Government of Jamaica

National Quality Infrastructure


A strong NQI creates opportunities for expanding trade of locally produced goods

The National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) is a platform to strengthen the quality and standard threshold for locally produced goods and services based on international benchmarks. The production of goods and services which meet internationally accepted quality standards is the only platform on which Jamaica can compete and take its place as a strong player in the global marketplace. Its implementation will require the private sector to adhere to international standards (voluntary) and technical regulations (mandatory) but they stand to gain benefits from increased revenue and opportunities for business expansion.

The implementation of the NQI is guided by the following four pillars:

  • Standards development;
  • Conformity assessment (which involves testing, inspection and certification);
  • Metrology (the science of measurement); and
  • Accreditation.

Recent developments towards the implementation of the NQI:

  • Draft National Quality Policy 2015 - The new policy is guided by current global standards and quality requirements as per the World Trade Organization-Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO-TBT). Consultations are currently underway.
  • The Establishment of a National Compliance and Regulatory Authority - the Division will be responsible for registering processed food establishments, inspecting goods at the ports of entry and in the domestic market for compliance.
  • JANAAC as signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) Mutual Recognition Arrangement - the ILACMRA facilitates global acceptance of the results generated by the conformity assessment bodies, which are accredited by the Jamaica National Accreditation Agency (JANAAC). This recognition helps reduce cost for manufacturers and exporters and eliminates the need for redundant testing of products being exported.
  • The Nuclear Safety and Radiation Act (2015) - ensures that activities relating to radioactive material, nuclear material and ionizing radiation apparatus are subject to standards of safety and security. The Act also makes provision for the establishment of a national regulatory body, referred to as the Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority.
  • Amendments to the Weights and Measures Act (2015) - the legislation ensures uniformity in the laws, regulations and standards that govern weights and measures to achieve equity between buyers and sellers in the marketplace.

Documents

Articles

Director of the Regulatory Division at the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ), Orine Henry, addresses a press conference held at the agency’s Winchester Road offices today (December 16). A left is Head of the Standards Compliance Inspectorate, Regulatory Division, BSJ, Wendell Richards.

BSJ Steps Up Activities against Faulty Block Makers

The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) is intensifying its activities to increase the compliance rate among block makers. Already, a number of manufacturers have brought their operations up to...
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Food Exporters Urged to Become Compliant with Global Labelling Standards

The country’s food exporters are being urged to become compliant with global labeling requirements in order to increase access to international markets. Certified Food Scientist, Dr. André Gordon,...
Read more

The Ministry

Welcome to the official website of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce.

The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce is described as Jamaica's "Business Ministry." It's mandate is to lead the development of policies that will create growth and jobs, while achieving social inclusion and consumer protection. The Ministry, working its stakeholders is primarily responsible for business policy development, monitoring and evaluation, while giving direction and oversight to a cluster of implementing departments and agencies.

We have, therefore, placed much energy and enthusiasm into the development of this website to provide timely information on the Ministry, our agencies and programmes.

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Telephone: (876) 968-7116 
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Email: information@miic.gov.jm

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The Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce - https://www.miic.gov.jm