CIS countries are working on expanding legislation for the free movement of goods in the market

March 26, Minsk / Lilia Krapivina - BELTA /. CIS countries are working on expanding legislation that promotes the free movement of products and services in the market. This topic was discussed today in Chisinau by the scientific and technical commissions for conformity assessment and accreditation of the Interstate Council for Standardization, Metrology and Certification (MGS) of the CIS countries, the BELTA correspondent was informed by the press service of the Belarusian State Committee for Standardization. Representatives of the national bodies for standardization, metrology and certification of Belarus, the Russian Federation, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, as well as the CIS Executive Committee and the MGS Bureau of Standards took part in the work of the commissions. The agenda of the meetings included about 20 issues aimed at improving the quality and competitiveness of products and services, eliminating technical barriers in mutual trade, and strengthening cooperation in the technical and economic spheres. The participants considered proposals and comments on the draft agreement "On conformity assessment (confirmation) modules and requirements for marking with a unified market access sign." This document will contribute to the harmonization of the legislation of the CIS member states in the field of conformity assessment with international approaches. And the draft agreement is aimed at creating conditions for the free movement of goods and services. At the meeting of the scientific and technical commission for conformity assessment, the progress of implementing the provisions of the MGS Development Strategy for the period up to 2020 was discussed. This strategy is aimed at enhancing the role of interstate standardization, metrological support, and conformity assessment in the development of integration processes in the CIS. This document was adopted at a meeting of the heads of national bodies for standardization, metrology and certification in late 2008 in Kyiv. In addition, the participants of the meetings discussed issues related to holding the interstate stage of the CIS award competition for achievements in the field of product and service quality. More than 20 enterprises from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, and Ukraine are vying for the title of winners. Four organizations represent Belarus: Gomselmash Production Association, Bobruiskagromash OJSC, Polotsk-Steklovolokno OJSC, and Babushkina Krynka OJSC. A draft agreement on mutual recognition of accreditation activities of conformity assessment bodies was discussed, as well as issues of improving interaction with international and regional accreditation organizations. The scientific and technical commissions proposed issues for the agenda of the upcoming 35th meeting of the Interstate Council for Standardization, Metrology and Certification of the CIS states, which will be held in June 2009 in Minsk. Belarus currently chairs the MGS. In addition, meetings of the scientific and technical commissions for standardization and metrology will be held in Belarus in April of this year. -0-