2024-04-18 – A significant step towards enhancing energy efficiency and consumer protection in Trinidad and Tobago’s lighting sector was undertaken as the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) convened a pivotal National Stakeholder Consultation to address the compulsory standard addressing Energy Labelling of Compact Fluorescent Lamps and Light Emitting Diode Lamps (CFLs and LEDs). The event took place on Wednesday 17^th April in the TTBS Auditorium located at 1-2 Century Drive, Macoya. Stakeholders representing manufacturers, importers, distributors were invited to participate in this critical consultation.

About the Standard

TTCS 11:2021, Energy labelling – Compact fluorescent lamps and light-emitting diode lamps – Compulsory requirements, establishes requirements for energy labelling and safety for CFLs and LEDs. This compulsory standard underscores TTBS’ commitment to safeguarding public welfare and promoting sustainable energy practices in Trinidad and Tobago.

Mr José E. Trejo, Executive Director of TTBS, emphasized the importance of TTCS 11:2021 in enhancing consumer confidence and promoting environmental sustainability. “TTBS is dedicated to upholding standards that ensure the safety and quality of products in our nation,” stated Mr Trejo. “We encourage all stakeholders to actively participate in this consultation, provide valuable feedback, and collaborate with us as we continue to uphold our commitment to quality and excellence.”

Benefits of TTCS 11:2021

Safety and Efficiency – CFLs and LEDs offer significant energy savings compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, reducing electricity consumption and lowering utility bills for consumers. By enforcing TTCS 11:2021, TTBS aims to ensure that all CFLs and LEDs in the market meet stringent safety, energy performance and related labelling requirements, providing consumers with reliable and eco-friendly lighting options.

Transparency and Consumer Empowerment – The standard includes clear labelling requirements and guidelines for demonstrating compliance, enabling consumers to make informed purchasing decisions. By providing transparent information about product energy efficiency and performance, TTCS 11:2021 empowers consumers to choose products that align with their preferences and values.

Enforcement of the Compulsory Standard

TTBS is committed to rigorous enforcement of TTCS 11:2021 to eliminate sub-standard products from the market. Imported shipments of CFLs and LEDs will undergo thorough inspection, sampling, and testing to ensure compliance with the standard’s requirements.

For further information, please contact Mr Klenworth Jones at 662-8827 or 612-0279 or email klenworth.jones@ttbs.org.tt

The final rule will more than double the required efficiency level for the most common lightbulbs, from 45 lumens (the unit of measurement for light intensity) per watt to more than 120 lumens per watt

The rule won praise from energy efficiency lobbying groups, with the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s (ACEEE) Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP) citing Energy Department estimates it will cut American utility bills by up to $27 billion while preventing the release of 70 million metric tons of carbon emissions over three decades.

“LED technology has gotten even better in recent years, and these standards will ensure that all products on the market catch up with the latest efficiency advances,” said Andrew deLaski, executive director of the ASAP, in a statement. “With dozens of light bulbs in each home across the country, these standards will reduce household energy costs and climate pollution from power plants.”

Ben Somberg, communications director for the ACEEE, told The Hill in an email that the primary effect of the final rule will be to improve the energy efficiency of light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, which are already significantly more efficient than the fluorescent bulbs the Biden administration is in the process of phasing out. A full ban on sales of fluorescent bulbs by retailers took effect last August, after the administration finalized the rule the previous April.

“Making common household appliances more efficient is one of the most effective ways to slash energy costs and cut harmful carbon emissions,” Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a statement. “Under President Biden and as directed by Congress, DOE is following the lead of lightbulb manufacturers, helping American families flip the switch on massive energy savings through strengthened energy efficiency standards.”

Source: thehill.com

Established in 1974, the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS) set out with a vision to become the leading provider of national quality solutions, fostering a standards-conscious society and a globally competitive nation.

Governed by the Standards Act No. 18 of 1997, TTBS has played a pivotal role in shaping Trinidad and Tobago’s Quality Infrastructure. As the National Standard Body and National Metrology Institute, TTBS is instrumental in developing and promoting standards that bolster trade, safeguard consumers, and enhance global competitiveness.

TTBS’ impact resonates across various stakeholders:

• Businesses – TTBS supports businesses in achieving international recognition, improving product quality and increasing competitiveness in domestic and global markets
• Consumers – Ensuring product safety and quality empowers consumers to make informed choices, protecting their interests.
• Government – Collaborating with government agencies, we aid in policy development that drives economic growth, public health, and sustainable development.
• Industries – TTBS facilities the growth of industries by providing technical support, standards development and information services, certification and infrastructure support.

Our comprehensive range of services includes:

• Standards Development – Facilitating the development of national and regional standards across various sectors to enhance trade and competitiveness, improve the quality of goods and services, and support sustainability development goals.
• Product Certification – Certifying goods and services to meet specific standards, instilling consumer confidence and facilitating trade.
• Metrology Services – Providing precise measurement and calibration services to ensure compliance with international standards.
• Testing – TTBS’ labs conduct rigorous tests to assess the safety, quality and performance of products, materials and equipment.
• Training – Offering programs to enhance knowledge and skills in standards, metrology, calibration, and quality management.
• Regulatory Compliance – Assisting businesses in understanding and adhering to regulatory requirements for market access and trade.
• Management System Certification – Assessing and certifying companies’ management systems against set standards through audits and evaluations.

As we approach our 50th anniversary on July 8th, 2024, we celebrate this significant milestone with renewed commitment. TTBS will embark on a special campaign honouring its legacy while setting the course for the future. Through events, initiatives, and engagements, we invite you to celebrate with us. Stay tuned for announcements on our campaign theme, activities, and opportunities for involvement.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to our core values of trustworthiness, commitment to people, quality consciousness, innovation, enterprise and teamwork. Together, let us continue to build a future where quality knows no compromise.

CLICK HERE FOR EVENT REGISTRATION FORM

Event Address: 1-2 Century Drive, Trincity Industrial Estate, Macoya, TUNAPUNA
Date: Wednesday 17th April, 2024

Time: 9:30 am to 12:00 noon
Venue: TTBS’ Auditorium

Contacts:    Mr Klenworth Jones                        Ms Joanne O’Connell

Inspector II / Head Surveillance & SP Unit         Clerk/Stenographer II
Implementation Division                                       Implementation Division
Contact#: 662-8827 / 612-0279                          Contact #: 662-8827 /
612-0279 – Ext. 2430

On February 23, 2024 the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published the Climate Action Amendments to the ISO Management Systems Standards (MSS). These changes were made to support the ISO London Declaration, which commits to combating climate change and contributing to the global climate agenda. The purpose of these changes is to ensure that organizations will consider climate change issues when assessing the organization’s context and the needs of interested parties.

While these changes apply to all management systems standards, this notice addresses TTBS’ certification programmes which currently include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018. The amendments are included in the following international standards which are available at the ISO website or the TTBS Standards Information Centre:

• ISO 9001:2015/Amd 1:2024 Quality management systems – Requirements – Amendment 1: Climate action changes
• ISO 14001:2015/Amd 1:2024 – Environmental management systems – Requirements with guidance for use – Amendment 1: Climate action changes
• ISO 45001:2018/Amd 1:2024 – Occupational health and safety management systems
  Requirements with guidance for use – Amendment 1: Climate action changes

The amendments are as follows:

• 4.1 Understanding the organization and its context.
  Added: The organization shall determine whether climate change is a relevant issue.
• 4.2 Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties.
  Added: NOTE: Relevant interested parties can have requirements related to climate change.

Please note that amendments are applicable with immediate effect.

TTBS certified clients are expected to determine whether climate change issues are relevant or not and if so, address it accordingly in your management system. To obtain additional details regarding these changes and the comprehensive list of standards included in the joint communiqué, please visit the IAF website at https://iaf.nu/en/news/iaf-and-iso-publish-joint-communique/.

Should you require further information please contact the Certification Division of TTBS at (T) 868 662 8827 Ext 2221 (C) 773-9178 (E) certification@ttbs.org.tt

Official Correspondence

Mr Rodney Ramnath
Manager, Certification Division

• 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.

Click here to view agenda

Click here for registration form