Mongolia Fails to Meet International Standards, Experts Warn
Despite efforts to improve compliance with international standards, Mongolia’s standards landscape remains fragmented and limited, experts say.
Challenges in Developing and Implementing Standards
The Mongolian Agency for Standardization and Metrology (MASM) is responsible for setting national standards and ensuring product safety, human health, environmental safety, and national security. However, the agency faces challenges in developing and implementing standards due to lack of capacity and fiscal constraints.
Priorities and Efforts to Improve Standards
According to officials, MASM has identified improving food quality and safety standards as a top priority. The agency has also adopted and adapted standards from other countries with which Mongolia has important trade ties, including China, the European Union (EU), Russia, and the United States.
Current State of Standards in Mongolia
Mongolia is not a member of any regional body that develops standards, although it is a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Telecommunications Union, and the Pacific Area Standards Congress. The National Council of Standardization approves and adopts national standards after a standardization technical committee reviews and accepts the proposed standard. Mongolia has about 6,210 national standards, with 42 percent based on international or regional standards.
Challenges in Certification Processes
MASM’s certification processes and standards are evolving and often unclear to foreign exporters, which can act as an impediment to imports. MASM is a member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) but not of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). The agency also lacks transparency in its publication of technical regulations, which can make it difficult for foreign entities to comply with local requirements.
Future Plans and Initiatives
Despite these challenges, MASM continues to work towards improving compliance with international standards. The agency is responsible for publishing technical regulations and provides technical support on regulations, although individual ministries are responsible for developing regulations for the laws that fall under their respective portfolios.
Contact Information
- Mongolian Agency for Standardization and Metrology:
- Address: Peace Avenue 46А, Bayanzurkh District, Ulaanbaatar City 13343
- Tel: +976 458-349; +976 263-860
- U.S. Embassy Contact on Standards Issues: