PSQCA Plans to Boost Monitoring by Additional Mobile Testing Labs

Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) plans to develop more Mobile Testing Laboratories (MTLs) in various cities of Pakistan to advance its monitoring mechanism through improved market observation and surprise visits .PSQCA Plans to Boost Monitoring by Additional Mobile Testing Labs.

An MTL is already running in Karachi where as similar such laboratories will be introduced in foremost cities to attain improved outcomes and better efficiency.

PSQCA Plans to Boost Monitoring by Additional Mobile Testing Labs

On Saturday, Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) told that re-structuring of PSQCA has been planned in the National Quality Policy (NQP) to maintain international practice standards.

Currently the summary for National Quality Policy is under consideration by the Cabinet for endorsement. Sources informed that PSQCA, an organization under administrative control of MoST is authorised to formulate standards and survey the quality of products falling under Compulsory Certification Mark Scheme.

MOST highlighted the steps taken that PSQCA and ensured that many market surveillance teams are constituted in different parts of the country. They are dynamic, actively taking appropriate steps.

PSQCA’s performance was just satisfactory. The government has undertaken initiatives including amendments in PSQCA Act to improve its governance mechanisms.

The proposed amendments, inter-alia, include reconstitution of BoD, reconstitution of advisory council/executive committee, enhancement of penalties, discretionary and arbitrary powers of the PSQCA field officers etc and initiation of Foreign Manufacturer License Scheme (FML) to benefit importers by reducing clearing time at point of import.

The other steps include signing of MoUs with International firms to enhance mutual recognition and credibility. Up-gradation of equipment and qualified manpower of PSQCA will also be taken in view. Testing Laboratories and increasing the number of Accredited Tests during the process of hiring of qualified manpower on vacant posts.

These steps will likely to improve open market surveillance according to rules and regulations of PSQCA.

Source: Pakistan Today