Original or fake: Be your own product inspector in UAE

Are you doubtful whether the product you are buying is genuine? Do you sometimes wish an inspector could guide you through your purchase, to make sure that you are not fooled?

An app developed by Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (Esma) provides a helping hand in the purchase of certain items that it has bought under its scrutiny.

The UAE has plenty of rules and regulations in place when it comes to the distribution of essential items, such as electrical appliances, vehicle tyres, light bulbs, white goods, etc.

Some of these items are regulated by Esma. However, not every consumer is aware of the regulations, and when shopping might feel doubtful whether the right decision is taken.

In order to provide a helping hand, Esma has developed its own app, through which the consumer can perform the inspection required. Tyres and electrical appliances are covered, and more is to come.

In some places in the UAE, tyres that do not comply with Esma or GCC Standardisation Organisation (GSO) standards continue to appear. The tyres are used, not suitable to the UAE or in some cases even fake, while safety of this product is essential. 

A scan function on the app helps consumers identify a non-compliant tyre.

Every tyre must have a sticker, indicating that it complies with the GSO standard for tyres. This sticker should be clearly visible on every tyre that is presented on the market.

“The app has a function where it can scan this sticker, and process the information to produce the details of the tyre for the consumer,” explained Ali Al Naqbi, Head of the Technical Office at Esma.  After the scan has been made, the information rolls out on the app.

But even without the scan the consumer can read the tyre with the help of the app, which displays an interactive tyre. “The interactive tyre explains all the signs and symbols that can be found on a tyre,” said Al Naqbi.

When clicking on the indication ‘ZR’ an information box rolls out. “A tyre receives its speed rating from meeting minimum standards for reaching and sustaining a specific speed. In general, a higher speed rating will result in better vehicle handling,” reads the text.

Also the speed per hour is indicated for every possible tyre designation. B indicates a speed of 50kmph, while Y indicates 300kmph.

Another option leads to an explanation of the temperature grading: “Heat generation under normal operating conditions at recommended inflation pressures. Temperature grades range from A to C, with A being highest rated and therefore most resistant to heat generation.

Another function on the app is designed to help consumers find the most energy saving product. The function is called the Energy Saving Calculator, and measures energy saving of air conditioners, washers and dryers, refrigerators and freezers or water heaters.

“The consumer can calculate how much energy he would save using this product in the way he is planning to use it,” said Al Naqbi.

The details of the product as well as user information are required with questions about appliance type, cooling capacity, usage per day and user type.

For all products regulated by Esma, the consumer can inquire whether it complies with the standards or not, by simply inserting the application number in the app.



 

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