New Legislation for Standards Coming Soon

Scarborough, Tobago – New legislation to govern industry standards is expected to go to Parliament soon. Minister of Trade and Industry Paula Gopee-Scoon highlighted the importance of updating the Standards Act of Trinidad and Tobago to align with modern industry realities, noting that the Act has not been updated since 1997.

This legislative push coincides with the Bureau of Standards opening a new office in Tobago on Wednesday [referencing the specific day of the opening]. This permanent presence on the island is a key development for local businesses.

The upcoming legislation is particularly crucial for the tourism industry. A strong framework for standards and industry compliance greatly enhances Tobago’s tourism offerings and ensures a certain level of expectations for visitors. Additionally, with the permanent presence of the Bureau of Standards Office in Tobago, Minister Gopee-Scoon hopes that businesses on the island can better prepare for export, ensuring their products meet international benchmarks.

This initiative is part of the agreements reached between the Ministry, the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), and the business sector, designed to enhance the private sector in Tobago. These agreements stemmed from a significant multi-stakeholder meeting held in November 2023.