The World Bank Group, UNIDO, ISO and other international development organizations have determined that a National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) is required for the effective operation of domestic markets, and international recognition to foreign markets. It is a critical element in sustaining economic development and environmental and social well being.
These organizations are presently providing grants for technical assistance and loans for capital improvements in the NQI of developing economies. The WTO has initiated discussions on international standards and conformity assessment procedures for a NQI. Deytec, Inc. actively participates in ISO CASCO activities to develop standards that will support a NQI for international trade, a critical element in the development of economies.
In addition to addressing the broader requirements for an NQI, Deytec, Inc. specializes in the development of schemes using ISO/IEC TR 17032, Guidelines and examples of a scheme for the certification of processesfor the certification of agricultural products for export using ISO, and other international and regional standards. A certification scheme using ISO/IEC TR 17032 is an important element of the NQI.
Export of agricultural products is important to the economic development of developing countries. Presently, some markets, such US and EU, specify the requirements (e.g. USDA Organic) to export to their markets and receive certification. ISO standards are being developed to specify technical requirements for some agricultural products. These technical standards and ISO/IEC 17032 can be used to develop a scheme for the certification of the agricultural products that can be used to export to all markets that accept certification in accordance with ISO international standards.
ISO/IEC TR 17032 is part of the the ISO CASCO toolbox which contains the recognized International Standards and Guides for conformity assessment procedures under the World Trade Organization Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO/TBT Agreement).
In the recent past, Deytec, Inc., has conducted workshops on NQI at:
ZAMBIA;
GHANA;
COTE D'IVOIRE; and
SENEGAL
Workshop in ZAMBIA on Trade and Investment
Workshop in SENEGAL on Consumer Protection
Deytec, Inc. provides workshops and lectures on the use and benefits of using ISO/IEC TR 17032 for developing schemes for the certification of agricultural products for export using ISO, and other international and regional standards. Specific agricultural products of interest are addressed, including issues related to the national quality infrastructure.