• PCTTCS 33:20XX, Pepper spray – Compulsory requirements

Members of the public are invited to review and provide feedback on the draft document.

• PCTTCS 33:20XX,  Pepper spray – Compulsory requirements (Read-only access)
• Google form for submission of comments

You may also use the comment form in MS Word (see link below) to submit comments via email: beverly.monroe@ttbs.org.tt.
MS Word Comment(s) Form

DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS: Thursday 30^th May 2024
For further information, please contact Ms. Beverly Monroe at beverly.monroe@ttbs.org.tt or 662-8827 ext. 2043.

The project leveraged the technical competencies, in metrology, standardization, accreditation, and conformity assessment for the Circular Economy, of the organizations comprising the Quality Infrastructure of the Americas, that is, the Pan American Standards Commission (COPANT), Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) and Inter-American Metrology System (SIM), as project partners.

The objectives of the project were to:

• Strengthen the quality infrastructure (QI) for the circular economy (CE) in the LAC, through development of new QI competences and services that address the needs of users; and
• Enable and enhance collaboration between quality infrastructure and circular economy.

Collaboration between QI and CE was facilitated by the application of the Capacity Building in Technical and Scientific Organizations using Regional Experience and Knowledge (CABUREK) methodology, the intent of which was to systematize the exchange of experiences, best practices and lessons learnt from the regional QI and regional/international CE organizations.

The poster below outlines the achievements of the TTBS under the project at the end of the project in October 2023.

The Circular Economy

We live in a world where the linear economy, referred to as the take-make-dispose model, prevails. It exists where resources are used to satisfy consumer product demands leading to unnecessary wastage.  In the linear economy many companies manufacture products, which originate from massive amounts of non-recyclable, non-biodegradable, non-reusable or non-renewable raw materials, which are consumed or utilized and later disposed of, in part or whole, as waste. When these actions are committed daily by millions of people all around the world, they can contribute greatly to the increase in not just waste but also toxic waste.

In a circular economy, however, the key objective is to design out product waste. It ensures that materials, products and services are kept in circulation to the furthest possible extent, thereby, contributing to improved sustainability through assisting with the challenges of resource scarcity, environmental pollution and degradation and creation of opportunities for new businesses.

According to Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (2017) there are ten strategies for action to a circular economy, which include: refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle and recover.

10R-ladder of Circularity Strategies

Source: Netherlands environmental assessment agency [PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency. Circular Economy: Measuring Innovation in the Product Chain. 2017. Available from: www.pbl.nl/en/publications/circular-economy-measuring-innovation-in-product-chains [Accessed: 2023-09-15].

The Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) has been actively promoting awareness of the Circular Economy, primarily through two projects; these are:

1. The Quality Infrastructure for Circular Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean (QI4CE). German development cooperation supports this project which is jointly implemented by the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB). The project leverages the technical competencies in metrology, standardization, accreditation, and conformity assessment for the Circular Economy of the organizations comprising the Quality Infrastructure of the Americas (QICA). The Capacity Building in Technical and Scientific Organizations using Regional Experience and Knowledge (CABUREK) methodology is applied to “increase the impact of Quality Infrastructure (QI) through the promotion of better relationship between the QI and its users and the better use of existing services and competences in the region, the strengthening of the demand and user orientation of QI institutions and the facilitation of the regional exchange on experiences and best practices. The aim is to develop new QI competences and services that address the needs of users (e.g. sectors, value chains, circular economy, private and public actors).”
2. The National Mirror Committee for the ISO Technical Committee (TC 323) for Circular Economy. This Committee was convened to provide a national perspective on International Standards, for circular economy, being developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The NMC recently submitted comments on three international standards, namely:

• ISO/FDIS 59004 – Terminology, principles and guidance for implementation
• ISO/FDIS 59010 – Guidance on business models and value networks
• ISO/FDIS 59020 – Measuring and assessing circularity

There are several other organizations/companies contributing to the Circular Economy, in Trinidad and Tobago, albeit in different ways. The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) is one such organization. The EMA established the iCARE which is a Recyclable Solid Waste Collection Project, in 2015. It was the first national recycling initiative in Trinidad and Tobago. This project encourages citizens of all ages to recycle their used beverage containers such as plastic (PET/Type 1) bottles, drink cartons, aluminium cans and glass bottles by storing them in biodegradable bags and placing them in iCARE bins which can be found in various locations throughout the country.  The project has been steadily progressing and the key objectives of the EMA to expand recycling infrastructure into schools and communities nationwide, increase public awareness and participation in recycling and to prepare the country for the implementation of the Waste Management Rules, 2021.

Further, the EMA participates in the National Mirror Committee (NMC) for ISO/TC 323 Circular Economy. Both TTBS and EMA are key institutions of the National Quality Infrastructure which covers the development and application of standards, conformity assessment, accreditation and metrology. The EMA plays a leading role in sustainably managing the natural resources and environment by providing a transparent framework to facilitate policy and decision making while the TTBS provides standards-based solutions to support effective regulation and promotes the use of QI services for trade competitiveness, market access and the socio-economic development of Trinidad and Tobago.

The EMA is committed to working with TTBS and other key stakeholders to increase awareness and the benefits of contributing towards the development of a circular economy to promote sustainability at a national level.

Authors: Environmental Management Authority and Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards

For information on Quality Infrastructure in Circular Economy, please contact: adrienne.stewart@ttbs.org.tt

For further information on iCare, please contact: icare@ema.co.tt

For any other information on the work of EMA, contact:

Corporate Communications Unit
Environmental Management Authority
#8 Elizabeth Street, St. Clair, Port of Spain
Email: communications@ema.co.tt
Website: www.ema.co.tt
Tel: 226-4EMA(4362)
Standardization Division
Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards
1-2 Century Drive, Trincity Industrial Estate
Macoya, Tunapuna
Website: gottbs.com
Tel: 662-TTBS (8827)

The growing interest in the environment and sustainable development in Trinidad and Tobago and around the region has resulted in a variety of efforts to reduce the use of single use plastics. The Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards has developed, in conjunction with a wide variety of stakeholders, a compulsory standard to support legislation by the GORTT to control the use of expanded polystyrene (EPS) products in the food and beverage sector (TTCS 9, Biodegradable Materials – Food-Contact Single-Use Products for Composting in Municipal or Industrial Facilities – Compulsory Requirements). The standard applies to food contact materials that are designated compostable and/or biodegradable, and is in the final stages of a rigorous developmental process. However, for the standard be fully understood, and properly applied by all stakeholders, some discussion of biodegradable plastics is in order.
Plastics are a large group of synthetic polymeric compounds which are made up of thousands of smaller molecules bonded together to form much larger ones. Plastics have revolutionised our way of living, and can be found in bags, toys, storage containers of all types, construction materials, medical items, the list is almost endless. Plastic is produced in vast quantities, in 2019, it is estimated that 353 million metric tonnes of plastic was produced worldwide and here at home, a 2016 study by Millette et al. estimated that 129, 596 metric tonnes of plastic was imported into Trinidad and Tobago ,

However, the very thing that made plastic so popular, its durability, is the cause of an environmental disaster. The strong carbon-carbon bonds in the polymer backbone of many plastics means that these molecules will not readily degrade in the environment. Plastics persist, and with improper disposal cause widespread pollution. Millette et al. estimate that in 2016, a flow of 96,329 metric tonnes of plastic entered landfills in Trinidad and Tobago, of which 26,000 metric tonnes are PET bottles.2 Around the world and right here in the Caribbean, countries are beginning to push for more sustainable products that do not pose such a risk to the environment. Single use plastic items like straws and shopping bags as well as Styrofoam is banned in many places, and to replace these items more sustainably, the use of bioplastics is becoming more and more prevalent. Global production capacity for bioplastics is increasing, with about 2.1 million metric tonnes produced globally in 2019, and growth estimated at 15% by 2024.

Putting “bio” or “green” on a product is a hot marketing strategy right now, as more people look to a more sustainable lifestyle. Unfortunately, not all “bios” are the same, and consumers must be aware of the differences, so that they can make informed purchasing and usage decisions.

United Nations Environment Programme.  2023.  Turning off the Tap.  How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy.  Nairobi.  https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/42277/Plastic_pollution.pdf?sequence=4.
Millette, S., E. Williams and C. Hull.  2019.  Materials flow analysis in support of circular economy development: Plastics in Trinidad and Tobago.  Resources, Conservation and Recycling.  150: 104436.  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0921344919303313.
European Bioplastics, https://www.european-bioplastics.org/market/.

Bioplastics are a large group of plastics that may be produced from biological materials, either fully or in part. Other bioplastics may be created synthetically, but they can be metabolised by microorganisms into biomass and carbon dioxide. More important to how manufactures and distributors label their items, and how consumers choose and dispose of bioplastic items however, is how the material behaves in the environment.

Bioplastics can be biobased, but not biodegradable.  These are materials that are created fully or partially from biological materials, yet cannot biodegrade in the environment in a reasonable timeframe.  Examples would include biobased polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE) materials; these products utilise the biological material in their production to reduce fossil fuel and petrochemical plastic use, but cannot biodegrade in the environment.  These materials can be used in every way like their original petro-based plastic versions.

Or, bioplastics can be biodegradable, but not biobased.  These materials are manufactured entirely from synthetic materials, but when exposed to the correct conditions in the environment, may be biodegraded by bacteria to produce carbon dioxide, water, and biomass.  One example is polybutyrate adipate terephthalate (PBAT); flexible and tough, it can substitute for low and/or high-density polythene (LDPE/HDPE) and can be used in garbage bags, wrapping films and disposable plastic products like cups.

And just to add to the confusion, some bioplastics are both biobased and biodegradable.  These materials maybe manufactured entirely or in part from biological materials, and can also be degraded by bacteria.  For example, polylactic acid (PLA) is made from fermented starches, and can be substituted for a wide range of petro-based plastics, and is commonly used in food and beverage containers.  Thermoplastic starch (TPS) is made by heating starch with water and plasticisers, it can also be used in food and beverage packaging, one-time use items like utensils as well as biodegradable packing peanuts and protective films.

It is important to note that just because a material says it is 100% derived from biological sources, it does not mean that it is biodegradable.  So when an item is labelled as ‘biodegradable’, what does that really mean?  Three terms that are commonly used interchangeably are biodegradable, compostable and oxo-degradable.  However, they are not all the same.

Biodegradable materials are those that can be metabolised by microorganisms into organic biomass, carbon dioxide or methane, inorganic compounds and water. Compostable materials are those that are ‘able to be biodegraded in a composting process without leaving any visible, distinguishable or toxic residue; and under managed conditions, inclusive of, temperature, humidity and time-frame, in a composting facility’.⁴  A key point to note is that a compostable material must be biodegradable under specific conditions, usually under those that are found in industrial or municipal composting facilities; which is well illustrated in the title of the draft standard.⁴

TTCS 9, Biodegradable Materials – Food-Contact Single-Use Products for Composting in Municipal or Industrial Facilities – Compulsory Requirements.  Draft standard.

Oxo-degradable materials are those that are ‘designed to break-down by accelerated oxidation and fragmentation through the addition of chemicals under the action of oxygen and UV light or UV light and heat’.

This illustration shows how these three terms are associated, and make it clear that they are not interchangeable. While all compostable materials are biodegradable, not all biodegradable materials are compostable. The speed at which the degradation occurs and the conditions that are required play a role in how these materials are defined. Oxo-degradable materials are neither biodegradable nor compostable. Oxo-degradable materials are not actually biodegradable – they are regular plastics that are treated so that they will disintegrate on exposure to oxygen. The plastic material breaks into smaller pieces, but is not converted to biomass, water and carbon dioxide. The breakdown of oxo-degradable plastics is a source of microplastic which is becoming a major environmental problem. Microplastics are found everywhere, are getting into food systems, and the long-term effects are not yet known.

There are significant implications for disposal of biodegradable polymers and bioplastics, as while they can biodegrade, they require specific conditions to do so quickly. These conditions generally include aerobic conditions, with good moisture and appropriate nutrients for the microorganisms to raise the compost temperature high enough to do their work in the most efficient manner. Biodegradable plastics that end up in a landfill, buried under a mountain of municipal trash will degrade faster than regular plastic, but the process could take months or even years. Bioplastics that end up in the environment however, may not degrade at all. For example, polylactic acid (PLA) does not degrade in seawater. A 2017 study in Germany showed that PLA did not degrade at all after one year in a simulated sea or fresh water environment. On the other hand, another study demonstrated 10% mineralisation of polybutyrate adipate terephthalate (PBAT) in soil over a 6-week period. This is of concern, as having a ‘bio’ or ‘biodegradable’ label on a package may have an undesired effect; consumers may believe that because the material is biodegradable, they can dispose of it indiscriminately, and it will “degrade”. Unfortunately, this is not the case for most bioplastics, and may inadvertently result in increased littering.

[1] Bagheri, A.R., C. Laforsch, A. Greiner and S. Agarwal.  2017.  Fate of So-Called Biodegradable Polymers in Seawater and Freshwater. Global Challenges, 1(4):1700048.  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/gch2.201700048.
[1] Zumstein, M.T. et al. 2018.  Biodegradation of synthetic polymers in soils: Tracking carbon into CO₂ and microbial biomass.  Science Advances, 4:eaas9024.  https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aas9024.

For further information on the topic contact:
Dr Denise Beckles, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine
Tel: 868-662-2002 Ext. 83534,
Email: denise.beckles@sta.uwi.edu

For further information on the National Standard for Biodegradable Products contact:
Adrienne Stewart, Standards Officer II, Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards
Tel: 868-662-8827 ext 2048,
Email: adrienne.stewart@ttbs.org.tt

The mandate of this National Mirror Committee is “to assist and advise the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards in the formulation and review of International Standards in the area of Innovation Management and to advise on any new emerging issues and initiatives related to Innovation Management.”

The team of experts are currently in the process of reviewing the following international standards:

• ISO 56000, Innovation management — Fundamentals and vocabulary
• ISO 56002, Innovation management — Innovation management system — Requirements

The organizations represented on the National Technical Committee include:

1. Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI)
2. Ministry of Planning and Development
3. Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA)
4. Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries (TTCSI)
5. Innovation Association of Trinidad and Tobago
6. The European Business Chamber in Trinidad and Tobago (EUROCHAMTT)
7. UWI – Faculty of Social Sciences
8. UWI – Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
9. The National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST)
10. MIC Institute of Technology
11. Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TTCIC)
12. National Flour Mills Limited
13. University of The Southern Caribbean
14. St. Augustine Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (STACIE)
15. Trinigaigin – Management Consultancy
16. ExporTT

October 14, 2023 – The Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) celebrates World Standards Day 2023 with a special workshop on Occupational Health and Safety Standards. The event will take place on October 19, 2023, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre.

The workshop’s main objectives include fostering discussions on critical topics such as psychological health and safety in the workplace, promoting a supportive work environment, and leveraging Occupational Health and Safety standards to enhance worker safety while addressing mental health concerns.

Distinguished attendees at this event will include Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, and distinguished international and national experts in the field of standardization. The workshop will facilitate insightful discussions and fruitful collaborations.

National Impact: Prioritizing Well-being for Prosperity
The event will highlight the critical interconnection between labour productivity, economic prosperity, and well-being. In a study conducted by RTI International for the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), it has been revealed that the economic cost, encompassing healthcare expenses and productivity losses attributed to diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, totals approximately $8.7 billion TTD annually—equivalent to about 5% of the current GDP.

Thus, there is an urgent need to emphasize the psychological well-being of employees by leveraging the pivotal role of standards. This pivotal workshop aims to promote awareness about standards as catalysts for driving positive change while creating systems to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens.

Background: World Standards Day
World Standards Day is a globally celebrated event that takes place on October 14th each year. This initiative, endorsed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), is designed to increase awareness of the significance of standardization in our modern world.

The focus for World Standards Day 2023 is the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” TTBS, in alignment with the global standardization community, is passionately involved in this multi-year campaign that emphasizes the pivotal role of standards in realizing the UN SDGs.

TTBS has committed to aligning its efforts with the UN SDGs and Vision 2030: The National Development Strategy, giving paramount importance to SDG 3, which centres on ensuring healthy lives and promoting wellness for all. Under the theme “Shared Vision for a Better World,” TTBS aims to address these crucial matters during the workshop, aligning its actions with the government’s dedication to economic growth and sustainability as outlined in the National Quality Policy 2018-2030.

For additional information, please reach out to: Natalie Dennie, Marketing Officer, Email: natalie.dennie@ttbs.org.tt, Phone: (868) 662-8827 Ext: 2260.

Join TTBS in celebrating World Standards Day 2023 and in our collective efforts to build a brighter, healthier, and more sustainable future for all.

-ENDS-

As we delve into our World Standards Day series, it’s essential to spotlight a standard that is pivotal to our nation’s growth and well-being, TTS 648:2020: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) – Fresh Produce – Requirements. In this article, we explore how this standard is shaping the future of agriculture in Trinidad and Tobago and why it’s a game-changer for all stakeholders in the sector.

What is Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)?

TTS 648:2020, or Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), is more than just a set of guidelines; it’s a blueprint for excellence in agriculture. Good agricultural practice is a collection of principles that apply to farm production and post=production processes, resulting in safe and health food and non-food agricultural products, while taking into account economic, social and environmental sustainability. The GAP standard establishes minimum requirements for food safety and quality in fresh produce, at production, harvesting, post-harvest handling, packaging, and storage and transportation stages. By doing so, it not only ensures the production of safe and high-quality food but also promotes sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The GAP Standard covers the following areas (and more):

• Production Site
• Equipment
• Planting Material
• Soil and Substrates
• Fertilizers and Soil Additives
• Water Management
• Crop Protection
• Chemical Management
• Harvesting & Produce Handling
• Waste
• Packaging
• Transportation
• Quality Management
• Traceability & Recall
• Ensuring Food Safety and Sustainable Agriculture

Why use Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)?

For our farmers and producers, GAP is a ticket to global markets. By complying with GAP our agricultural products gain access to lucrative export opportunities, expanding the reach of our local farmers and boosting our economy. Food producers will be better positioned to meet compliance criteria for food safety audits to be met by the operators in the restaurant, fast food and food and beverage manufacturing industry, as their products will be considered safe for consumption, in accordance to the Standard.

GAP will ultimately transfer into numerous benefits to the different stakeholders involved, including food safety, quality assurance, traceability, standardized production, and compliance requirements some of which include:

• Improving the quality of your products through a globally recognized standard
• Improving Sustainability and access to new local, regional and international markets
• Improving food safety
• Improving the efficiency of farm processes and management
• Enhancing Worker, Health, Safety and Environmental Welfare
• Encouraging environmentally sustainable farming practices
• Lowering costs
• Producing higher yields

GAP Certification

The GAP standard was developed by a Specification Committee for Good Agricultural Practices lead by the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS), chaired by Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture – Trinidad and Tobago (IICA-TT).

The Specification Committee also comprised organisations such as Division of Food Production, Forestry and Fisheries – Tobago House of Assembly, Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Inspectorate – Ministry of Health, Environmental Management Authority (EMA), Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Caribbean Industrial Research Institute, National Agricultural Marketing and Development Corporation, Food and Agriculture Organization, Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago, Certification and Standardization Divisions – Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards.

NAMDEVCO has been identified by the Government as the organization responsible for the development and implementation of a National Good Agricultural Practices Programme for Trinidad and Tobago. Please contact NAMDEVCO for further information on this matter.

How Can You Get a Copy?

As we celebrate World Standards Day 2023, let us recognize the pivotal role of GAP in shaping the future of agriculture in Trinidad and Tobago. By embracing this Standard, we not only ensure the well-being of our citizens but also pave the way for a thriving and resilient agricultural industry that will flourish for generations to come. Get your copy of the GAP Standard today both in the e-copy and print via www.gottbs.com and TTBS’ Standards Information Centre located at 1-2 Century Drive, Macoya (662-TTBS ext. 2033).

As we celebrate World Standards Day 2023, under the theme “Shared vision for a better world – Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good health and well-being,” we delve into the pivotal role of TTS 641:2017 in shaping our safety and security. In this article, we explore the critical importance of driveway gate safety and why homeowners, builders, and gate fabricators should prioritize it as a non-negotiable part of our living spaces.

Why Prioritize Gate Safety Design?

Sadly, since 2011, according to media reports, there have been no fewer than 11 tragic accidents linked to driveway gates in Trinidad and Tobago. This grim reality underscores the absolute necessity of prioritizing safety when designing and installing driveway gate systems. Following the requirements of TTS 641:2017 will result in a safer gate and reduce the risks of accidents and legal liability.

Safety Tips for Your Driveway Gates

If not designed, installed, and maintained with safety in mind driveway gates can pose serious risks. Poorly constructed gates or inadequate safety features can result in the gate leaf toppling over, pinning or trapping anyone unfortunate enough to be nearby. These risks can compromise the very security we rely on.

By following the following safety tips you can ensure your driveway gate operates safely and efficiently:

• Safety Post: A sturdy Safety-post or safety-bracket should be installed adjacent to the gate; this will prop the gate in an upright position in the event that it derails;
• Safety Stop: Safety stop should be placed at the end of a sliding gate’s travel path to prevent the gate from travelling past the fully open position; and
• Conduct Regular Checks. Conduct regular checks to ensure that the gate rolls smoothly along the track and that the track is free of debris.

Your Role in Ensuring Driveway Gate Safety

As homeowners, builders, and gate manufacturers, we all share a responsibility to prioritize driveway gate safety. By installing gates that adhere to safety standards, we make an investment not only in our own well-being but also in the safety of our loved ones and our communities.

Standards such as TTS 641:2017, “Driveway gates – Specification, can only help improve our safety and security when they are used. As we celebrate World Standards Day 2023, let us recognize the paramount role of this standard in ensuring that the gates that protect us are not just barriers, but guardians of our well-being. By embracing and applying this standard, we pave the way for a safer and more secure world.

Your commitment to gate safety is a step toward a safer, more secure future for all.

For More Information

For further details on TTS 641:2017, “Driveway Gates – Specification,” please contact Darryl Thomson, Standards Officer, at 662-8827 ext 2051 or via email at darryl.thomson@ttbs.org.tt.

The Importance of Standards

While often overlooked, standards touch almost every part of our daily lives. From the quality of food we eat, vehicle tyres that take us safely from one place to the next, the type of footwear we use, or the construction of our very homes – standards underpin it all.

They are the invisible threads that hold our interconnected world together, defining the quality, safety, and performance of products, services, and systems. Standards ensure that products and services work the way that we expect them to, making life safer and more enjoyable.

What is World Standards Day?

Observed on October 14th each year, World Standards Day is a global celebration of the role standardization plays in supporting international trade, innovation and the well-being of society. This date holds special significance as it marks the founding of three key international standardization organizations: The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Guiding Our Future

SDGs are a universal call to action adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. These 17 interconnected goals address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. Sustainable Development Goal 3, “Good Health and Well-being,” is the focal point of World Standards Day 2023.

Achieving SDG 3 is about more than just accessible healthcare; it encompasses creating an environment where products, services, and workplaces contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities. Standards are the building blocks of this goal, providing the framework for a fairer, more sustainable world.

The Role of Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS)

At TTBS, we understand the profound significance of standards in shaping our daily lives and our nation’s progress. TTBS is committed to ensuring that products and services in our region meet rigorous quality and safety standards. This not only enhances consumer confidence but also fuels economic growth.

Join us in commemorating World Standards Day 2023 as we celebrate the power of standardization. Our upcoming content series will unveil the intricate ways in which standards contribute to a healthier, safer, and more sustainable world. Visit www.gottbs.com to explore the impact of standards in your life.

Together, we can create a world where well-being and good health are safeguarded, today and for the generations to come!

For more information on TTBS’ National Standardization Strategy, please visit the link below:

• https://gottbs.com/2020/02/05/national-standardization-strategy-nss/

To learn more about World Standards Day, please visit the link below:

• https://www.worldstandardsday.org/home.html