Bureau of Standards to Revise Legislation on Weights and Measures

The Bureau of Standards will be revising legislation on weights and measures this year, with the aim of putting a modern Metrology Act in place. The objective is to ensure accuracy in the measurement of bulk commodities in the marketplace, said Executive Director of the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ), Noel Osbourne.
He was speaking at an awareness seminar held today (April 17) at the Courtleigh Hotel and Suites in New Kingston under the theme: ‘Accurate Measurement in the Trade of Bulk Commodities: Increase Your Bottom Line.’
According to Mr. Obsourne, measurement was one of the most important pillars for commerce, especially the trading of bulk commodities.
The Executive Director noted that despite current financial challenges, the Bureau was committed to ensuring that accurate measurement prevailed in the marketplace to ensure trade facilitation.
He urged manufacturers to ensure that they attain and maintain the competence needed in measurements in their business to build consumer confidence, adding that “accurate measurement will ensure this confidence.”
Mr. Osbourne noted that the seminar was evidence of the Government’s continued commitment, through the BSJ, to conform to CARICOM standards, particularly in the area of metrology and a further demonstration to the country’s commitment to regional integration and the facilitation of free and fair trade.
The seminar was hosted by the BSJ in collaboration with CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) with funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Berlin-based Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), which is the national institute for natural and engineering sciences in Germany, and the highest technical authority for metrology and physical safety engineering.
The purpose of the conference was to make stakeholders aware of the need for accurate measurement in the trade of bulk commodities.It also sought to provide information on methods to be adopted to ensure that quantities are accurately measured, while recommending the required equipment to achieve such measurements.
The CROSQ was established in February 2002. Its primary objective is the establishment and harmonisation of standards to enhance the efficiency and improve quality in the production of goods and services among CARICOM states, to protect the consumer and the environment, and to improve trade within CARICOM and with third states.