Bureau of Standards shifts focus

The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) has restructured its operations from an inspection and enforcement agency to a trade facilitator and business enabler.

Executive Director of the BSJ, Stephen Wedderburn said the repositioned agency will seek to assist businesses through the development, promotion and use of standards, leaving the National Compliance and Regulatory Agency (NCRA) to take on its inspection and enforcement responsibilities.

“With the changes, the BSJ will be able to facilitate business growth and efficiency through the application of standards and quality practices. This is in line with international best practices,” Wedderburn told a recent Jamaica Information Service ‘Think Tank’ discussion forum.

He acknowledged that the separation of the BSJ’s functions was necessary to ensure Jamaica’s compliance with international considerations of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade Agreement.

The BSJ executive director said training, testing, label assessment and calibration of services, as well as certification through the NCRA will be added functions to support the new directive of the agency.

He said the refocused roles of the BSJ should see significant benefits to the local business community, adding that the use of standards is an important tool for increasing innovation, quality, consistency and business competitiveness.

Wedderburn encouraged businesses to take advantage of the BSJ’s new thrust, indicating that this could guide their companies to becoming standard-bearers in their respective industries.

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