The quality or standard of some manufactured goods have been accepted by giving national standard marks (NS). From the commodity point of view, only some particular type of goods have sought permission and been granted the quality mark. While this is quite encouraging, an unnerving fact is that the general public has still not developed the keen sense to differentiate when it comes to quality determination and be aware of the quality mark. Due to the lack of consciousness among the consumers, such a situation has resulted.

The quality standard board was formed in Nepal over three decades back. In order to make the quality standard activities more effective, the quality standard office was formed in 2041 B.S. Later, it was converted into Nepal Bureau of Standard and Meteorology. The institution since its establishment has directed its efforts towards quality maintenance in Nepal through Nepal quality standard certification mark and Nepal quality standard mark. Though not very encouraging, only about three hundred products or goods have gone through the quality grant. But, to what extent have Nepalese SM products the edge in the export market of Nepal? It is also worth meditating over the benefits derived by entrepreneurs involved in export-import activities. The queries cannot be answered satisfactorily. It should be clear about the quality determination and quality certification mark. Herein, it seems important to understand that the determination of quality standard does not necessarily mean the easy availability of quality goods.

The ordinary consumers may not be aware of the fact that quality determination means the list or record of prerequisites in order to make any product or procedure qualitative. If the products are produced or specific procedures are followed after fulfilling the conditions, it is the hallmark of quality. The consumers in Nepal do not seem to have any idea of what the standard mark granted to the concerned product in fact stands for. As regards the quality standard mark, there is the provision of providing certification that the product has met the criteria as is applicable by the authority concerned.

Going further, is the function of the Bureau of Standards and Metrology limited to quality determination only? It is agreed that quality determination is certainly a very important task. It has to do with more than this task. Numerous industries are established in our country every year. The majority among those industries are operated along the lines of predetermined quality standard or procedures. But, have such industries shown interest regarding predetermined quality standards? In order to mark qualitative to the product, the Bureau follows the measurement of predetermined quality standards? For example, the quality determinations of pasteurized milk, butter, PVC electric wire, bathing and washing soaps, bread, fruit squash, spaghetti, enamel paint, hollow cement concrete blocks, readymade spaghetti, light beverages, beer and others have already been fixed. But, there is the need to ascertain whether they have adhered to the predetermined quality mark. This keeps the Bureau busy all the time.

Furthermore, there are legal ground for the determination of the quality when it has impacts on public health and safety but no special attention has been given in this direction which is of vital significance. Pasteurized milk production is one example. With the popularization of pasteurized mild, numerous such production units have opened up in the country. And, they need to be regulated for quality and safe dairy products besides other safety installations. This necessitates the concerned authorities to monitor and supervise the industries on a regular basis in the interest of the public health point of view.

This all shows that the process of quality standard determination is of vital interest not only to the entrepreneurs but the consumers as well. With sophisticated technology and honesty prevailing much can be done for the well-being of the consumers. It also suggests that no compromise can be made when the question of maintaining the quality is made.

We have certain quality standard reference including ISO 9000 and ISO 14001 which are voluntary. ISO 14001 is important in international trade. QUENSH is a system ISO. ISO 9000 and 14000 are elements of QUENSH system. ISO 9000 is related to quality management system. ISO 14000 is environment management system.

The short retrospection highlights the fact that there should be insight into the real dangers, which would provide risks for the health of the consumer. These risks should be eliminated or minimized. This can be achieved by controlling and watching certain points in the production process. HACCP has become synonymous with food safety. It is an internationally recognized systematic and preventive approach that addresses biological, chemical and physical hazards by anticipating and preventing rather than through finished product inspection.

Dr. Regmi is associated with Trade and Export Promotion Centre