General Standards
The most important economic activities of Fiji are subject to regulations and standardization. Regulations for each economic field are administered by specific bodies such as the Reserve Bank of Fiji, the Telecommunications Authority of Fiji, the Mineral Resources Department and the Consumer Council of Fiji and other.
At present, the country has about 60 standards, covering areas such as building and building material, telecommunication cabling, safety footwear, electrical installation, quality management systems, food, fuel, corporate governance, bottled water and fireworks. It should be mentioned that the majority of the standards have been adopted from Standards Australia as best practice standards. Standards in Fiji are voluntary, however there exist two mandatory standards - the Bottled Water Standard Order 2004 and the Fireworks Labeling Standard 2005.
Standards organizations
The Fiji Trade Standards and Quality Control Office (FTSQCO) is the country's main standardization body. The agency is commonly known as the Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards. It's primary objective is to ensure that Fiji’s products and services standards are aligned to international standards.
FTSQCO's main functions include:
- prepare, frame, modify, or amend standard specifications for quality of commodities, processes, practices and services imported into, produced or provided in, or exported from Fiji
- promote research in relation to standards
- provide facilities for the examination and testing of commodities, processes, and practices
- approve the use of standards mark for products and commodities or services complying with Fiji Standards
- undertake educational work and promotion in connection with standardization and quality control
- collect and disseminate information relating to standards and related matters, including the publication of reports, pamphlets, booklets, journals, and any other publications
- maintain a library and publish and print documents including standards
- provide technical advice and assistance in standards and quality control matters
FTSQCO is a member of the following international organizations:
- International Electrochemical Commission (IEC)
- Pacific Area Standards Congress (PASC)
- International Organization for Legal Metrology (OIML)
- National Measurement Institute (NMI)
- Asia Pacific Metrology Programme (APMP)
There is also a Trade Standards Advisory Council (TSAC) whose role is to consider and recommend to the Minister for Industry and Trade the declaration of Fiji standards specifications, including for processes, practices, quality, composition, labeling, and codes of practices.
Conformity Assessment
At present, Fiji does not have any conformity assessment bodies. The National Trade Measurement Laboratory is the only national metrology laboratory. Manufacturers needing products tested send them to accredited laboratories in Australia or New Zealand, or to the University of the South Pacific’s Institute of Applied Science.
Product Certification
Products carrying the “Fiji Made” brand are required to obtain a license from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, and to comply with local product content as in the Industry Emblem Decree and Regulations 2011.
Accreditation
Water bottled in Fiji must be accredited. The Bottled Water Standard requires that facilities bottling water in Fiji provide test results from approved laboratories for accreditation.
Contacts
Department of National Trade Measurement and Standards
Ministry of Industry and Trade
Website: http://www.mit.gov.fj
E-mail: mahek.fj@gmail.com
Address: P. O. Box 2118, Suva, Fiji
Tel: +679 330 5411
Fax: +679 330 2617
