D-DNS 13: 202x  
 
  
 
DOMINICA NATIONAL STANDARD  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CATEGORIZATION OF COMMODITIES ACCORDING TO 
THEIR PEST RISK  
 
D-DNS 13: 202x  
 
 
 
©DBOS 202x  
Dominica Bureau of Standards  
National Centre of Testing Excellence  
P.O. Box 1015, Stockfarm, Roseau  
Commonwealth of Dominica, W.I.  
Tel.: 767 -275-5921/3017  
Email: info@dominicastandards.org  
 
 
 
___________ 202x       Price Group  ______  
 
 
   
COPYRIGHT © 202x  
 
This document contains proprietary information, and should not be published, reproduced, copied, 
disclosed or used for any purpose without the pr ior written approval of the Dominica Bureau of 
Standards (DBOS).  This does not preclude quotation for the purposes of review or comments. 
Enquiries relating to copyright may be addressed to the Director, Dominica Bureau of Standards  
  
i 
 Draft No.  1 
ISSUED FOR COMMENT ONLY  
DRAFT  
DOMINICA NATIONAL STANDARD  
CATEGORIZATION OF COMMODITIES ACCORDING TO THEIR PEST RISK  
D-DNS 1 3: 202x  
 
 
 
 
 
Last date for comments …………………………..  
 
 
 
DOMINICA BUREAU OF STANDARDS  
National Centre of Testing Excellence  
Stockfarm  
P.O. Box 1015  
Roseau  
COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA  
Email: info@dominicastandards.org   
  This is a draft and should not be regarded or used as a 
Dominica National Standard   
ii 
 GENERAL STATEMENT  
 
The Dominica Bureau of Standards was established under the Standards Act (#4) of 1999 and 
started operations in April 2000. A broad -based 15 -member Standards Council governs the affairs 
of the Bureau.  
 
The Standards Act gives the Bureau the responsibility  to facilitate the development and promotion 
of Standards and Codes of Practice for products and services for the protection of the health and 
safety of consumers and the environment as well as for industrial development in order to promote 
the enhancement  of the economy of Dominica.  
 
The Bureau develops Standards through consultations with relevant interest groups. In accordance 
with the provisions of the Standards Act, public comment is invited on all draft Standards before 
they are declared as Dominica National Standards (DNS).  
 
The Bureau is a correspondent member body of the International Organization for Standardization 
(ISO), an affiliate member of the International Electro -technical Commission (IEC), and a member 
of the Caribbean Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) and the Pan 
American Standards Commission (COPANT). The Bureau is the local agent for foreign Standard 
Body, the American Standards for Testing and Measurement (ASTM). The Bureau also serves as 
the enquiry poi nt for the World Trade Organization (WTO) on matters pertaining to the Technical 
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement and is the Contact Point for Codex Alimentarius.  
 
In accordance with good practice for the adoption and application of Standards, Dominica Na tional 
Standards are subject to periodic review every five years.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
iii 
 AMENDMENTS  
 
 
 
Amendment No.   
Date of Issue   
Text (s) Affected  
   
 
   
iv 
 DOMINICA NATIONAL STANDARD  
CATEGORIZATION OF COMMODITIES ACCORIDNG TO THEIR PEST RISK  
 
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE – Food Products, Processes and Services (FPPS)  
 
 
ORGANIZATION  REPRESENTIVE (S)  
(Alternate)  
Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce  Alleyna Robin  
Dominica Export Import Agency  Lloyd Pascal  
Sharon Rolle  
Dominica Manufacturers Association  Linvor Ambo  
Dominica State College  Sharon Allicock Joseph  
Valda Joseph  
IICA  Kent Coipel  
Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries  Anna Mary Seraphine  
Ministry of Trade, Energy, and Employment  Margaret Roudette  
Jackie Xavier  
TECHNICAL SECRETARY  
Mr. Kyle James  
Technical Officer, DBOS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
1 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS  
 
 
0.0 FOREWORD  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 2 
INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  3 
Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  3 
References  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  3 
Definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  3 
Outline of Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  3 
BACKGROUND  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  4 
REQUIREMENTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  5 
1. Elements of Categorization of Commodities according to their Pest Risk  ................................ ....... 5 
1.1. Method and degree of processing before export  ................................ ................................ ...........  6 
1.2. Intended use of the commodity  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 6 
2. Commodity Categories  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  7 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
2 
 0.0 FOREWORD  
 
0.1. This Dominica National Standard was adopted by the Bureau of Standards (the 
Bureau) of the Commonwealth of Dominica on  _____________  after the draft was 
finalized by Technical Committee for Food Products, Processes and Services (FPPS) 
and has been approved by the  Minister responsible for the Bureau.  
 
0.2. This Standard became effective as a Compulsory Standard on the date notified by the 
Minister with responsibility for the Bureau of Standards in a Notice published in the 
Commonwealth of Dominica Official Gazette on ________________.  
 
0.3. This standard is an identical adoption of International Standards for  Phytosanitary 
Measures (ISPM) 32: 201 6 - International Movement of Used Vehicles, Machinery 
and Equipment.  
 
0.4. Acknowledgement is given to International Plant Protection Convention  (IPPC ) for 
providing permission to adopt ISPM 32: 201 6.  
 
0.5. Although the editor ial style and layout of the ISPM 32: 201 6 are not in conformity 
with that of Dominica's Standards, the identical adoption has been approved as suitable 
for publication as a Dominica National Standard.  
 
 
   
3 
 INTRODUCTION  
Scope  
This standard provides criter ia for national plant protection organizations (NPPOs) of importing 
countries on how to categorize commodities according to their pest risk when considering import 
requirements. This categorization should help in identifying whether further pest risk analy sis is 
required and if phytosanitary certification is needed.  
The first stage of categorization is based on whether the commodity has been processed and, if so, 
the method and degree of processing to which the commodity has been subjected before export. 
The second stage of categorization of commodities is based on their intended use after import.   
Contaminating pests or storage pests that may become associated with the commodity after 
processing are not considered in this standard.  
 
References  
The present standard refers to International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs). ISPMs 
are available  on  the  International  Phytosanitary  Portal  (IPP)  at 
https://www.ippc.int/core activities/standards -setting/ispms .  
IPPC . 1997. International Plant Protection Convention . Rome, IPPC, FAO.   
 
Definitions  
Definitions of phytosanitary terms used in the present standard can be found in ISPM 5 ( Glossary 
of phytosanitary terms ).  
 
Outline of Requirements  
The concept of categorization of commodities according to their pest risk takes into account 
whether the product has been processed, and if so, the method and degree of processing to which 
it has been subjected and the commodity’s intended use and the consequent potential for the 
introduction and spread of regulated pests.   
This allows pest risks associated with specific commodities to be assigned to categories. The 
objective of such categorization is to provide importing countries with criteria to better identify 
the need for a pathway -initiated pest risk analysis (PRA) and to facilitate the decis ion-making 
process regarding the possible establishment of import requirements.   
Four categories are identified, which group commodities according to their level of pest risk (two 
for processed commodities, two for unprocessed commodities). Lists of the m ethods of processing 
and the associated resultant commodities are provided.   
  
4 
  
BACKGROUND  
As a result of the method of processing to which some commodities moving in international trade 
have been subjected, the probability of entry of pests has been remo ved and so should not be 
regulated (i.e. phytosanitary measures and phytosanitary certificates are not required). Other 
commodities, after processing, may still present a pest risk and so may be subject to appropriate 
phytosanitary measures.  
Some intended  uses of commodities (e.g. planting) result in a much higher probability of 
introducing pests than others (e.g. processing) (further information is contained in ISPM 11 ( Pest 
risk analysis for quarantine pests ), in relation to the probability of transfer t o a suitable host).   
The concept of categorization of commodities according to their pest risk firstly takes into account 
if the commodity is processed or not and if so, the effect of the method and degree of processing 
to which a commodity has been subje cted. Secondly, it takes into account the intended use and 
consequent potential as a pathway for introduction of regulated pests.   
The objective of this standard is to categorize commodities according to their pest risk to provide 
national plant protectio n organizations (NPPOs) of importing countries with criteria to identify 
more accurately whether there is a need for a pathway -initiated PRA and facilitate the decision -
making process.   
Article VI.1(b) of the IPPC states: “Contracting parties may require phytosanitary measures for 
quarantine pests and regulated non -quarantine pests, provided that such measures are … limited 
to what is necessary to protect plant health and/or safeguard the intended use ….” This standard is 
based on the concepts of intended use of a commodity and the method and degree of its processing, 
which are also addressed in other ISPMs as outlined below.  
Method and degree of processing:  
- ISPM 12 ( Phytosanitary certificate s). NPPOs of the importing countries should not require  
phytosa nitary certificates for plant products that have been processed to the point where 
they have no potential for introducing regulated pests.  
- ISPM 15 ( Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade ). Low risk articles  
are exempted from the req uirements in the standard due to the method and degree of 
processing.  
- ISPM 23 ( Guidelines for inspection ). Inspection may be used to verify the degree of  
processing.  
Intended use:  
- ISPM 11. The intended use is considered when analysing the probabilities of transfer of  
pests to a suitable host and of their spread after establishment.  
- ISPM 16 ( Regulated non -quarantine pests: concept and application ). Risk of economically   
5 
 unacceptabl e impact varies with different pests, commodities and intended use.  
- ISPM 21 ( Pest risk analysis for regulated non -quarantine pests ). Uses the concept of  
intended use extensively.  
Method and degree of processing together with intended use:  
- ISPM 12. Different phytosanitary requirements may apply to the different intended end  
uses or degree of processing as indicated on the phytosanitary certificate.  
- ISPM 20 ( Guidelines for a phyto sanitary import regulatory system ). A commodity may be  
classified by its degree of processing and/or its intended use.  
- ISPM 23. The commodity type and intended use are taken into account to decide the use 
of  
inspection as a phytosanitary measure.  
 
REQU IREMENTS  
The use of the categories by NPPOs in determining any phytosanitary regulations should take into 
account, in particular, the principles of technical justification, pest risk analysis, managed risk, 
minimal impact, harmonization and sovereignty.   
When the import requirements for a commodity need to be determined, the importing country may 
categorize the commodity according to its pest risk. Such categorization may be used to distinguish 
between groups of commodities for which further analysis is r equired from those that do not have 
the potential to introduce and spread regulated pests. In order to categorize the commodity, the 
following should be considered:  
-  method and degree of processing  
-  intended use of the commodity.  
Having evaluated th e method and degree of processing taking into account the intended use, the 
NPPO of the importing country makes a decision on the import requirements for the commodity.  
This standard does not apply to cases of deviation from intended use after import (e.g . grain for 
milling used as seed for sowing).  
 
1. Elements of Categorization of Commodities according to their Pest Risk  
To identify a commodity’s associated pest risk, the method and degree of processing to which a 
commodity has been subjected should be considered. The method and degree of processing, by 
itself, could significantly change the nature of the commodity, so tha t it does not remain capable  
6 
 of being infested with pests. Such a commodity should not be required by an NPPO of an importing 
country to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate1.  
However, if, after processing, a commodity may remain capable of bein g infested with pests, the 
intended use should then be considered.  
 
1.1. Method and degree of processing before export  
The primary objective of the processes addressed in this standard is to modify a commodity for 
other than phytosanitary purposes, but proces sing may also have an effect on any associated pest, 
and hence affect the potential of the commodity to be infested with quarantine pests.  
In order to categorize a given commodity, NPPOs of the importing countries may require 
information on the method of processing undertaken from NPPOs of exporting countries. In some 
cases it is also necessary to know the degree of processing (e.g. temperature and heating duration) 
that affects the physical or chemical properties of the commodity.  
Based on the method and  degree of processing, commodities can be broadly divided into three 
types as follows:  
- processed to the point where the commodity does not remain capable of being infested with 
quarantine pests   
- processed to a point where the commodity remains capable of  being infested with 
quarantine pests  
- not processed.  
If an assessment of the method and degree of processing concludes that a commodity does not 
remain capable of being infested with quarantine pests, there is no need to consider intended use 
and the com modity should not be regulated. However, if an assessment of the method and degree 
of processing concludes that a commodity remains capable of being infested with quarantine pests, 
the intended use should then be considered.   
For non -processed commodities  the intended use should always be considered.   
 
1.2. Intended use of the commodity  
Intended use is defined as the declared purpose for which plants, plant products or other articles 
are imported, produced or used (ISPM 5). The intended use of a commodity may  be for:  
- planting  
 
1 The presence of contaminating pes ts, as defined in ISPM 5 ( Glossary of phytosanitary terms ), or infestation by other 
pests that may become associated with the commodity after processing (e.g. storage pests) is not considered in the 
pest risk categorization process outlined in this standard. However, it is important to note that the methods of 
processing described in this standard will, in most cases, render the commodity free of pests at the time of processing, 
but that some such commodities may have the capacity to become subsequently contaminated or infested. Common 
contaminating pests may be detected during inspection.   
7 
 - consumption and other uses (e.g. crafts, decorative products, cut flowers)  
- processing.  
The intended use may affect a commodity’s pest risk, as some intended uses may allow for the 
establishment or spread of regulated pests. Some inten ded uses of the commodity (e.g. planting) 
are associated with a higher probability of a regulated pest establishing than others (e.g. 
processing). This may result in the application of different phytosanitary measures for a 
commodity based on its intended use (e.g. soybean seed for sowing and soybean grain for human 
consumption). Any phytosanitary measures applied should be proportional to the pest risk 
identified.  
 
2. Commodity Categories  
NPPOs may categorize a commodity by taking into account if it has been processed or not, the 
method and degree of processing and where appropriate the intended use.  
Each commodity category is described below, along with guidance on the need for phytosanit ary 
measures.  
The analytical process outlined in this ISPM is illustrated in the flow chart of Appendix 1.  
 
Category 1.  Commodities have been processed to the point where they do not remain capable of 
being infested with quarantine pests. Hence, no phyto sanitary measures should be required and 
such a commodity should not be deemed to require phytosanitary certification with respect to pests 
that may have been present in the commodity before the process. Annex 1 provides examples of 
processes and the resul tant commodities that can meet the criteria for Category 1. Furthermore, 
Appendix 2 provides some illustrative examples of commodities meeting the criteria for Category 
1.   
 
Category 2.  Commodities have been processed but remain capable of being infested with some 
quarantine pests. The intended use may be, for example, consumption or further processing. The 
NPPO of the importing country may determine that a PRA is necessary. Annex 2 provides 
examples of processes and the resultant commodities that can meet  the criteria for Category 2.   
Although commodities in Category 2 have been processed, the processing method may not 
completely eliminate all quarantine pests. If it is determined that the method and degree of 
processing do not eliminate the pest risk of quarantine pests, consideration should then be given 
to the intended use of the commodity in order to evaluate the probability of establishment and 
spread of the quarantine pests. In this case, a PRA may be needed to determine this.   
To facilitate the cat egorization, exporting countries should, on request, provide detailed 
information on method or degree of processing (such as temperature, exposure time, size of 
particles) in order to assist importing countries in determining to which category the commodit y 
should be assigned.   
8 
 In cases where the evaluation of the effect of the method and degree of processing has determined 
that the processed commodity presents no pest risk and therefore should not be subject to 
phytosanitary measures, the commodity should be reclassified into Category 1.  
 
Category 3.  Commodities have not been processed and the intended use is for a purpose other 
than propagation, for example, consumption or processing. PRA is necessary to identify the pest 
risks related to this pathway.  
Examples of commodities in this category include some fresh fruits and vegetables for 
consumption and cut flowers.   
Because commodities in Categories 2 and 3 have the potential to introduce and spread quarantine 
pests, determining phytosanitary measures ma y be required based on the result of a PRA. The 
phytosanitary measures determined through a PRA may differ depending on the intended use of 
the commodity (e.g. consumption or processing).   
 
Category 4.  Commodities have not been processed and the intended use is planting. PRA is 
necessary to identify the pest risks related to this pathway.  
Examples of commodities in this category include propagative material (e.g. cuttings, seeds, seed 
potatoes, plants in vitro, micropropagative plant material and other pl ants to be planted).   
Because commodities in this Category 4 are not processed and their intended use is for propagation 
or planting, their potential to introduce or spread regulated pests is higher than that for other 
intended uses.    
9 
 This annex is a prescriptive part of the standard.  
ANNEX 1: Methods of commercial processing with resultant commodities that do not  
remain capable of being infested with quarantine pests  
COMMERCIAL 
PROCESS  DESCRIPTION  EXAMPLE OF  
RESULTANT  
COMMODITY  ADDITIONAL 
INFORMATION  
Carbonization  Anoxic combustion of 
an organic material to 
charcoal  Charcoal    
Cooking (boiling, 
heating, microwaving, 
including rice 
parboiling)  Preparing food items for 
consumption by heating, 
primarily transforming 
the physical structure of 
items  Cooked items  Frequently involves 
chemically transforming 
a food, thus changing its  
flavour, texture, 
appearance, or 
nutritional properties  
Dyeing  Colouring of textile 
fibres and other 
materials by which the 
colour becomes an 
integral part of the fibre  
or material under the 
influence of pH and 
temperature changes 
plus interaction with 
chemical products  Dyed vegetable fibres 
and textiles    
Extraction  Physical or chemical 
process to obtain 
specific components 
from plant -based raw 
materials, usually 
through mass -transfer 
operations  Oils, alcohol, essences, 
sugar  Normally done under 
high temperature 
conditions  
Fermentation  Anaerobic or anoxic 
process changing 
food/plant material 
chemically, often 
involving  
micro -organisms 
(bacteria, mould s or 
yeasts) and e.g.  
converting sugars to 
alcohol or organic acids  Wines, liquors, beer and 
other alcoholic 
beverages, fermented 
vegetables  May be combined with 
pasteurization   
10 
 COMMERCIAL 
PROCESS  DESCRIPTION  EXAMPLE OF  
RESULTANT  
COMMODITY  ADDITIONAL 
INFORMATION  
Malting  A series of actions 
allowing the 
germination of cereal 
seeds to develop 
enzymatic activity to 
digest starchy materials 
into sugars and 
cessation of enzymatic 
activity by heating  Malted barley    
Multi -method 
processing   A combination of 
multiple types o f 
processing such as 
heating, high pressure   Plywood, particle 
board, wafer board    
Pasteurization  Thermal processing in 
order to kill undesirable 
or harmful micro -
organisms  Pasteurized juices, 
alcoholic beverages  
(beer, wine)  
 
 
 
 Often combined with 
fermentation and 
followed  
by refrigeration (at 4 °C) 
and proper packaging 
and handling. Process 
time and temperature 
depends on type of 
product.  
Preservation in liquid  Process of preserving 
plant material in a 
suitable liquid medium 
(e.g. in syrup, brine, oil, 
vinegar or alcohol) of a 
particular pH, salinity, 
anaerobic or osmotic 
state  Preserved fruits, 
vegetables, nuts, tubers, 
bulbs  Proper conditions of pH, 
salinity,  etc. must be 
maintained  
Pureeing (including 
blending)  Making homogenized 
and spreadable fruit 
and/or vegetable tissues, 
e.g. by high -speed 
mixing, screening 
through a sieve or using 
a blender  Pureed items (fruits, 
vegetables)  Normally combined 
with pulping of fruits or 
vegetables and methods 
to preserve the  puree 
(e.g. pasteurization and 
packing)   
Roasting  Process of drying and 
browning foods by 
exposure to dry heat  Roasted peanuts, coffee 
and nuts     
11 
 COMMERCIAL 
PROCESS  DESCRIPTION  EXAMPLE OF  
RESULTANT  
COMMODITY  ADDITIONAL 
INFORMATION  
Sterilization   Process of applying heat 
(vapours , dry heat or 
boiling water), 
irradiation or chemical 
treatments in order to 
destroy microorganisms   Sterilized substrates, 
juices   Sterilization may not 
change the condition of 
the commodity in an 
evident way, but 
eliminates 
microorganisms   
Sterilizat ion (industrial)  Thermal processing of 
foods that leads to 
shelfstable products in 
containers by 
destruction of all 
pathogenic, 
toxinforming and 
spoilage organisms   Canned vegetables, 
soups; UHT (ultra -high 
temperature) juices   Process time and 
Temperat ure for canned 
products depends on 
type of product, 
treatment and geometry 
of container. Aseptic 
processing and 
packaging involves 
industrial sterilization 
of a flowing product and 
then packaging in sterile 
environment and 
package.   
Sugar infusing   Action of coating and 
infusing fruits with 
sugar   Crystallized fruit, fruit 
infused with sugar, nuts 
coated with sugar   Usually combined with 
pulping, boiling, drying   
Tenderizing   Process to rehydrate 
dried or dehydrated 
items by the  application 
of steam under pressure 
or submerging in hot 
water   Tenderized fruits   Usually applied to a 
dried commodity. Can 
be combined with sugar 
infusing.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
12 
 This annex is a prescriptive part of the standard.  
ANNEX 2: Methods of commercial processing with resultant commodities that remain 
capable of being infested with quarantine pests  
COMMERCIAL 
PROCESS  DESCRIPTION  EXAMPLE OF  
RESULTANT  
COMMODITY  ADDITIONAL 
INFORMATION  
Chipping (of wood)  Wood reduced to small 
pieces  Chipped wood  The probability of 
infestation is related to 
the species of wood, the 
presence of bark, and 
the size of the chips  
Chopping  To cut into pieces  Chopped fruit, nuts, 
grains, vegetables    
Crushing  Breaking plant material 
into pieces by 
application of 
mechanical force  Herbs, nuts  Usually applied to dried 
products  
Drying/dehydration (of 
fruits and vegetables)  Removal of moisture for 
preservation, or to 
decrease weight or 
volume  Dehydrated fruit, 
vegetables    
Painting (including 
lacquering, varnishing)  To coat with paint  Painted wood and canes, 
fibres    
Peeling and shelling  Removal of the outer or 
epidermal tissues or 
pods  Peeled fruits, 
vegetables, grains, nuts    
Polishing (of grain and 
beans)  To make smooth and 
shiny by rubbing or 
chemical action 
removing the outer 
layers from grains  Polished rice  and cocoa 
beans    
Post-harvest handling 
(of fruits and 
vegetables)  Operations such as 
grading, sorting, 
washing or brushing, 
and/or waxing fruits and 
vegetables  Graded, sorted, washed, 
or brushed and/or waxed 
fruit and vegetables  Usually carried out in 
packing houses  
Quick freezing  Cooling quickly, 
ensuring that the 
temperature range of 
maximum ice 
crystallization is passed 
as quickly as possible to 
preserve the quality of 
fruits and vegetables  Frozen fruits and 
vegetables  Recommended  
international code of 
practice for the 
processing and handling 
of quick -frozen foods, 
1976 CAC/RCP 8 -1976  
(Rev 3, 2008), Codex 
Alimentarius, FAO,  
13 
 Rome, states that “food 
which has been 
subjected to a quick -
freezing process, and 
maintained at −18 ºC or 
colder at all points in the 
cold chain, subject to 
permitted temperature 
tolerance.”  
Quick freezing of fruits 
and vegetables kills 
insects in particular. 
Frozen fruits and 
vegetables are prepared 
for direct consumption 
and will decay quickly 
after thawing. 
Therefore, the pest risks 
associated with such 
products is considered 
very low1.  
 
 
1 It is recommended that countries do not regulate frozen fruits and vegetables.   
14 
 This appendix is for reference purposes only and is not a prescriptive part of the standard.  
APPENDIX 1: Flow chart illustrating categorization of commodities according to their pest 
risk  
 
 
15 
 This appendix is for reference purposes only and is not a prescriptive part of the standard.  
APPENDIX 2: Examples of commodities within Category 1  
 
 
16 
 Dominica Bureau of Standards  
 
Dominica Bureau of Standards is a statutory body established under th e Standards Act No. 4 of 
1999 to establish, promote and maintain Standards for:  
a. Improving goods and services produced or used in Dominica;  
b. Processes and practices for ensuring industrial efficiency and development;  
c. Public and industrial welfare, health and  safety;  
d. Safeguarding the environment.  
 
The National Standard Council  
 
The National Standard Council (NSC), a fourteen (14) member Council representing various 
interest groups, is appointed by the Minister responsible for the Dominica Bureau of Standards 
yearly, to guide the policy decision matters of the Bureau and oversee its financial management. 
The Council is also responsible for the general administrative affairs of the Dominica Bureau of 
Standards.