MoIAT (Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology) has recently introduced significant updates to its existing ICV (In-Country Value) guidelines, bringing forth a heightened focus on technological advancement and sustainability. This blog aims to shed light on the novel features incorporated by MoIAT, specifically about the verification of the Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI) Assessment Score and the corresponding Advanced Technology Bonus.
- Verification Process:
One of the key highlights of the updated guidelines is the meticulous verification process for the ITTI Assessment Score and the eligibility for the Advanced Technology Bonus. Entities seeking certification are now required to obtain the ITTI assessment report and submit it to MoIAT for a thorough confirmation of the score. A crucial aspect of this verification involves ensuring that the entity mentioned in the report aligns with the one requesting certification. This alignment is scrutinized based on key parameters such as name, location, and license number. Additionally, the ITTI assessment report must remain valid as of the date of the ICV certificate issuance.
Required Documentation:
Entities navigating through the updated ICV guidelines should be mindful of the essential documents needed for this verification process. These include the ITTI assessment report itself, providing a comprehensive overview of the entity's technological transformation. Furthermore, a confirmation email from MoIAT's ICV Team is required, underscoring the importance of direct communication with the regulatory body throughout the certification process.
Advanced Technology Bonus:
A noteworthy addition to the ICV guidelines is the introduction of the Advanced Technology Bonus, which is now determined based on the latest scoring mechanism announced by MoIAT. This bonus underscores MoIAT's commitment to promoting and rewarding advanced technology and sustainability within the industrial landscape.
1.1. Enhancing Sustainability Credentials: ISO Certification and Green Industries Labeling Verification
Next in the sequence is the verification of ISO 14001/14046/50001 Certification or Green Industries Labeling. Ensure the entity possesses valid certification from an approved certifier in the UAE, applicable throughout the financial year of the ICV certificate. Obtain and validate the necessary documents: a sample of the ISO Certification and/or a sample of the Green Industries Labeling Certificate from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi. Meeting either requirement qualifies for a maximum addition of 1% to the sustainability bonus.
- Sustainability Bonus
2.1 Verification of Sustainability Strategy/Policy
Ensure the entity qualifies for the Sustainability Bonus by obtaining and validating documents confirming the establishment of a sustainability strategy/policy within the UAE. The policy should articulate a clear action plan addressing emissions, raw material usage, water and waste management, and energy optimization. This strategy/policy must be actively implemented throughout the financial year of the ICV certificate.
Required Documents:
- A signed policy or implementation plan (1 sample)
- Evidence of communication regarding the policy to the entity (emails, memos, letters, etc.) (1 sample)
- Evidence of monitoring through Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reports (1 sample)
Meeting all these requirements will result in the addition of 0.5% to the sustainability bonus.
2.2 Advancing Circular Material Practices: Verification of Material Circularity
Ensure the entity qualifies for an additional sustainability bonus by obtaining and validating documents confirming the establishment of a material circularity program within the UAE. These documents should demonstrate the comprehensive nature of the program, targeting "reduce, remanufacture, refurbish/repair, reuse, recycle." The entity should showcase awareness and documentation of the waste impact across all operations. Documentation should include guidelines or standard operating procedures supporting product lifecycle management and encouraging reusability and recyclability. These procedures must be actively implemented throughout the financial year of the ICV certificate.
Required Documents:
- Material circularity procedures or framework (1 sample)
- Evidence of transactions related to material circularity (contracts, invoices, purchase orders) (1 sample)
- Evidence of monitoring through Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reports (1 sample)
Meeting all these requirements will result in the addition of 0.5% to the sustainability bonus.
2.3 Verification of Water and Wastewater Management
To qualify for an augmented sustainability bonus, it is imperative to secure and authenticate documentation affirming the implementation of a water and wastewater management initiative in the UAE. These documents must underscore the organization's dedication to a comprehensive water efficiency management system adopted across the entire entity. The Water and Wastewater Management Standard Operating Procedure should delineate water classifications (green, blue, and gray), elaborate on the digital tools utilized for monitoring, furnish dashboards illustrating water consumption, and present evaluations at the leadership level. These protocols must be actively put into practice throughout the financial year corresponding to the ICV certificate.
Required Documents:
- Water and wastewater management procedures (1 sample)
- Evidence of transactions related to water and wastewater management (contracts, invoices, purchase orders) (1 sample)
- Evidence of monitoring through Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reports (1 sample)
Meeting all these requirements will result in the addition of 0.5% to the sustainability bonus.
2.4 Verification of Emissions Management
To qualify for an elevated sustainability bonus, it is crucial to acquire and authenticate documentation verifying the implementation of an emissions management program within the UAE. These documents should showcase the existence of a structured emissions management initiative, incorporating transparent governance and effective tracking mechanisms. These procedures must be consistently implemented throughout the financial year corresponding to the ICV certificate.
Required Documents:
- Emissions management procedures (1 sample)
- Evidence of transactions related to emissions management (contracts, invoices, purchase orders) (1 sample)
- Evidence of monitoring through Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reports (1 sample)
Meeting all these requirements will result in the addition of 0.5% to the sustainability bonus.
2.5 Verification of ISO 14001/14046/50001 Certification
Guarantee the entity's eligibility for ISO 14001, ISO 14046, or ISO 50001 Certification through the acquisition and validation of relevant documents. Confirm that the entity possesses a current certification issued by an authorized certifying body within the UAE, encompassing the financial year corresponding to the ICV certificate.
Required Document:
Copy of ISO Certification (1 sample)
Paving the Way for Sustainable Excellence
In navigating the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology's (MoIAT) updated In-Country Value (ICV) guidelines, a clear emphasis on technological advancement and sustainability emerges. The rigorous verification processes for the Industrial Technology Transformation Index (ITTI) Assessment Score, along with the introduction of the Advanced Technology Bonus, reflect MoIAT's commitment to fostering innovation and environmental responsibility. Diverse sustainability verification criteria, from ISO certifications to circular material practices, water and wastewater management, and emissions control, challenge entities to align with comprehensive eco-conscious standards. These incremental additions to the sustainability bonus not only encourage compliance but also signify a dedication to sustainable business practices beyond regulatory requirements. Ultimately, MoIAT's updated ICV guidelines serve as a roadmap for businesses to thrive in an era where sustainability is integral to success, contributing to a more resilient industrial landscape.
