National Quality Policy 2018 – 2030.

The National Quality Policy is a national policy with a multi-sectoral policy. The timeframe of the Policy is 12 years between 2018 and 2030. The purpose of the Policy is to ensure a strong national quality culture through a diversified and competitive economy which contributes to sustainable development and the well-being of the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
A demand-driven quality infrastructure will be developed to create an innovative and creative society. Quality culture will be improved through awareness-raising and capacity building of the consumers. The quality competitiveness of the goods and services will be strengthened through recognized standards and technical regulations, metrology, accreditation, conformity assessment services and information, awareness and education programmes. Medium-to-long term development plans will be developed to create a diversified and innovation-driven economy in order to promote sustainable development. National companies will be enforced to carry out activities in compliance with the international trade standards and requirements to increase the export potential in global markets. The Chemistry Food and Drugs Division shall be the competent authority for the regulation of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices and pesticides. Legal frameworks regarding food safety, animal health and plant protection, will be strengthened. Trade of agro-food products will be increased by meeting the sanitary and phytosanitary requirements established by the WTO. Technological and laboratory services will be provided in the areas of food, drugs, pesticides and toxic chemicals. Moreover, safety will be ensured in the use, proper management and acceptable standards for pesticides and toxic chemicals. The National Quality Council will be established to coordinate the actions of institutions that oversee quality related activities, leading to enhanced export performance while at the same time protecting the health and safety of consumers and the environment.
Funding mechanisms will be strengthened for the effective implementation of the Policy. Funding opportunities will be increased in the competent areas of different ministries, state agencies and institutions. Moreover, a system of monitoring, continuous learning and adaptation in the governance and development of the quality infrastructure will be developed.