IJCA Vol 4 i1 2025 webmag - Flipbook - Page 36
36 The International Journal of Conformity Assessment
Advanced anomaly detection
Enhancing global trade
Deep learning models are capable of analyzing
images, video, or sensor data to detect subtle product
deviations that may go unnoticed by human inspectors
[6]. For instance, in manufacturing, AI can identify
昀氀aws in materials with a high degree of precision.
By aligning local products with international
standards, AI supports export readiness and builds
trust with global trade partners.
Data integration and analysis
AI systems can aggregate and analyze data from
testing labs, inspection agencies, and certi昀椀cation
bodies, providing a more comprehensive view of
compliance across the entire supply chain.
Challenges and Limitations of AI in Conformity
Assessment
Despite its advantages, the integration of AI into
conformity assessment faces several important
challenges:
Transparency concerns
The “black-box” nature of many AI models makes it
di昀케cult to explain how decisions are made, which can
Case Study: AI in UAE Manufacturing
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a key MENA-region undermine stakeholder trust—particularly in safetycritical applications [10]. For example, in 2021, unclear
country, AI-driven image analysis has been applied
AI-driven decisions during EU certi昀椀cations raised
since 2023 to improve conformity assessment by
concerns among regulators [11].
inspecting manufactured goods. The technology
enabled real-time defect detection and reduced
Ethical implications
manual inspection time by 35% [7]. This example
AI systems trained on biased or incomplete data can
highlights AI’s potential to enhance e昀케ciency and
produce unfair or inconsistent results. A 2020 study
impartiality in testing and inspection processes.
highlighted that underrepresentation of MENA-region
However, integrating such technologies also raises
data led to skewed outputs in certain AI models [12].
concerns about transparency, pointing to the need
Dependence on quality data
for clear and explainable AI decision-making within
AI requires large volumes of high-quality data to
evolving regulatory systems. As this trend continues,
function effectively—a challenge in parts of MENA and
similar applications are expected to emerge—some
CIS where digital infrastructure is still developing [13].
perhaps still underreported—throughout the broader
In Iraq, for example, limited access to reliable records
MENA and CIS regions.
slowed AI adoption in 2023 [14].
Bene昀椀ts of AI for MENA and CIS Markets
The MENA and CIS regions present distinct
opportunities for AI integration, thanks to their socioeconomic diversity and expanding trade ambitions:
Addressing regional diversity
AI systems can adapt to varied local regulations
while maintaining consistency across assessments.
Multilingual AI tools, for example, facilitating
compliance by processing documents in Arabic,
Russian, Turkish, and Farsi [8].
Reducing costs and improving accessibility
Automated systems can lower the cost of conformity
assessment, making certi昀椀cation more accessible to
small and medium-sized enterprises, In Kazakhstan,
AI implementation reduced certi昀椀cation expenses for
exporters by 20% in 2024 [9].
Accelerating market entry
Faster assessment processes enable quicker
product launches. Predictive analytics can also
help companies anticipate changes in regulatory
requirements, giving them a competitive edge.
Regulatory and legal challenges
Existing legal frameworks often lag behind AI
advancements. Questions around accountability,
data privacy, and cross-border data usage remain
unresolved. The GDPR, for instance, provides limited
guidance on how to regulate AI-driven decisionmaking [15].
Resistance to change
Stakeholder resistance can also be a barrier. Some
assessors are skeptical of AI’s reliability or fear it
may lead to job displacement. A 2023 survey in
Saudi Arabia found that 55% of assessors expressed
hesitation toward AI integration [16].
Case Study: AI in Egyptian Exports
Egypt’s agricultural sector began leveraging AI in 2023
to enhance export certi昀椀cation processes—a critical
aspect of conformity assessment for international
trade. According to the Egyptian Export Council [17],
the initiative focused on high-demand agricultural
products such as citrus fruits and vegetables, which
represent major exports to the European Union.