Global Project Quality Infrastructure Newsletter

1. THREE QUESTIONS FOR... Alfonso Guati Rojo Sanchez

General Director of the General Bureau of Technical Regulations and Standards (DGN) of the Mexican Ministry of Economy (SE), Technical Secretary of the National Commission for Quality Infrastructure in Mexico

Mr Guati Rojo, what have been important recent developments in Mexico in the field of quality infrastructure (QI)?

Mexico’s QI system is currently undergoing a transition, as the new Quality Infrastructure Law came into force in August 2020. The law aims to involve all governmental levels in QI activities, to elaborate technical regulations and to ensure their implementation to protect public interests. Additionally, we are developing market surveillance mechanisms in different sectors through multidirectional, multidisciplinary and permanent programmes.

The German-Mexican Dialogue on QI focuses on different topics ranging from cybersecurity to machinery safety and rail transport. Could you name one achievement to which the working group was able to contribute?

I would like to look at the cooperation with the Mexican Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (STPS) and the topic of machinery safety. Together with German experts, the technical regulation NOM-004-STPS on machinery safety and equipment in the workplace was updated for the first time after more than 20 years. Through the cooperation with GPQI, the NOM now considers new developments and thus contributes, hopefully, to safer workplaces. NOM-004-STPS will be published soon.

Given the increasing relevance of green topics such as electromobility and circular economy, how do you see the Mexican QI system dealing with these new realities?

The Mexican Ministry of Economy (SE) oversees the implementation of the Agenda 2030. This allows us to address green topics in a cross-cutting approach. SE is working together with GPQI, government agencies and the private sector to identify needs regarding technical regulations and standards in the field of electromobility. Mexico has also recently enacted its own law on circular economy. We are convinced that QI is of utmost importance to set the right framework to successfully achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Alfonso Guati Rojo Sanchez

2. EVENTS

3. NEWS FROM OUR PARTNER COUNTRIES

Metrology ensures comparability and reliability

International cooperation is key in the application of metrology. © GIZ-GPQI / Reilly Dow

2021-12-23

The workshop “Metrology: A basis for comparability and cooperation” took place on 17 November at the National Metrology Institute of Mexico (Centro Nacional de Metrología - CENAM). Distinguished speakers from the public and private sector of both countries discussed the role of metrology as an important pillar of quality infrastructure (QI), its relevance in the cooperation with the private sector and its role for international trade. Read more...

WG Product Safety discusses digitalisation and sustainability

Liu Min (SAMR) and Dr Ole Janssen (then: BMWi). © GIZ-GPQI

2021-12-20

On 14 December 2021, the Working Group Product Safety (WGPS) met online for its Annual Meeting. They discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used for market surveillance in e-commerce. The challenges and opportunities of the circular economy for product safety and the introduction of a digital product passport were also in the focus. Read more...

Raising awareness for industrial security in Industrie 4.0

The workshop on industrial security for Industrie 4.0 took place virtually. © GIZ-GPQI

2021-12-09

The first session of the workshop series "Industrial security in the context of digitalisation and Industrie 4.0" focused on the importance of industrial security standards. Experts gave an insight into the strategies of the German and Indonesian governments on security for Industrie 4.0. Representatives from the business community shared their perspectives on how industrial security should be implemented. Read more...

India announces new regulations for chemicals

India announced new QCOs for chemicals. © Julia Koblitz / Unsplash

2021-12-21

4. PUBLICATIONS

Quick Guide: Global Production Language (OPC UA)

The cover page of the OPC UA quick guide. © GIZ-GPQI

The quick guide "Global Production Language - Connect old machines using new Industrie 4.0 standards" ("Linguagem global para Produção - Conecte suas máquinas antigas usando o novo "plug da indústria 4.0") was developed by a group of industry experts as part of the German-Brazilian Dialogue on Quality Infrastructure. It is based on the practical experience of Brazilian SMEs and aims to highlight the main benefits of adopting open communication standards in Industrie 4.0 retrofitting projects. The guide is available in Portuguese. Read more...

The quick guide is available for download.