Standardization
Develop, adopt, publish, and promote Somali Standards (SOS) across relevant economic sectors, supporting product quality, safety, consistency, and trade.
Our Story
Somali Bureau of Standards (SoBS)
Somalia's National Standards and Quality Authority
The Somali Bureau of Standards (SoBS) was established in 2020 under the Standards and Quality Control Act No. 27 of 2020 to strengthen Somalia's national quality infrastructure and promote confidence in products, services, and measurements.
Headquartered in Mogadishu and operating under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Resources, SoBS serves as the national institution responsible for standardization, metrology, testing, certification, and conformity assessment.
Through the development and adoption of Somali Standards (SOS), conformity assessment, certification programmes, import inspection, and market surveillance, SoBS works to improve product and service quality, support consumer protection, facilitate trade, and strengthen the competitiveness of Somali businesses.
SoBS also engages with regional and international standardization frameworks, including ISO, ARSO, SMIIC, Codex Alimentarius, and WTO/TBT-related activities, supporting the alignment of Somalia's quality infrastructure with internationally recognized practices.
At a glance
- Established
- 2020
- Headquarters
- Mogadishu, Somalia
- Parent ministry
- Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Resources
International engagement
- ISO
- ARSO
- SMIIC
- Codex Alimentarius
- WTO/TBT
Mandate
Key Responsibilities
Core functions assigned to SoBS under the Somali Standards and Quality Control Act No. 27 of 2020.
Metrology
Support reliable measurements through measurement accuracy, calibration, verification, and traceability to recognized measurement standards.
Certification
Assess products and services against applicable requirements and administer SoBS certification programmes, including Quality Mark, Platinum Mark, Halal Mark, SCC, and Tier-1.
Import Inspection
Assess applicable imported goods against relevant standards and conformity requirements through inspection, document verification, and testing where required.
Market Surveillance
Monitor products available in the Somali market, identify potential non-compliance, and support appropriate corrective measures through documented inspection and review processes.
International Cooperation
Participate in regional and international standardization activities, technical cooperation, standards harmonization, and quality infrastructure development.
Who we serve
How SoBS Serves Somalia
Consumers
Supporting product safety, quality, and confidence through standards and conformity assessment.
Businesses & Manufacturers
Helping organizations understand and demonstrate compliance with applicable standards and certification requirements.
Importers & Traders
Providing access to relevant standards, inspection procedures, and conformity requirements for applicable imported products.
Government & Institutions
Supporting quality infrastructure, technical standardization, and relevant compliance activities.
Legal Framework
SoBS operates under the Somali Standards and Quality Control Act No. 27 of 2020 and related regulations governing inspection, certification, conformity assessment and quality marks.
- ›Somali Standards and Quality Control Act No. 27 of 2020
- ›Regulation on Inspection and Verification of Quality Control of Goods Entering the Federal Republic of Somalia (2023)
- ›Regulation on Export, Certificates and Quality Marks (2023)
Get started
Explore SoBS Services
Somali Standards CatalogueBrowse and purchase Somali Standards (SOS).Certification ServicesQuality Mark, Platinum Mark, Halal Mark, SCC and Tier‑1 requirements.Online ApplicationsApply and track applications on SoBS Online Services (IMIS).Public Certificate VerificationVerify certified companies and products in the Public Directory.