The Bureau of Standards was established under the Standards Act, 1968 with a mandate to develop and promulgate national, regional and international standards and enforce technical regulations relating primarily to health, safety, the environment, energy efficiency and basic consumer protection.

The Agency is required to play a critical role in the industrial development of our country and in our ability to maintain and increase our market share internationally. The policies of the Bureau must be responsive to the national interest but importantly, its work must facilitate rather than impede enterprise and the legitimate conduct of businesses.

As an Agency that undertakes specialized activities, the Bureau is staffed by a cadre of dedicated professionals whose work and integrity have earned the organization commendation from the public and private sector. However, the realities of the new economy dictate that the operations and methodologies of the organization must become more responsive to the challenges of change and the complexities of international trade.

It is very heartening that already, the agency has implemented measures to position itself to play a more proactive and cost effective role in maintaining and enforcing standards. In order to become more client focused, the Bureau is now divesting some services which it will continue to monitor but which can best be undertaken by private interests.

The Bureau today, is well positioned to continue its significant contribution to national development and I join its many satisfied customers in commending its efforts as it stands by its motto: Making standards work for you.
Phillip Paulwell,
Minister