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BSJ SENSITIZATION SESSION ON THE TECHNICAL REGULATIONS REGIME

February 19, 2025
Industry Updates
1 min read

On March 1, 2024, the above captioned sensitization session was hosted by the Technical Regulations Unit (TRU) of Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) with representatives from JMEA and PSOJ.

Jamaica, as a signatory to the World Trade Organization’s Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO/TBT) Agreement, is committed to aligning with international best practices in trade and Good Regulatory Practices. To achieve full compliance, the country is transitioning from the use of compulsory standards to technical regulations. In support of this effort, the Technical Regulations Unit was established within the Bureau of Standards Jamaica, with the primary responsibility to:

1. Transition approximately one hundred and thirty-nine (139) compulsory standards to technical regulations where necessary;

2. Develop and implement new technical regulations and;

3. Ensure continuous training for process owners within government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs.

Information discussed included:

Ø Jamaica being the first CARICOM Member State to move/transition to Technical Regulations.

Ø Technical regulations being country specific.

Ø The BSJ Technical Regulations Unit (TRU) being the central point for all Technical Regulations in Jamaica. This unit was established in 2022.

Ø BSJ beginning operation in 1969 and thereafter became a member to WTO in 1995.

Ø Many of the Standards currently at BSJ which does not meet the WTO TBT Agreement. They are outdated and there are multiple standards which have similar information.

Ø The TRU being tasked to review 139 compulsory standards to transition them to Technical Regulations if required. Therefore, moving forward there will be Technical Regulations and Voluntary Standards.

Ø Technical Regulations having administrative provisions and will involve the input from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA’s) which are Government led.

Ø The entire process for transition may take approximately 5 years.

Ø Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIA) being conducted and will be sent to the industry for feedback.

Ø Personnel from the Technical Regulations Unit visiting current facilities to observe what is done versus what is in the Standard.

Ø Technical Regulations not being applicable to services; it will applicable only to products.

Focus Group Sessions are currently taking in place with Processed Food Manufacturers and Distributors to identify the gaps and issues with the current system of monitoring the processed foods industry to assist the BSJ to conduct a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA

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Mr. Sydney Thwaites

President

Mr. Thwaites has over 28 years of experience in financial services, petrochemicals, and consulting, with a global reach spanning the USA, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. He co-founded Lubricating Specialties Company Jamaica in 2015, revitalizing the local lubricant manufacturing industry. With a solid track record of organizational leadership, Mr. Thwaites has developed and negotiated long-term partnerships with major global companies, closed various debt and equity financing deals, and delivered consistent growth and returns. Known for his dynamic

leadership, trustworthy and ethical approach, and keen market understanding, he has served as CEO of LSC USA and held advisory roles with the U.S. Export-Import Bank and the Petroleum Quality Institute of America.

Licenses, Permits, and Certificates: A Quick Guide

Apply for the necessary licenses, permits, and certifications at the following Agencies:

  • Plant Quarantine Produce Inspection (PQPI) Division: Contact for exportation of agricultural produce. A certified packaging facility is required. Specifications and guidelines can be obtained from PQPI.
  • Veterinary Services Division: Contact for export permits/licenses related to the following:
    • Apicultural products
    • Bee products
    • Animals and animal by-products
  • Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Agency (JACRA): Contact for exporting the following:
    • Coffee
    • Coconut
    • Cocoa
    • Spices (including Pimento, Nutmeg, Ginger, and Turmeric).
  • Cannabis Licensing Authority (CLA): Contact for exporting the following:
    • Cannabis
    • Hemp
  • Mines and Geology Division: Contact for exporting the following minerals:
    • Bauxite
    • Limestone
    • Aggregates
    • Gravel
    • Alumina
    • Cement
    • Rock
    • Stone
    • Soil
  • National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA): Contact for exporting the following:
    • Scrap products (metals, batteries, etc.)
    • Hazardous materials
    • Endangered species.
  • Trade Board Limited: Contact for exporting the following:
    • Scrap metal (including scrap batteries and scrap gold)
    • Coffee
    • Ammunition (explosives and firearms)
    • Plasma
    • Wood (Lignum Vitae and log wood only)
    • Jewellery (excluding those from earth metals)
    • Brown Sugar
  • Ministry of Health and Wellness: Contact for exporting pharmaceutical products.

Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ): Consult with the BSJ for guidance on processed food prior to exporting. This includes information on standards, labelling and market requirements.

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