4 Does QSAE offer any consulting services for companies wishing to obtain certification of conformity to any standard?

QSAE offers in-depth and tailor-made training programs that may assist certification, but not consultancy services.

4. Miscellaneous

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4.1 Where can I obtain information about import and export regulations?

Regulations relating to the mandatory application of Ethiopian Standards can be found under the section "Inspection and certification'' in this site. Information on other regulations may be obtained on web sited listed in the "Related Web sites" section.

4.2 Can I reproduce material from this site?

There is no restriction on reproducing materials from this site.

4.3 Can I link to this site or one of its sections?

Yes. Like in all links, frequent checks to make sure the link works properly is recommended.

4.4 Can I reproduce material from one of your print publications?

There is no restriction on such publications although informing QSAE on the matter is appreciated.

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