The Quality Council of India and ASME Establish Memorandum of Understanding

NEW YORK, May 12, 2008 – ASME and the Quality Council of India (QCI) have formed an agreement that would create opportunities for both organizations to share in the development of standards and conformity assessment activities beneficial to India’s emerging industries and growing economy.   

Drawing upon ASME’s expertise in standards development, the memorandum of understanding with QCI is designed to enhance the ability of both organizations to exchange knowledge in the development of codes and standards.  The agreement will enhance the ability of ASME and QCI in supporting the needs of India’s population by aiding in the development and use of international best practices, standards and conformity assessment for health and safety, and the protection of the environment.

Under the agreement, ASME will assist QCI in the planning and development of personnel certification programs in the critical oil and gas industry sectors, and provide criteria for qualification of third party inspection bodies in these industry sectors. In addition, ASME will provide QCI with industry codes and standards, and explore ways to offer jointly sponsored industry awareness programs. 

Likewise, QCI will exchange information about criteria of qualification of third party conformity assessment bodies and personnel certification program in the oil and gas industries.  QCI will promote the use of ASME codes and standards within India industry sectors and support the awareness of ASME courses and programs.

Established in 1997, QCI is an autonomous body of the Government of India jointly with India industry to establish and operate the National Accreditation Structure for conformity assessment bodies.  QCI exists to help India achieve and sustain total quality and reliability in all areas of life including work, environment, products and services, and at individual, organizational, community and societal levels.

Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization promoting the art, science and practice of mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences.  ASME develops codes and standards that enhance public safety, and provides lifelong learning and technical exchange opportunities benefiting the global engineering and technology community.  ASME has more than 127,000 members worldwide.

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