Bureau of Standards drafts National Quality Policy

Newsday understands the TTBS expects to complete the draft policy “by the end of this calendar year” (December 31, 2016).

An official from the Ministry of Trade and Industry also told Newsday that implementing an NQP “shows Government’s commitment to national quality and standards, as it relates to improving TT’s export competitiveness.

The NQP would apply to everything outside of food and beverage products, which fall under the Chemistry, Food and Drug Division.” A key role of the ministry is to grow TT’s non-energy manufacturing base. In this context, “the role of quality and standards is critical.” The ministry noted, “As authorities are demanding increased compliance with technical regulations and sanitary and phytosanitary measures, TT’s reputation as a provider of quality products and services in the national and international markets must be assured.” Hence the need for an NQP which in turn would provide “an appropriate framework for the development of a National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) in TT.” “Internationally, the quality infrastructure is recognised as a critical support mechanism for social progress and economic development, enabling the participation of developing countries in international trade. This requirement has been recognised in the past by businesses faced with challenges in meeting stringent quality standards abroad and in competing with poor-quality imported products on the local market,” the ministry stated.

Good Regulatory Practice also includes the establishment of laws and regulations, ensuring more relevance, compliance and effectiveness.

“The NQI institutional framework (public or private) is required to establish and implement standardisation, metrology (scientific, industrial and legal), accreditation and conformity assessment services, including inspection, testing and product and system certification necessary to provide acceptable evidence and verification that products and services meet defined requirements,” the ministry said.

The National Quality Policy (NQP) is expected to enhance trade facilitation and market access thereby creating and sustaining a more enabling environment to facilitate increased global competitiveness in Trinidad and Tobago.