South Asian Regional Standards Organization-SARSO

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South Asian Regional Standards Organization-SARSO The South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) is a specialized body of SAARC

SARSO Convenes 7th Meeting of the Sectoral Technical Committee on Building Materials!The South Asian Regional Standards ...
07/09/2026

SARSO Convenes 7th Meeting of the Sectoral Technical Committee on Building Materials!

The South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) convened the Seventh Meeting of the Sectoral Technical Committee (STC) on Building Materials virtually on 2 September 2026, with the participation of delegates and technical experts from the SAARC Member States.

The meeting advanced regional work on the review, development and harmonization of SAARC Standards for building materials. The Committee systematically reviewed five published SAARC Standards, recommending confirmation of two standards and further review of three standards against the latest corresponding ISO editions. It also considered a broad portfolio of draft SAARC Standards covering areas including structural steel, steel tubes and fittings, reinforcement and prestressing products, cement, and ceramic tiles, and agreed on further actions for their review and development.

The Committee also updated its Work Programme and finalized the Project Plan, including Project Leaders and members of the respective Editing Committees for the standards development projects under consideration. The Two-Year Meeting Calendar for 2027–2028 was also reviewed and finalized.

The Committee agreed to hold its Eighth Meeting physically in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in June 2027.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of SAARC Member States to strengthening regional standardization and technical cooperation, contributing to greater harmonization, trade facilitation and quality infrastructure across South Asia.

SARSO BCA Rules and Procedures Drafting Committee Meetings!The South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) Secre...
24/08/2026

SARSO BCA Rules and Procedures Drafting Committee Meetings!

The South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) Secretariat successfully convened a series of virtual drafting meetings on 2, 10, 17 and 22 July 2026 to advance the development of the Rules and Procedures of the Board for Conformity Assessment (BCA) of SARSO.

The drafting process was undertaken in accordance with the decision of the First Meeting of BCA 2021 and Eleventh Meeting of the Governing Board of SARSO 2026, which entrusted the drafting group comprising representatives from Bhutan, India and Sri Lanka with developing the draft Rules and Procedures for consideration by the BCA.

The drafting meetings benefited from the valuable participation and technical contributions of:
• Mr. Karma Wangdi – Bhutan Standards Bureau (BSB), Bhutan
• Mr. Pinaki Gupta – Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India
• Mr. Sujeewa Mahagama – Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI), Sri Lanka
• Dr. Iqra Sharafat – SARSO Secretariat, Dhaka, Bangladesh

The meetings were facilitated by Dr. Iqra Sharafat, Deputy Director, SARSO, supporting constructive deliberations and coordination among the participating experts.

SARSO sincerely appreciates the commitment, technical expertise and collaborative spirit demonstrated by the representatives of the Member States. The drafting process represents an important step towards strengthening the institutional framework of the BCA and advancing regional cooperation in conformity assessment and standardization across South Asia.

Together, we continue to strengthen regional quality infrastructure through collaboration, consensus and shared commitment.

20/08/2026

SARSO Participates in BIISS Seminar on Revitalizing SAARC!

The South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) participated in the seminar titled “Rebuilding Trust, Renewing Regional Integration: Pathways for Revitalising SAARC,” organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) on 06 July 2026 in Dhaka.

A three-member SARSO delegation, led by Dr. Iqra Sharafat, Deputy Director, attended the seminar, which brought together distinguished policymakers, diplomats, academics, researchers, and regional experts to exchange perspectives on the future of regional cooperation in South Asia. H.E. Shama Obaed Islam, Honourable State Minister, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, graced the event as the Chief Guest. During the discussions, Dr. Sharafat highlighted the importance of sustained technical cooperation among relevant stakeholders as a practical means of supporting regional cooperation and integration.

The seminar provided a valuable platform for exchanging perspectives on rebuilding trust, strengthening regional integration, addressing shared challenges, and exploring practical pathways for revitalising SAARC. The discussions underscored the importance of sustained dialogue, institutional collaboration, and collective efforts in promoting sustainable development, and economic prosperity across the region.

As the specialized regional standards body of SAARC, SARSO remains committed to advancing regional cooperation through the harmonisation of standards, facilitation of trade, strengthening of quality infrastructure, and promotion of sustainable economic integration among SAARC Member States.

SARSO sincerely appreciates BIISS for organizing this insightful seminar and for providing a valuable platform for meaningful regional dialogue.

Advancing Regional Cooperation on Food and Agricultural Standards in South Asia The South Asian Regional Standards Organ...
10/08/2026

Advancing Regional Cooperation on Food and Agricultural Standards in South Asia

The South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) convened the 9th Meeting of the Sectoral Technical Committee (STC) on Food and Agricultural Products on 31 July 2026, bringing together technical experts and representatives from SAARC Member States in a virtual session.

The meeting provided an important regional platform to advance the harmonization of standards for food and agricultural products, supporting quality and safety, trade facilitation, and greater technical cooperation across South Asia.

During the meeting, the Committee deliberated on key technical matters and recommended a comprehensive review of eight standards for food and agricultural products through the respective Working Groups.

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Suneeti Toteja, Scientist-F, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India. Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Bhavesh R. Trivedi, Director, Economic, Trade & Finance, SAARC Secretariat, representing His Excellency the Secretary-General of SAARC. Ms. Chenzom, Officer-in-Charge, SARSO Secretariat, welcomed the delegates and highlighted the importance of continued cooperation among Member States.

The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Mr. Enamul Hoque, Deputy Director, Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), followed by closing remarks from the Chairperson.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of the SAARC Member States to strengthening regional cooperation in standardization and advancing harmonized approaches that contribute to safer food, stronger quality infrastructure, and enhanced intra-regional trade across South Asia.

The South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) successfully convened the 11th Meeting of its Governing Board on...
28/07/2026

The South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) successfully convened the 11th Meeting of its Governing Board on 03–04 June 2026 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, bringing together distinguished representatives of the SAARC Member States and international partners to advance regional cooperation in standardization and conformity assessment.

The meeting reaffirmed SARSO's shared commitment to harmonized standards, trade facilitation, consumer protection, and sustainable economic development across South Asia through strengthened collaboration and collective action.

SARSO extends its sincere appreciation to all Governing Board Members, delegates, and stakeholders for their valuable contributions to the successful outcome of the meeting.

Together, we continue to strengthen regional integration through standards for a more resilient and prosperous South Asia.












Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Agriculture and Quality InfrastructureThe South Asian Regional Standa...
28/07/2026

Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Agriculture and Quality Infrastructure

The South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) had the privilege of holding a productive bilateral meeting with the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) on 13 May 2026 at the SAC premises in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of both organizations to advancing regional cooperation through standards, conformity assessment, and sustainable agricultural development across SAARC Member States.

Constructive discussions focused on several strategic areas, including:

• Harmonization of regional standards for agricultural and food products.
• Promotion of food safety and quality assurance systems.
• Capacity building and awareness programs on standards and conformity assessment.
• Development of regional guidelines and best practices for agro-products.
• Support for climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices through standardization.
• Strengthening regional cooperation on testing, certification, and laboratory networking.
• Facilitating intra-regional trade through harmonized technical standards.

Both organizations also agreed in principle to collaboratively develop a regional concept paper/project proposal for submission to their respective Governing Boards. The initiative reflects a common vision of enhancing regional integration, improving market access, strengthening consumer confidence, and contributing to sustainable economic development within the SAARC region.

SARSO looks forward to working closely with the SAARC Agriculture Centre and other regional stakeholders to promote quality infrastructure, technical cooperation, and standards-based solutions that support resilient agricultural systems and inclusive regional growth.

Together, we continue building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous South Asia through collaboration and standardization.




















12/07/2026

Welcome to the Official page of the South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO)

The South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) is a specialized body of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), dedicated to strengthening regional cooperation in standardization and conformity assessment.

Headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh, SARSO serves as the regional organization for the SAARC Member States, working to develop and harmonize regional standards, promote the mutual recognition of conformity assessment results, strengthen quality infrastructure, and facilitate safe, fair, and efficient trade across South Asia.

Established by the SAARC Member States in 2011 and operational since 2014, SARSO brings together the National Standards Bodies of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to advance collaboration on standards, conformity assessment, metrology, accreditation, testing, certification, inspection, and other elements of the regional quality infrastructure.

Through its governing and technical bodies—the Governing Board, Technical Management Board, Board for Conformity Assessment, and Technical Committees—along with its capacity-building initiatives and regional and international partnerships, SARSO supports the removal of technical barriers to trade, enhances product quality and consumer protection, strengthens institutional and technical capacities, and promotes innovation, sustainability, and regional economic integration.

Follow this page for updates on SARSO's work in standards development, conformity assessment, capacity building, and regional cooperation across South Asia.

**Together, we are building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous South Asia through standards, conformity assessment, and regional cooperation.**

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