In the framework of the preparation of the ACAA agreement (Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products), a study visit organised by TAIEX ( Technical Assistance and Information Exchange Instrument) was conducted to Prague at the Czech Office for Standards Metrology and Testing ( UNMZ), and at the Czech Engineering Test Institute.

The three priority sectors that have been approved by Lebanon and the EU States through the ACAA committee were tackled during this visit. They are:

1. Construction products
2. Electrical equipment (low voltage) and
3. Mechanical equipment (pressure).

The process covered legislation issues, quality infrastructure (accreditation, certification, conformity assessment) standardization laws, and harmonisation and technical regulations.

A particular attention was given to the European experience in product safety issues.
The study visit , comprised of Dr. Bassam Frenn , Director General of the  Industrial Research Institute and Chairman of the  ACAA Committee , Dr. Ali Berro, Director of the Quality Program at the Ministry of Economy and Trade  and Mr. Naji Abi Zeid Program Coordinator of the EU and UN Programs at the Industrial Research Institute.

Parallel to the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding in the fields of conformity assessment, standardization and metrology was signed between IRI, represented by Dr. Bassam Frenn, and the UNMZ, represented by its president Ing. Milan Holecek.