Standards

The role of the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) is to develop and enforce standards and regulations that enhance the efficiency and viability of the productive sector in Jamaica and ultimately, to protect the welfare of consumers. The BSJ is a statutory body established by the Standards Act 1969.  and operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC). The Executive Director of the Bureau and the Standards Council, appointed by the Minister, have responsibility for policy implementation and the general administration of the BSJ.

In addition to the Standards Act, the operations of the BSJ are governed by the Processed Foods Act 1959 and the Weights and Measures Act 1976. Some aspects of its operations are also carried out in accordance with the Customs Act 1941, the Trade Act 1955, and the Petroleum (Quality Control) Act 1990. The BSJ has both regulatory and developmental roles. In carrying out its regulatory functions, the BSJ:

• Guides the promulgation of national standards which facilitate trade and provide the basis for identifying goods which are a threat to health and safety
• Satisfies international requirements of transparency and global collaboration by maintaining currency as the national WTO/TBT enquiry point in the context of the World Trade Organization/Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO/TBT) Agreement
• Influences development of international food standards through its work as the national contact point for the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the FAO/WHO body responsible for the establishment of international food standards
• Ensures compliance of goods and services through monitoring at ports of entry, in the marketplace, and at points of production.
• Tests and analyzes raw materials, components and finished goods.
• Certifies products, processes, systems and practices.
• Calibrates and verifies the accuracy of metrology equipment.

The developmental role of the BSJ is closely linked to national economic growth given the importance of positive international recognition for goods and services produced in Jamaica. In this regard, the BSJ:

• Provides national and international standards information
• Promotes application and development of national and regional standards
• Offers industrial training through seminars and in-plant courses
• Conducts research and development
• Provides technical advice/consultancy.

Other objectives of the BSJ include:

• Encouraging the mutual recognition of accreditation and certification systems based on internationally accepted criteria
• Promoting consumer welfare and safety
• Contributing to preservation of the environment and conservation of natural resources
• Providing guidance to national and regional bodies on matters including disputes settlement
• Promoting and protecting the interests of Jamaica in regional and international standardizing fora, including external negotiations
• Promoting awareness of standards and standards-related matters to governments, commerce, industry and consumers.