BSJ Gets State-Of-The-Art Equipment to Improve Testing of Samples

Exporters should see significant improvements in the testing of samples, and a reduction in the length of time the process takes, particularly for those who had to use overseas testing facilities in the past.

This is as a result of $34.7 million worth of state-of-the-art equipment, which the European Union (EU) officially handed over to the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ), on October 15, for its chemistry and microbiology laboratories.  The ceremony was held at the Bureau’s Winchester Road facilities in Kingston.

Strengthening the capacity of the labs, which have been using the equipment since May, is of particular benefit to agri business exporters trading products, such as coffee, spices, sauces and other leading products in the value chain.

The project, which falls under the Economic Partnership Agreement, also has a training component for BSJ staff.

In his address, Chief Technical Director in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Stephen Wedderburn, welcomed the initiative, pointing out the importance and benefit of standards and conformity, to the Micro, Small and Medium Size Enterprises (MSMEs).

He said given the importance of MSMEs to the growth agenda, meeting international standards and quality enables this sector to participate in cross-border training, gain access to global markets, and thereby improve competitiveness.

“The MSMEs that use international standards will find it easier to get their products certified. With international standards, MSMEs are able to take part in global value chains and also benefit from technology transfer,” he added.

Mr. Wedderburn further pointed out that conformity in products and services with international norms also gives consumers assurance of quality, safety and reliability of these products and services.

“Countries that have international standards in their policies and regulations are better able to protect their populations and give them a bigger choice of quality products,” he noted.

The equipment include: Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (FAAS); microwave digestion apparatus; UV-Visible spectrophotometer; and rotary evaporator. The microbiology lab has received an Automated Analytical Profile index (API) system; a compounded microscope; and a network laser printer.