General Standards
The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) is the main standardization body of the country. The primary objective of the PSQCA is to regulate and enforce quality standards in Pakistan.
The PSQCA comprises four departments:
1. Standards Development Centre
2. Quality Control Centre
3. Technical Services Centre
4. System Certifications Centre
The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority is a member of several international organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization, International Electrotechnical Commission, International Organization of Legal Metrology, World Trade Organization and IECEE/CEE.
Conformity Assessment
Certified companies/products are registered with PSQCA Certification Marks Scheme. The registration indicates to potential buyers that the company has been certified. The Pakistan Standard Quality Mark is a registered mark owned by PSQCA. It may be used on product only if they are certified under the Certification Marks Scheme.
Labeling requirements
The Ministry of Food Agriculture and Livestock is responsible for labelling on food items, while the Ministry of Health is in charge of the labeling requirements of drugs, cigarettes and other similar products.
Labels should be written in English and Urdu on all consumer products and need to be approved by the relevant ministry. Generally, labels should provide the following details:
- brand name
- ingredient list
- manufacturer address
- importer’s name and address
- date of manufacturing
- date of expiry
- batch number
- contents marked in grams and milliliters
Packaging requirements are the following:
- an original packing list signed in blue ink and stamped with a company seal
- exact contents of each package should be clearly identified
- at least 3 copies of the packing list as part of the shipping documents sent to the consignee or agent
- net weight and gross weight must match weights on commercial invoice and bill of lading
Contacts
The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA)
Website: http://www.psqca.com.pk/
Email: psqcadg@super.net.pk
Address: Block - 77, Pakistan Secretariat Saddar, Karachi - 74400 - Pakistan.
Phone: +92-21-99206260
