It comes at a time when regional standardisation bodies are moving towards harmonising quality standards, a key element in promoting industry and trade

The Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) will officially launch the country’s product ‘quality mark’ at Kigali Serena today. This is intended to promote awareness amongst industrialists on the advantages of using the quality mark.

A product quality mark analyses the excellence of an organisation and its products and services. While speaking on phone yesterday, the Director General of RBS, Dr Anastase Kimonyo, said that the mark guarantees quality for products thereby raising consumers’ awareness in making quick and wise decisions during purchase.

Adding, "It also offers consumers the possibility to seek appropriate remedies should the product be found not to meet the specified requirements.”

RBS is a national body in charge of all activities regarding the development of standards, quality assurance and metrology.

Kimonyo also explained, "It would also facilitate trade and eliminate technical barriers to trade so as to enhance recognition of Rwandan products in the region for easy access to the international market.”

As a sign of quality and assures of product safety, the mark is awarded by RBS through Certification Services after compliance of a product with a set of requirements governing quality.

This means that manufacturers have to implement systems within their own organisations to ensure that the products and services they deliver meet the necessary criteria. The standardisation principles and rules are regionally and internationally recognised.

Kimonyo said that this offers a competitive edge over those that do not have the mark.

The launch follows the establishment of a quality infrastructure that includes testing laboratories and calibration facilities at the standards regulatory body.

Management of RBS say that the mark has been in existent for a year now but a few companies have it such as Bralirwa’s Mutiz and Sulfo’s Source du Nil drinking water.

The scheme is an East African Community (EAC) requirement for manufactured goods. It comes a time when regional standardisation bodies are moving towards harmonising quality standards, a key element in promoting industry and trade.

This is in line with the requirements of the regional Standardisation, Quality Assurance, Metrology and Testing (SQMT) Act 2006.

Ends