Pakistan's National Standards and ISO

Pakistan's National Standards

• Pakistan is a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and harmonizes its standards with international requirements.
• The Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) is the national standardization body under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Standards Coverage

• Pakistani standards cover agriculture, foodstuffs, chemicals, and textiles.
• 47 products, including edible oils, biscuits, and bottled water, require mandatory certification under the Compulsory Certification Mark License Scheme.

Enforcement and Certification

• Enforcement of standards is limited due to inadequate inspection resources.
• Certification marks are issued by the PSQCA for domestic and imported products that meet Pakistani standards, which are harmonized with international requirements.

PSQCA's Role

• PSQCA serves as the focal point for national, regional, and international organizations, including ISO, Codex Alimentarius, and WTO.
• PSQCA introduces measures for consumer safety and health through standardization.
• PSQCA establishes procedures for conformity assessment compliant with national and international standards.

Institutional Mapping

• Multiple federal ministries and bodies are involved in regulation, including the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Commerce.
• Provincial governments also play a role in regulation.

Food Safety Standards

• Food safety standards are regulated by provincial governments, while food imports are regulated by the federal government.
• The Pakistan Pure Food Laws (PFL) of 1963, revised in 2007 and 2011, established the basis for the existing trade-related food quality and safety legislative framework.
• The PFL covers 104 food items across nine categories, addressing purity issues, additives, preservatives, and other aspects of food safety.

Regulation of Imported Food Products

• The federal government applies Codex standards and guidelines for imported food products.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards are also used for certain products.
• A list of permissible food colors is updated annually, and "Halal" certification is required for animal products.

This quiz covers Pakistan's national standards, its harmonization with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) requirements, and the enforcement of standards in various industries.