Please see the following E-Flyer with details on the upcoming General Metrology Workshop.

Kindly register using this link: https://forms.gle/MU1MR3wMqstbcWmf8.

The Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) is pleased to announce the launch of our new service, the Calibration of Micropipettes. We recognise the need and importance of the calibration of micropipettes to support the testing capability of your organisation.

Kindly see the flyer below for your review.

You are cordially invited to attend the Virtual Awareness Session on the Uncertainty of Measurement.

To register for the session, please click on the following link:

https://iso.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0scu2hrjguG9Ug2p8-D0ttne2gTfWaXb5g

Macoya, Trinidad and Tobago – May 20^th, 2024

In a significant event that underscores the critical role of metrology in fostering a sustainable future, Trinidad and Tobago marked World Metrology Day 2024 with a comprehensive National Symposium. Held on 20^th May, 2024 at the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) Auditorium at 1-2 Century Drive, Macoya, the symposium featured panel discussions and speeches from key stakeholders, emphasizing this year’s theme: “We Measure Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.”

World Metrology Day recognizes and celebrates the contribution of all the people that work in intergovernmental and national organizations throughout the year. The celebration coincides with UNESCO’s official recognition of May 20th as an International Day, further highlighting the importance of metrology globally.

Consumer Protection

Representing the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Ms. Ava Mahabir-Dass delivered the feature address on behalf of Trade Minister, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon. Ms. Mahabir-Dass highlighted the crucial work of the TTBS’ Legal Metrology Inspectorate (the LMI) in building consumer confidence through accurate measurements. She noted that the goal of the Government is to achieve 100% verification of all measuring devices used in trade

“The Bureau has been working assiduously to verify various measurement devices such as fuel dispensers at service stations, airport scales, as well as the scales at the Trinidad and Tobago Postal Corporation (TTPOST). You will be relieved to know that all these devices have consistently achieved 100% compliance.

With regard to market scale verification activities, the TTBS has made significant progress in this area. Last year, all markets under the National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation (NAMDEVCO) were included in the LMI cycle for verifications and a high compliance rate was achieved. In addition to continuous verification and monitoring across all municipal markets in Trinidad, the LMI is now utilising the new TTBS Tobago Sub-Office that was opened in March 2024 to bring these critical services to the sister-isle on a consistent basis.”

Celebrating TTBS’s 50th Anniversary

A significant highlight of the event was the celebration of TTBS’s upcoming 50th anniversary on July 8^th, 2024. While delivering his remarks, the Executive Director of TTBS, Mr Jose E. Trejo reflected on the Bureau’s achievements over the past five decades, including advancements in the National Measurement System and the modernization of the Metrology and Standards Act. These reforms aim to enhance the technical capacities of the country, facilitate export competitiveness, and protect national health, safety, and the environment.

Mr Trejo further detailed TTBS’ ongoing efforts to enhance the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) of Trinidad and Tobago. He outlined significant achievements, including the recognition by the Bureau of International Weights and Measures (BIPM) for the Calibration and Measurement Capability for Mass in 2021.

Looking Ahead

TTBS Chairman, Mr Lawford Dupres expressed optimism for the future, emphasizing the Bureau’s commitment to precision, excellence, and sustainability in metrology. “Let us remember that behind every measurement lies a story of evolution, of innovation, and of hope for a better tomorrow,” he remarked. The event concluded with a reaffirmation of TTBS’s dedication to advancing metrology for the benefit of Trinidad and Tobago and the global community.

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A Warm Welcome: Deputy Permanent Secretary (Ag.), Ms. Ava Mahabir-Dass, Ministry of Trade and Industry,is greeted by Ms. Erica Caruth, Manager Metrology Division, TTBS

1st Panel Discussion: Former TTBS Executive Director, Mr. Theodore Reddock (center) discusses “measurement impacting business strategy” with (L-R); Dr Terry Mohammed, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, UWI, Ms. Lydia Lee Chong, Process Manager, Phoenix Gas Processors Ltd, Mr. Rajiv Diptee, President, Supermarkets Association of T&T and Dr Ayana Sebro, Public Health Specialist.

2nd Panel Discussion: Current TTBS Executive Director, Mr. Jose Trejo (center) moderates a discussion on “measurement informing a sustainable future” with (L-R); Dr Darin Sukha, Research Fellow, Cocoa Research Center, Ms. Ayasha Nickie, Director, Downstream Petroleum Management Division (MEEI), Ms. Joy Francis, Team Lead, TTMA and Mr. Farz Khan, Director, Chemistry Food and Drugs Division.

You are cordially invited to attend the World Metrology Day 2024 Symposium: WE MEASURE TODAY FOR A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW.

To register for the event, please click on the following link below:
https://forms.gle/Ni6pK6pKRjcpkzob8

2024-03-06 – Today, Tobagonians witnessed a historic moment as the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) unveiled its new Tobago Sub-Office, located at the D Colosseum Building II, corner of Airport Bypass and Milford Road, Crown Point, Tobago. This strategic initiative, launched on Wednesday, 6th March, 2024, marks a significant milestone in fostering a culture of standards and quality assurance in Tobago, while simultaneously propelling economic development on the island.

A Historic Milestone for Tobago

The establishment of the Tobago Sub-Office is a testament to TTBS’s unwavering commitment to advancing the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) in our twin island nation. The Sub-Office, functions as a central hub for activities such as inspections, re-inspections, surveillances and stakeholder engagements. By bringing the Bureau’s services closer to Tobagonians, this move aims to enhance access to quality assurance tools and services, empowering local businesses and industries to meet international standards and compete effectively in the global market.

In her remarks at the inauguration ceremony, Minister of Trade and Industry, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, emphasized the pivotal role of the new Sub-Office in supporting Tobago’s economic landscape. She stated, “The collaboration between the Government, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), and TTBS underscores a unified effort towards achieving national goals and in exemplary fashion it is a true reflection of the Government’s commitment to decentralization, ensuring that the benefits of standardization and quality assurance not only meets but satisfies the needs of our citizenry.”

Expanding Quality Assurance Services

The Legal Metrology Inspectorate (LMI) of the TTBS is responsible for ensuring that measurements used in trade adhere to established standards. Currently, the LMI has achieved 100% compliance for fuel dispensers, airport scales, and TTPOST scales in Tobago. However, there is a need for verifications in other areas of the business sector, such as markets, supermarkets, minimarts, and hardwares.  With staff permanently based in Tobago, the TTBS will ensure that these areas of the business sector are serviced.

Additionally, the TTBS Tobago Sub-Office will also offer access to the Certification Division, which verifies local goods and services meet standards through conformity assessment. This includes the Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Industry Certification (TTTIC), a tourism quality assurance program. Presently, about 25% of Tobago’s accommodation providers are TTTIC certified. The Sub-Office aims to increase this number, ensuring Tobagonian stakeholders benefit from TTTIC services.

Conclusion

TTBS remains committed to its mission of promoting a culture of excellence and quality in Trinidad and Tobago. The establishment of the Tobago Sub-Office is a testament to this commitment, and TTBS looks forward to working closely with Tobagonians to drive sustainable economic growth through quality assurance.

For more information about the Tobago Sub-Office and TTBS’s services, please visit www.gottbs.com or contact Ms. Natalie Dennie, Marketing Officer at 662-8827 ext. 2260 or email natlie.dennie@ttbs.org.tt

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Date:15^th May, 2023

The Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards remains committed to ensuring the accuracy of all measuring devices used in trade.

As part of TTBS’ mandate under the Metrology Act Chapter 82:06, our Legal Metrology Inspectorate (LMI) conducts regular verifications of measuring devices (market scales) at all Municipal markets. These verifications safeguard both the vendor and consumer by ensuring that the exact weight being sold is accurate. Verification also safeguards vendors by ensuring they are selling the exact weight of produce and not losing money per transaction.

TTBS wishes to assure all vendors that the verification fees are based on careful market study and analysis with a recommendation for a fee that is reasonable to vendors. The fee for market scales was developed using the formula in the Metrology Regulations, 2015 Schedule 7. The fees derived from the formula are considerably less for measuring devices that are used by market vendors when compared to other measuring devices. Fees are not for profit and are part of TTBS’ cost recovery.

The following table provides a breakdown for measuring devices associated with market scales:

Additionally, the table below outlines the fees associated with other measuring devices:

After a market scale has been verified, it is affixed with a yellow “PASSED” verification label. A certificate of verification is issued to the owner of the scale and remains valid for one year, once the scale maintains its accuracy. To maintain quality control, random spot checks can be conducted on the market scales to ensure they continuously weigh accurately.

If a scale fails to weigh accurately a “NOT FOR USE IN TRADE” label is affixed on the device and the vendor will not be allowed to use the device for trade. If it is found that a vendor is using a scale that is labelled “NOT FOR USE IN TRADE”, the scale can be seized. However, seizures can only be done with a warrant.

The LMI will continue its verification exercises throughout all Municipal markets. As of now, the following Regional Markets have been visited: Tunapuna, Arima, Point Fortin, Chaguanas, Sangre Grande, San-Fernando, San-Juan, Penal and Couva being the most recent.

LMI is currently performing verifications at the Princes Town Market and have visits scheduled at the Siparia, Marabella and Port-of Spain markets.

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You are invited to participate in the World Metrology Day 2023 Webinar: Measurements Supporting the Food Global System.

To register for the event, please click on the link below:
https://iso.zoom.us/j/92097004272?pwd=TnpkWWZXN1M1SmNTeitkcjZucExhZz09

Date: 2022-09-09

The Legal Metrology Inspectorate (LMI), a unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) is set to resume verifications of market scales, commencing September 12^th, 2022 at the Tunapuna market. These verification activities will continue throughout all markets in Trinidad and Tobago.

The LMI is mandated under the Metrology Act Chapter 82:06 to monitor and verify prescribed measuring devices used in trade or commercial transactions, including market scales. The objective of the verification exercise is to ensure fair trade between the buyer and seller at the market, whilst also providing assurances that the quantity paid for by the customer is in fact received.

The verification process involves the inspection and testing of the market scale to ensure that it is measuring accurately. Once the device meets the requirements stipulated by the, Metrology Act, a yellow tamper proof pass label is affixed to the device and a verification certificate is issued which is valid for one year. If the device fails to meet the requirements in any way, a “not for use in trade” label is placed on it and the owner would not be allowed to use it for trade purposes until it is repaired, calibrated and re-verified.

Market scale verification occurs annually during which periodic surveillance is undertaken by the LMI.  Vendors who trade with an unverified prescribed measuring device can face penalties as stipulated in the Metrology Act.

The LMI is also advising vendors that verification fees will be charged based on the capacity of the device. For further information, vendors are encouraged to visit TTBS’ website, https://gottbs.com/lmi/ or contact the LMI directly at (868) 662-8827 ext. 2348 or (868) 750-0686, or via email at lmi@ttbs.org.tt.  

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