From now on US importers will be held responsible for imported goods that do not meet the American safety standards, said Ali el Leithi, the chairman of the commercial representation authority.

This is part of measures imposed by the US Food and Drug Administration on foreign imports in November, he noted.

The administration also endorsed a program defining parties responsible for revising safety measures, Leithi said, adding that the program will go into effect as of January 26.

Responsible parties will issue certificates stating that imports are up to the US safety standards, Leithi further said.