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World Standards Day: Entrepreneurs tipped on certification

Peter 15th Oct, 2024 Trade Pedson Mumbere

UNBS officials pose with representatives of 26 companies that were awarded for implementing ISO systems standards and are certified against ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management Systems and Integrated Management Systems.

As Uganda joins the global community in celebrating World Standards Day this October, Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Francis Mwebesa is urging stakeholders across all sectors to adopt and implement relevant standards.

This initiative is not just a regulatory formality; it is a strategic move aimed at enhancing business growth and fostering a sustainable economy.

According to the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), approximately 70% of Ugandan manufacturers have adopted various standards over the past five years. This adoption is reflected in enhanced product quality and increased market competitiveness.

This year’s theme for World Standards Day - “Shared Vision for a Better World” - resonates with Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9), which emphasizes the need for resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrialization, and innovation.

"Standards are the backbone of a thriving economy," Mwebesa remarked, highlighting their critical role in ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency across industries.

Studies show that the adoption of standards has contributed to a 15% increase in export volumes for Ugandan products, particularly in the food and agricultural sectors. This growth can be attributed to improved quality assurance and compliance with international standards, which enhance product acceptance in global markets.

Standards serve as essential guidelines that help businesses navigate complex market demands. By providing benchmarks for quality and safety, standards facilitate the growth of reliable and resilient infrastructure, thereby supporting economic development.

"The economic importance of standards is evident in their ability to open up markets for Ugandan products," explained Eng. James N. Kasigwa, Executive Director of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).

When Ugandan products meet national, regional, and international standards through rigorous testing, inspection, and certification, they gain access to global markets. This access is particularly vital for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which constitute a significant portion of Uganda's economy.

UNBS, under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, has developed an impressive 4,862 standards to support various sectors, including:

Food, Agriculture, and Forestry - 1,133 standards; Chemicals and Consumer Products - 1,465 standards; Engineering and Construction - 1,488 standards, as well as Services and Business Management - 776 standards.

Officials said that this extensive framework underscores the government’s commitment to fostering an environment where businesses can thrive.

To ensure that MSMEs can comply with these standards, UNBS has introduced several initiatives aimed at lowering barriers to entry. These include:

Reducing certification fees to make it more accessible for smaller enterprises and acquiring international accreditation for testing laboratories, ensuring that test results are globally recognized.

"Standards will not just boost individual businesses but will also contribute to the overall economic resilience of Uganda," Mwebesa emphasized.

Consumers are urged to be vigilant, ensuring they demand quality products certified by UNBS. If issues arise or suspected counterfeit products are encountered, the public is encouraged to report these instances to UNBS via their toll-free line at 0800 133 133 or through WhatsApp at 0713 227 580.

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