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Pakistan Struggles to Meet International Standards

A recent report by the Pakistan Conformity Assessment Council (PSQCA) has highlighted the country’s ongoing struggle to meet international standards in various product categories.

Mandatory Certification List

The PSQCA, responsible for ensuring compliance with Pakistani and international standards, has identified a list of over 150 products that require mandatory certification. The list includes:

  • Food products: butter, cooking oil, fruit juice, etc.
  • Non-food items: electrical appliances, steel bars, fertilizers, etc.

Testing Schemes

To ensure compliance, the PSQCA operates two testing schemes:

Regulatory Testing Scheme

  • Products on the mandatory list are tested to ensure they meet Pakistani standards.
  • The process involves:
    • Collecting samples from manufacturers or importers
    • Testing against relevant Pakistan and international standards
    • Reporting results to relevant authorities

Commercial Testing Scheme

  • Used for products that do not fall under the mandatory list but still require certification.
  • Customers can apply for testing by providing a sample of their product along with a test fee.
  • Samples are tested against relevant Pakistan and international standards, and results are reported to the customer.

Challenges

The PSQCA’s efforts have been hindered by several challenges:

  • Inadequate infrastructure
  • Lack of resources
  • Corruption

Despite these challenges, the council remains committed to promoting quality and safety in Pakistani products.

Progress Made

In recent years, Pakistan has made significant progress in implementing international standards in various sectors:

  • Textiles
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Food processing

However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all Pakistani products meet global requirements.

Way Forward

The government and private sector must work together to address the challenges facing the PSQCA and ensure that Pakistani products are safe and compliant with international standards. This will not only benefit consumers but also enhance Pakistan’s reputation as a reliable producer of quality goods.