ADDIS ABABA – The Ethiopian Conformity Assessment Enterprise (ECAE) announced that it is ensuring import-export products comply with local and international standards by utilizing cutting-edge laboratory equipment purchased for 50 million USD.
The Enterprise conducts quality conformity assessments supported by its laboratories, which are equipped with modern testing equipment and staffed by experts to maintain international standards.
ECAE’s Director General, Eng. Meaza Abera told The Ethiopian Herald that the enterprise has been working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the quality of import-export products.
“For instance, ECAE has bought a 50 million USD worth laboratory equipment essential for product quality conformity,” she said.
In this regard, ensuring the quality of soil fertilizers is among ECAE’s mandates to protect the health of the country’s soil, Meaza stated.
According to her, over 400 items are currently being assessed through ECAE, representing a significant increase compared to the number of items evaluated by the enterprise five years ago. The enterprise also provides conformity assessment services to the East African region.
“Ethiopia needs to export products of the highest quality that are internationally competitive to achieve significant outcomes in the sector. ECAE plans to expand its services by utilizing new technology in the coming period for the same purpose,” she noted.
She further emphasized that product quality assurance should not be left to a single entity but rather requires the engagement of multiple stakeholders, including ECAE, producers, traders, and others.
Meaza mentioned that the European Union Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) focuses on ensuring that products placed on the EU market are deforestation-free and comply with relevant domestic legislation.
Accordingly, she advised that an effective management system, geo referencing mechanisms for products, and similar measures would play a significant role in identifying product traceability and determining the origin of specific products.
Recently, Ethiopia has launched the National Quality Village (NQV), constructed at a cost of more than 5.3 billion Birr. This initiative showcases the country’s commitment to becoming globally competitive in high- quality product exports.
ECAE is the leading conformity Assessment body providing testing, inspection and certification services in Ethiopia.
BY MESERET BEHAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 9 APRIL 2025
