To strengthen competitiveness and meet market demands, many enterprises in Da Nang are increasingly focusing on standards and quality measurement.

Officials from the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology inspect measurement and quality standards at the Central Branch of Southern Gas Trading Joint Stock Company (Gas South). Photo: Thanh Thao.

Strict measurement and quality management

During the first nine months of 2024, the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology, in cooperation with the municipal Department of Industry and Trade, the Market Surveillance Bureau, and the city's Food Safety Management Board, conducted quality inspections across 19 establishments and tested 24 samples. These inspections revealed that two batches of pre-packaged goods did not meet measurement standards. Consequently, the Department of Science and Technology issued a temporary suspension of non-compliant measurement activities and required corrective measures from the businesses involved. These businesses subsequently provided reports and coordinated with manufacturers and packaging units to rectify the issues in upcoming batches.

In another inspection campaign targeting petrol and lubricating oil enterprises, samples were collected to ensure compliance with quality standards. The companies were found to have verified and validated measurement instruments in place, and petrol pumps adhered to the current tolerance standards. Furthermore, the Department of Science and Technology encoded samples and sent them for quality testing as per regulatory requirements. The department also surveyed the quality of various products, including children’s toys, electrical and electronic equipment, LED lights, and helmets for motorcyclists across 15 establishments.

For the verification of measuring devices used in motor vehicle registration centres, the Department of Science and Technology inspected 10 facilities, comprising seven importers of category 2 products and three motor vehicle registration centres. All the facilities adhered strictly to the legal requirements regarding measurement standards and quality. Measurement devices in category 2, such as those used in production and daily life activities, play a critical role.

Annually, the Department of Science and Technology conducts surveys on the management and use of category 2 measuring devices, such as petrol pump meters, calibration and verification services, counterweight stations, and more. This helps the Department of Science and Technology monitor the calibration and utilisation of measuring instruments city-wide, ultimately aiming to create a comprehensive database for these measurement devices within Da Nang. Measurement tools, including fuel dispensers, electricity and water meters, and spring balance scales, are meticulously managed as they are integral to daily life and production.

Continuing to improve measurement activities

In 2024, the Department of Science and Technology continued to implement Decision No. 2102/QD-UBND from the Da Nang People’s Committee, under the "Enhancing and Renewing Measurement Activities to Support Vietnamese Enterprises in Enhancing Competitiveness and International Integration by 2025, with a Vision to 2030" project. The objective is to enhance measurement activities across enterprise production and business operations, as directed by the government.

Da Nang is focusing on major solutions to ensure accuracy in corporate measurement operations. The DoST has actively supported businesses in developing and implementing the Measurement Assurance Programme within their processes. This initiative includes integrating measurement activities directly into business operations, applying national criteria for assessing measurement sectors, and standardising operations of organisations providing inspection, calibration, and testing services for measurement instruments. Moreover, the Department of Science and Technology continues to raise awareness about the importance of measurement in supporting enterprises.

Overall, the Department of Science and Technology has implemented measurement management activities effectively, achieving a 100% on-time processing rate for business files, which has contributed to improving competitiveness for enterprises while meeting the city’s needs for measurement services in production and daily life.

Reporting by THANH THAO - Translating by TRUC VY