Bureau of Standards hosts seminar on standard for labelling of retail packages

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards (SVGBS), in collaboration with the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), held its first seminar for this year entitled, ‘Standard for the Labelling of Retail Packages of Tobacco Products’.{{more}}

The half-day seminar was convened at the Department of Telecommunications conference room, on Wednesday, February 9.

The objectives of the seminar were to afford stakeholders the opportunity to ask questions and understand the contents of the standard and to ensure consensus on the contents of the standard.

Director SVGBS Ezra Ledger said that the Bureau aims to promote standards, goods and trade efficiency in all areas of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Ledger added that the labelling of tobacco products is an initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO), with input from the Ministry of Health and the Environment.

Ledger described the standard as one that is very demanding for persons within the sector. He expressed the hope that within a few months it can be ready for declaration.

He noted that all tobacco products will be regulated and checked for compliance to the standard.

Technical Officer of CROSQ Fulgence St. Prix said that the previous standard for the labelling of Tobacco products in CARICOM had become outdated.

He added that the standard has specific responsibilities and obligations to ensure that tobacco products have the necessary labelling.

St. Prix said this will aid consumers in making informed choices and ultimately protect health and safety. The standard will also deal with the advertisement of all tobacco products.

Industry Officer, Ministry of Tourism and Industry Ellison Clarke said that standards are beneficial to the stimulation of business development in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Clarke said that standards do not only require that producers and retailers understand them, but consumers should understand them also.