national quality infrastructure (nqi)
What is a National Quality Infrastructure?
The totality of the institutional framework (whether public or private) in a country that is put in place to formulate, issue, and implement standards and the associated evidence of compliance (i.e., the relevant mix of inspection, testing, certification, metrology, and accreditation) in order to improve the suitability of products, processes, and services for their intended purposes; prevent barriers to trade; and facilitate technological cooperation. (Source: Designing and Implementing Trade Facilitation in Asia and the Pacific)
Why is an NQI important?
An NQI ensures the quality and safety of products, protects consumers and the environment, boosts the competitiveness of industries, and allows countries to access international markets
Who will benefit from the National Quality Infrastructure?
- Business and producers in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, crafts and trades
- Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)
- Domestic trade and export/import
- Regulators
- Research and development in enterprises
- Scientific and academic communities
- Financial institutions
- Insurance companies
- Arbitration bodies