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Standards Act No. 4 of 1999

The Standards Act No. 4 of 1999 is the legislative foundation for establishing, maintaining, and promoting standards in Dominica, safeguarding public health, ensuring consumer protection, and supporting national development through quality assurance. Enacted in 1999, the Act officially created the Dominica Bureau of Standards (DBOS) as a statutory body under the Ministry responsible for trade and industry.

Establishment and Purpose

The Act empowers the DBOS as the central authority for developing and implementing national standards for goods, services, processes, and practices. Its mandate includes:

  • Promoting standardization in all sectors of the economy.
  • Facilitating industrial efficiency and productivity.
  • Enhancing consumer protection and public safety.
  • Supporting trade and economic growth through quality assurance and conformity assessment systems.

This legal framework enables Dominica to meet international obligations and improve the competitiveness of local products both regionally and globally.

Functions and Powers of the DBOS

Under the Act, the Bureau has the authority to:

  • Develop, adopt, revise, or withdraw national standards.
  • Conduct testing and certification of products and services.
  • Inspect goods, premises, or systems to ensure compliance with established standards.
  • Accredit and register laboratories, certification bodies, and inspection agencies.
  • Coordinate metrology services, including calibration and verification of measuring instruments.
  • Offer technical assistance, training, and public awareness campaigns on standard-related issues.

It may also advise the government on matters related to quality control, standardization, and product regulation.

Governance and Organizational Structure

The Act outlines the governance of the DBOS through a National Standards Council, which oversees policy direction and ensures the independence and objectivity of the Bureau’s work. The Council is composed of representatives from key sectors including government, manufacturing, trade, health, and consumer affairs.

The Bureau is headed by a Director who manages its daily operations, coordinates technical committees, and liaises with national, regional, and international stakeholders in the standards and quality field.

Legal Enforcement and Penalties

To ensure compliance, the Act provides for:

  • The designation of inspectors with powers to enter premises, seize non-conforming products, and issue improvement notices.
  • Legal penalties including fines and confiscation for failure to comply with mandatory standards.
  • Judicial recourse through the courts for repeated or severe violations.

This enforcement mechanism helps maintain consumer confidence and protect Dominica’s market integrity.

Regional and International Integration

The Standards Act No. 4 of 1999 aligns the country’s legislative framework with regional mechanisms like the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ). It also supports international agreements such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement.

By enabling harmonization of standards and mutual recognition of certification, the Act facilitates Dominica’s participation in cross-border trade and helps local businesses meet export requirements.