ASTM International, the U.S.-based standards-development organization, announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the national standards body of China, the Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China (SAC). ASTM says the action will accelerate the development of product and testing standards in China.
The memorandum of understanding "is a great step forward to encouraging greater access to ASTM standards in China as well as a bigger voice by Chinese experts in the content of ASTM standards," says James Thomas, ASTM International's president.
With the memorandum, ASTM International and SAC agreed to explore cooperation opportunities for standards development in areas of mutual interest; promote communication and knowledge between the two organizations; and promote greater Chinese participation in the ASTM standards-development process.
Under the agreement, ASTM will annually provide the full collection of ASTM standards to China's Standardization Administration; jointly sponsor standards and training programs; provide participating membership on ASTM technical committees to SAC representatives; and provide internship programs for SAC experts at ASTM International headquarters.
In exchange, the SAC will promote the acceptance and use of ASTM standards in China; utilize the resources of ASTM International to develop Chinese National Standards and reference ASTM standards where applicable in Chinese National Standards; and provide access to current ASTM standards, including a link to ASTM International's Web site on the SAC home page. The SAC will also facilitate connections between Chinese technical experts and ASTM International technical committees to ensure that the standards meet the needs of Chinese industry.
