Haiti Struggles with Compliance to International Standards

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Haiti’s membership in various international organizations has led to a reliance on foreign standards, particularly those from ISO, WHO, FAO, and Codex Alimentarius. However, the country lacks a comprehensive framework for standards, testing, approval, and certification.

Challenges in Ensuring Compliance

Despite being a member of CARICOM and adopting regional standards established by COSQ, Haiti still faces challenges in ensuring compliance to international standards. The government is currently drafting a framework law on quality to harmonize and update existing laws on quality control.

Key Bodies Guiding National Quality System

Three key bodies will guide and coordinate Haiti’s national quality system:

• National Quality Council (CNQ): defines national quality policy
• Standards Centre (CNS): deals with standardization, training, and quality issues
• National Commission for Official Quality Control (CNCOQ): coordinates Haiti’s quality-related activities

Support from International Organizations

The Haitian Treasury finances the Standards Centre with technical assistance from UNIDO. The CNS also receives support from UNIDO’s Technical Cooperation Program for Haiti.

Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade

As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Haiti is required under the TBT Agreement to report all proposed technical regulations that could affect trade with other member countries. The NIST Notify U.S. Service offers a free web-based email subscription service for individuals and organizations to review and comment on proposed foreign technical regulations.

Government’s Goal: Protecting Consumers

The government’s primary goal is to protect consumers and monitor the safe sale of food, chemicals, and pharmaceutical products, as well as cosmetics. Accreditation will be accorded to all products that meet the standards set by the government in the forthcoming Presidential Decree on Standards.

Contact Information

• Direction Quality Control
  • Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Ministère du Commerce et de l’Industrie)
  • Parc Industriel Métropolitain (SONAPI)
  • Port-au-Prince, Haïti
  • Tel: (509) 3724-0520 / 3473-4898
  • E-mail: dcqpc_mci@yahoo.fr
  • General Director: Mrs. Roberta Jean-Baptiste

Assistance for American Companies

The U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce offers assistance to American companies looking to expand their international market presence. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide.

Locate a Trade Specialist

Find the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.