It is of little use for Namibia to have trade items, regulations and policies which are workable for the country, but do not respond to regional and global trading partners. This is the view of trade minister Lucia Iipumbu, who believes the Metrology Act attends to Namibia’s national quest to be in sync with its trading partners.
The Metrology Act fosters market access and alleviates technical barriers to trade, based on measurements.
Iipumbu made these remarks on Friday as she was launching the targeted stakeholder awareness campaign of the new Metrology Act, Act number five of 2022, which is aimed at informing and capacitating the nation on changes to the metrology legal framework, on administration, and enforcement-related matters.
“The campaign will be workshopped in all 14 regional capitals to guarantee and foster the participation of our stakeholders at all levels. I urge our regional leadership structures to support this great initiative that could unleash some of the untapped economic potential which exists at grassroot levels, particularly with small and medium enterprises,” the minister urged.
Last year, Iipumbu tabled the draft Metrology Bill in the National Assembly for consideration and subsequent ratification by the August House, which repeals and supersedes the Trade Metrology Act of 1973 and the 2005 Trade Metrology Amendments.
Metrology’s applications include all theoretical and practical aspects of measurements, ensuring the suitability of measurement instruments, their calibration, and quality control.
The minister last week observed that the new Act also addresses the broadened gap on the lack of application of metrology controls on critical measurements in health, safety and the environment which exists in the current laws, thereby enhancing consumer protection and conformity assessment activities.
“Another positive development is that the implementation of the Act will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for economic emancipation and appreciation of the quality culture amongst our society, including consumer protection. The Act will certainly guarantee reduced disputes and transaction costs, as well as the control and reduction in fraud incidences,” the minister stated.
On the revenue side of operations, Iipumbu said the Act will adequately capacitate operations of the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA), as it provides a legal platform for the full collection of taxes, fees and rates, which will boost government coffers to aid the fight against social ills which have engulfed the nation.
Equally, Iipumbu urged the country to continue updating its policies and legal framework to mitigate the risk of exposing the country to potential threats which are associated with technical barriers to trade.
Meanwhile, making her contribution in parliament on the Metrology Bill last year, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) parliamentarian Elma Dienda said metrology provides the basis for fair domestic and international trade.
She noted that without metrology, many critical requirements for public health will not be possible.
“Metrology all around ensures quality. Indeed, without the correct measurements, the ability to produce consumer and user requirements will not be possible. It ensures that all we invest in will measure up to satisfying customer expectations with regards to performance,” she continued.