Saudi Arabia to lead international ISO committee on wound dressing standards

Saudi Arabia has achieved a significant international milestone by taking over the leadership of the ISO/TC 357 technical committee, responsible for developing global standards for wound dressings and compresses at the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). This marks the first time such a role has been held at the regional level.

This achievement is the result of collaboration between the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority submitted the technical proposal to establish the committee in response to a global need for standardized specifications in this vital field, while the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization coordinated with ISO and national standards bodies in member countries.

The international technical committee was officially formed after the Saudi proposal completed all required technical and organizational procedures at ISO, including evaluation by relevant technical committees, presentation of the committee’s objectives and scope, and discussion of its integration with other international and regional technical committees.

Broad international support for Saudi proposal

The Saudi proposal received backing from 27 ISO member countries, with 13 countries expressing interest in joining as participating members and 21 as observing members, including several global leaders in standards and standardization.

Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, will manage the international committee, which is tasked with establishing standards for terminology, definitions, safety and performance requirements, and testing methods for wound dressings and compresses. This is expected to help raise quality and safety standards worldwide.

Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s global standing

This achievement highlights Saudi Arabia’s advanced position in the international standards and quality system and reflects the global community’s confidence in Saudi expertise and its ability to lead international technical work. It also enhances the Kingdom’s contributions to the development of international standards, aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, and strengthens its presence and leadership in global forums.