Dubai Export Development Corporation (EDC) has signed a MoU with Intertek Group (Dubai), which provides product certification, inspection and laboratory testing services to firms in the UAE.

The deal is especially important for exporters who in many instances need to prove to foreign buyers that their products meet the standards of the importing country or those required by the customer, said an EDC statement.

The agreement allows both parties to a number of benefits such as web links between respective websites, promotion of respective organisations to local and global members and clients, joint seminars and dedicated contact points, mail shots on Dubai export, import procedures and updates on new regulations to members, and provision of sectoral buyer information.

There will also be effective transfer mechanism of EDC members’ enquiries to Intertek while the current structure and proven methodologies adopted by Intertek will be provided to EDC.

During the duration of this partnership, Intertek will provide EDC members inspections, product certifications and testing as well as other export support-related services such as information on product standards in different countries, it said.

Intertek will facilitate export requirements for various programmes such as import regulatory and conformity programmes in neighbouring GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait as well as the wider region such as, Kenya, Nigeria, Iran, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Bangladesh.

Many countries have implemented mandatory legislation for goods being imported and Intertek is approved to issue export and product certification to companies exporting to various countries, the statement said.

This partnership will greatly assist Dubai based firms in meeting export requirements as Intertek is known worldwide for working with government agencies in the area of compliance and standards, it added.

Intertek’s proven verification services and conformity programmes give the assurance needed for EDC members to engage in international trade. EDC is always looking for ways to provide better assistance to local companies in the UAE enabling them to enter and succeed in foreign markets.

David Gregory, vice president of Intertek’s Government Services said:  'We are delighted to be working closely with EDC to provide its members with the services they require to enter foreign markets and assist them in growing their international trade.'

'Intertek has a proven track record in assisting companies in complying with product conformity, certification and inspection requirements for exports from Dubai,' he noted.

Intertek has pioneered Product Conformity Programmes for governments worldwide, helping them implement programmes to improve the quality and safety of their imports. Intertek continues to work with global exporters to ensure that they comply with these requirements and achieve customs clearance.

Intertek has a network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 24,000 people covering more than 100 countries around the world.

Intertek has issued more than 1 million certificates and test reports to companies wishing to export their products to countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, which positions it as the best organisation to assist EDC members.

A major benefit of the MoU will be an Arabic and English hotline telephone number where EDC members can obtain an immediate response to their enquiries in the area of inspections and certification as well as a preferential fee structure, Gregory added.-TradeArabia News Service