The Namibian Standards Institution (NSI) in conjunction with its European Union partners held a seminar in Ongwediva to discuss various aspects relating to technical barriers in trade (TBT) between countries.
The seminar also provided an opportunity for a brief explanation of the Metrology Act, which will soon be in operation. The Act deals with all the various methods of measurements applicable to the quantities of goods in commercial markets, to ensure standardization and uniformity.
Mr Jekonia Haufiku, the general manager for standards development and coordination at NSI gave the overview of the National Quality Policy and explained the importance of this policy to the manufacturers of goods intended for sale on the local market and international markets.
“The NQP serves as a catalyst for the development and implementation of a technical regulations framework,” Haufiku said.
Ms Lahya Hambinga, the manager for SPSI & WTO TBT notification and enquiry point at NSI gave an overview of the WTO/TBT Agreement.
“The TBT Agreement is aimed at ensuring that technical regulations, standards and conformity assessment procedures are non-discriminatory and do not create unnecessary obstacles to trade,” Hambinga stated.
“The objectives of the TBT Agreement are to facilitate global trade, promote the use of international standards and avoid unnecessary or discriminatory obstacles to international trade.”
Mr Efraim Ihambo, the acting section head for legal metrology at NSI gave a brief explanation of the Metrology Act and related regulations.
Also joining the seminar from afar were Ms Felinda Wennerberg and Ms Linda Boden in Sweden who delivered virtually their presentations on good regulatory practice.
Ms Johanna Kamulumbu from NSI explained the ePing system, while Mr Josef Shikongo, the deputy director for weights, measures and standards at the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade made the closing remarks.
In the photo: The NSI seminar held at Ongwediva on 27 June 2023.
