KIGALI - Rwanda Bureau of Standards has launched quality marks for local manufactured products, a move that is expected to boost exports.

The quality marks launched include, Standardisation mark for basic requirements of hygiene and safety of health to help small industries without sophisticated systems, Environmental management systems (FSMS) for environmental protection and quality management system (QMS) which considers management systems in various institutions.

"These are really good sophisticated marks. A product bearing them can be trusted and it will increase consumers’ confidence and authorities who are responsible for consumer protection,” said Monique Nsanzabaganwa, the Minister of Trade and Industry, who officially launched the quality marks.

Nsanzabaganwa said that quality marks will reduce huddles subjected to Rwandan products in terms of inspection from one border post to another.

Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, the Director General of RBS, said that the institution is facing challenges of setting standards as well enforcing them.

"How do you develop standards at the same time enforce them? But a policy has been approved to separate these two conflicting roles in one institution, and other regulatory bodies will implement the standards,” Cyubahiro said.

The launch of the RBS quality marks coincided with the celebration of World Standards Day, a day that is globally marked on October 14. This year’s theme  was "Accessibility for all with Standards”.

Bagabe noted that as Rwanda is developing, those living with disabilities should not be left out, and that all services provided should favour them.

He pointed out that big buildings and public structures that are being constructed have no access for wheel chairs, and many public speeches are not interpreted for those with hearing impairments. 

"When it becomes a compulsory standard or technical regulation, it will impose itself because it will be driven by law. Bagabe noted that RBS intends to make it mandatory that basic services offered be accessible to everyone.

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