UNBS recruits private labs to test for standards

Kampala, Uganda |  THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda National Bureau of Standards has launched the training of private companies with testing laboratories, to test locally produced goods for quality standards.

The test results will be acceptable for the UNBS standard mark.

This is aimed at increasing the speed and efficiency of testing and certifying products, which will in the end lead to faster business.  The Uganda National Bureau of Standards has until now tested all products that are required to have the quality mark before they are put out to the market, but the more products are put on the list of those that require the mark, the more the complaints of delays and bribery, among others.

The idea was mooted in 2016 and UNBS developed a way of operationalizing it, in response to the demands by the traders.  The companies will have to undergo vigorous trainings, which are divided into 10 series, touching on different aspects of the standard ISO/IEC 17025 standard.

This is a standard developed by the International Standards Organisation and the International Electrotechnical Commission.  It provides for the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories which most countries use in order for their certification be recognized internationally.

After a series of assessment and training, the UNBS recognizes the laboratories to provide product testing services aimed at easing doing business in Uganda.

This implies that the laboratories are competent to test and issue results that may be used by UNBS in product certification and its other regulatory activities in a bid to reduce the workload at its labs, consequently making trade faster and smoother.

The trainings will take place this February to help the targeted lab owners get acquainted with the requirements of operating a lab, as well as ensuring determining and closing the gaps that may appear.

In July to September, the UNBS together with the Private Sector Foundation Uganda will then carry out audits at different labs aimed at helping them to decide the fate of the lab.

And between then and December, they hope the companies will be able to have their recognition applications processed.

The move is in line with the UNBS Laboratory Recognition Scheme established to ensure that laboratories outside UNBS scope or privately owned are recognised at the national level to do product testing, according to Principal Certification Officer, Mariam Nalwoga

The move is also in tandem with the drive at the East African Community level where other competent laboratories can be used for testing of products and the accruing results are recognised as legitimate and authentic.

For now, there have been only five UNBS-recognised laboratories; Chemiphar Uganda, Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), SMAT Uganda limited, Roofings (U) Ltd and RECO Industries.

The UNBS says the lengthy training and auditing exercises are aimed at ensuring that all the recognized labs meet the local, regional and international expectations.

It is also in line with plans by the East African Community where other competent laboratories can be used for testing of products and the accruing results are recognized as legitimate and authentic for goods crossing borders.

The UNBS sent out invitations for 30 companies that have laboratories, with an aim of enabling them build the capacity and be recognized. However, 22 companies responded to the invitations.

If all the 22 happen to pass the final exams and audits, the total number of such labs would rise to 27, which the UNBS says will go a long way in easing the testing and certification process and in the end improve the business environment.

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URN