UAE to adopt metric system for textile trade

06 Aug '13

2 min read

The textiles sector in United Arab Emirates (UAE) would have to convert the units of measurement used in textile trade to the metric system instead of yards.

The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) has started applying new regulations in all sectors, including textiles, which would be put into effect from 2014, and textile merchants not using the metric system of measurement would face legal action, reports Gulf News.

The resolution is part of a wider program to have unified national measurement and a weighing system which is at par with global standards.

The regulations were to be implemented by November 11, 2011 and were to be enforced on all sectors of industry.

As of now, land measurement unit has been converted from feet to meters and petrol measurement unit has been changed from gallons to liters.

The regulations entered the mandatory phase earlier this year, but ESMA granted a grace period until this year for the textile merchants to adjust to the new system.

According to ESMA, the union of textile merchants in Dubai has requested more time to adjust, and taking their request into consideration, ESMA has given them a grace period until the end of 2013.

The new procedures reflect UAE’s abidance towards its responsibilities as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

ESMA, with the help of local authorities and municipalities, has started an awareness campaign about the change in the measurement system and will soon begin closer monitoring of the markets.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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