International Standards

HMS Customs inspect all the products entering into the country. Standards applied in Bermuda are based upon the country of origins standards (ex. U.S. UK, and Canada) and the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) regulations. Safety standards fall under Bermuda’s Consumer Protection Act. Products must be suitable to be sold in the U.S., UK or Canada before being sold in Bermuda.  The Department of Consumer Affairs is responsible for product standards in Bermuda. 

The Bermuda National Standards Committee's mission is to improve the quality of Bermuda’s human services through accreditation of prevention and treatment service organizations and to improve the quality of all non-profits and charities through a process of certification.

Conformity Assessment 

Bermuda follows the same standards as the US, UK and Canada. The National Center for Standards and Certification Information at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the U.S. Department of Commerce provides information on U.S. and foreign standards, technical regulations, and conformity assessment procedures for non-agricultural products.

Product Certification 

Bermuda follows the same product safety certification standards as the U.S., UK, and Canada but has no legislation in place to enforce product certification. The Ministry of Health and Environment controls the sale of cigarettes, tobacco, and tobacco products, including the registration of tobacco wholesalers and requirements for health warnings on packets and containers. The Ministry also controls the importation, sale, and dispensing of medicinal drugs and poisons.  

Accreditation 

There are no official accreditation bodies in Bermuda. Many products and services utilize U.S., UK, or Canadian accreditation bodies. The Chief Medical Officer at the Bermuda Department of Health keeps a register of clinical laboratories accredited in the U.S., UK, and Canada. 

Labeling requirements

Bermuda follows the same labeling and marking requirements as the US and the UK. The Public Health Act regulates and enforces food labeling legislation. There must be a mark of origin on the product. Foreign food labels must be applied prior to import into Bermuda. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires that food product labels indicate:

- the descriptive name of the product

- the list of ingredients, including food additives in descending order by weight

- the name, address and phone number of the manufacturer or distributor

- net weight or volume in metric units

- any instructions for storage and use when applicable.

In addition, the USDA may require the following details: 

- product expiration date                 

- percentages of major product ingredients

- special food additive codes

- nutrition information based on the destination country’s regulations

Domestic producers operate under a voluntary agreement to provide the following minimum information on the labels of food products: 

- name of the product

- name of manufacturer or distributor

- email address, address or contact number of the manufacturer or packer

- list of all ingredients in descending order of quantity

- an appropriate date marking

- list of natural and artificial additives

- net quantity of the food (by weight if solid, by volume if liquid)

- appropriate storage information.

Contacts

Department of Consumer Affairs

Website: www.ca.gov.bm 

Address: 2nd Floor, Ingham & Wilkinson Building, 129 Front Street, Hamilton, HM 12, Bermuda 

Tel: (441) 297-7627 

Fax: (441) 295-6892 

Existing Bermuda standards can be found online at 

www.bermudalaws.bm - Consumer Protection Act 1999 and the Sales of Goods Act 1978