NBSIR 80-1969

Consultation Visit to the

Honduras Department of

Engineering and Standardization

AlllOb

H. Steffen Reiser

Office of International Relations

National Bureau of Standards

U.S. Department of Commerce

Washington, D.C. 20234

Visit Dates; May 20-26, 1979

Issued February 1 980

Conducted as a part of the program under the

US/NBS Agency for International Development RASA TA(CE)6-71

Rrepared for Agency for International Development

. PIP ^lepartment of State

/ashington, D.C. 20523

100

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80-1969

1980

NBSIR 80-1969

CONSULTATION VISIT TO THE

HONDURAS DEPARTMENT OF

ENGINEERING AND STANDARDIZATION

09 STAMPAKDf

UBKAXT

APR 2 7 1981 ^ Oot .j -

r-o^

H. Steffen Reiser

Office of International Relations

National Bureau of Standards

Washington, D C. 20234

Visit Dates: May 20-26, 1979

Issued February 1980

Conducted as a part of the program under the

US/NBS Agency for International Development RASA TA(CE)6-71

Rrepared for Agency for International Development

Department of State

Washington, D.C. 20523

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Philip M. Klutznick, Secretary

Luther H. Hodges, Jr., Deputy Secretary

Jordan J. Baruch, Assistant Secretary for Science and Technology

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Ernest Ambler, Director
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1

II. RECOMMENDATIONS 3

III. BACKGROUND INFORMATION 5

A. Introduction 5

B. General 5

C. Government Organization 5

D. Description of the Department of Engineering

and Standardization 7 E. Legal Aspects in Support of Standardization,

Quality Control, and Metrology Activities 9

F. Other Organizations, Offices, Institutions, Etc.,

With Activities Related to Standardization and

Quality Control 10

IV. THE AID MISSION’S REQUEST FOR AN NBS STAFF MEMBER TO

VISIT HONDURAS AND THE SUPPORT GIVEN FOR HIS STUDY

OF STANDARDIZATION IN HONDURAS 14

V. VISITS MADE DURING ONE-WEEK STAY IN HONDURAS

(MAY 20-26, 1979) 18

A. Ministry of Economy 18

B. Department of Engineering and Standardization ... 18

C. The National Autonomous University of Honduras . . 18

D. Visit to the Center for Industrial Development . . 18

E. Visit to the Central Bank of Honduras 19

F. Visit to Cane Sugar Refinery 19

VI. POSSIBLE NBS ASSISTANCE 20

VII. THE PROJECT PROPOSAL ON STANDARDIZATION, QUALITY CONTROL,

AND METROLOGY SUBMITTED BY HONDURAS TO THE ORGANIZATION

OF AMERICAN STATES 21

VIII. INFORMAL OPINIONS ABOUT LAWS ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ... 25

APPENDIX A: Project Presentation on National System of

Standardization, Quality Control, and Metrology

to be considered by Organization of American States

as presented by the Department of Engineering and

Standardization 28

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I.
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Honduras is a small Central American Republic with very considerable

human and natural resources. Its Government has decided to increase

efforts on equitable measurements in retail markets and in other

standardization activities. The aim is to selectively evaluate raw

materials for domestic use or export, to increase production

capabilities and control through instrumental monitoring, to assure

quality of products for domestic and foreign purchasers, and to

support Governmental programs for health, the environment,

importation, transportation systems, education, etc. With financial

resources of the U.S, Agency for International Development at both the

Ifission in Tegucigalpa and the Washington head office through the

AID/Department of Commerce Agreement, the National Bureau of Standards

was asked to provide short-term consultation for the Government of

Honduras on the above topics. I, H, Steffen Pelser, shortly before

retirement as head of the NBS Office of International R.elations, was selected for this consultation in May 1979 despite my lack of Spanishspeaking capability. An effective relationship has been initiated

between the Department of Engineering and Standardization of the

Ministry of Economy and NBS. It should benefit mutual understanding

and trade between the countries.

I strongly endorse the decision of the Honduran Government to place

more emphasis on standardization programs in Honduras. They are likely to be highly cost effective in contributions to the economy of

Honduras, The technical capability exists in Honduras to build up

gradually the facilities and experience in measurement and

standardization services in close coordination to the short-term

economic advantage of Honduras. In three special areas the Government

of Honduras shoxild decide upon the most effective course to pursue:

1, The wording of a new comprehensible, enforceable Weights

and Measures Law to be proposed to the Legislature.

2, The mechanisms for bringing the technical communities

at the University of Honduras and in Industry into greater

awareness of standardization systems.

3, Establishment of laboratory facilities and the means to

acquire greater technical experience in their use for calibrating instruments and testing both raw materials and products of

Industry, in close coordination with regional organizations for

standards, metrology, and industrial technology.

In making some detailed recommendations, I have kept in mind the

previous advice to Honduras by Engineer Raul Estrada, Director General

of the National Ecuadorian Institute for Standardization (IKEN) , with

whose views I generally concur. In the few areas where there exist

minor differences in emphasis, they reflect my preference for

1
1

partially voluntary cooperation with standardization systems, when the

user can be encouraged to recognize his own personal advantage in

their use. Estrada advocates more mandatory systems, and I recognize

that in most developing countries the common reaction is: "Voluntary

standardization may work in the United States or the United iy.npdom,

but no one would comply here. We have to force quality control on our manufacturers with the full power of the Law; otherwise there would he

no standardization." That may be so for protecting the people from

unwholesome foods, or for environmental standards, but I continue to

advocate voluntary compliance where feasible.

Honduras and the United States are moving to a greater use of the

metric International System (SI) . Ecuador has moved ahead by

requiring by law that all instruments and measures must read in SI,

and goods traded must be quantified in SI. Should Honduras not bring

the consumer more gradually to have a feel for the meter and the

kilogram? It is not a good idea to prosecute the vendor of a pound of

oranges or to ignore a legal requirement on the sole use of SI.

The author acknowledges profound appreciation to Honduran authorities

and especially to the Director General of Industry, Lie. Orlando

Funes, and Ms. Juana Chambasis Lorenzana, responsible Supervisor in

the Department of Engineering and Standardization.

2
II. RECOMMENDATIONS

A. The plan by the Government of Honduras for the Office of the

Director General for Industry In the Ministry of Economy to strengthen

the Infrastructure in standardization and measurement services to

other agencies, industry, and the public in Honduras should be pursued

with vigor keeping in sight the short-term economic benefits. The

partial plan submitted to the Organization of American States may

prove to be too modest to be fully effective without additional Input

In Honduras beyond the resources presently allocated or envisaged.

B. The technical competence within Honduras Is available to plan a strong program of standards development, but It Is scattered

throughout industry, the University of Honduras, and several

Government agencies. The Department of Engineering and

Standardization (DES) Is a good choice as coordinating agency under

the Director General for Industry. In addition, the Director General

should consider the appointment of one or two high-level advisory

committees with representation from other Interested ministries for

the coordination of engineering standards and metrology programs.

These committees should create a wide-ranging awareness of the

benefits of such an infrastructure, especially for involvement in

international trade.

C. For Its standardization programs, Honduras should consider seeking

advice and assistance from standards and applied technology

organizations In the region, such as the Central American Institute

for Research and Industrial Technology (ICAITI) , the Pan American

Commission for Technical Standards (COPANT), and the Interamerlcan

System for Metrology (SIM), as well as from fully International

organizations such as the International Organization for

Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission

(lEC), and the International Organization for Legal Metrology (OIML)

.

D. Honduras should reconsider the draft for the proposed weights and

measures law, taking Into account those of other nations. A law may

well be favored that can be understood by large segments of the

public, that prohibits fraudulent practices, that defines some Internationally recognized units of measures, and that avoids type

approval for measuring Instruments and places the responsibility for

delivering true quantities on vendors, but neither prosecutes vendors

nor renders trade agreements Invalid simply because they referred to

customary units whose values are clearly defined at the point of sale.

E. Honduras should seek training opportunities for Its measurement

and standards specialists such as the training course on weights and

measures regulations offered by NBS. Longer-term training at U.S.

state laboratories of weights and measures as well as in metrology

laboratories of U.S. Industrial companies is recommended. INEN

3
(Ecuador) and INTI (Argentina) offer excellent opportunities in the

Spanish-speaking environment.

F. Using general laboratory plans available at NBS, Honduras should

in the next two or three years set up a small laboratory to house

national standards of measures traceable to international prototypes

or definitions with accuracies consistent with the needs of Honduras.

A minimum initial budget for instruments of about $130,000 will be

needed. This laboratory should offer calibration services and either

product testing or a system of accreditation for other test

laboratories in Honduras. To assess the needs in Honduras for

measurements and the levels of accuracies required, a survey is

recommended with foreign participation along the lines carried out by

NBS with partial support by AID in, for example, Ecuador and Bolivia.

G. While NBS has already made available to the Department of

Engineering and Standardization (DES) some standards literature and

reference materials, it is recommended that this practice be continued

as needs arise and that DES be encouraged to request standards

information from NBS by correspondence. Such contact would be most

helpful to DES personnel.

4
Ill BACKGROUND INFOR>tATION

A. INTRODUCTION

The following information has mostly been provided by the Department

of Engineering and Standardization of the General Directorate of

Industry, of the Ministry of Economy of Honduras, for the purpose of

orienting me succinctly on standardization, metrology, and quality

control within the country, as well as on the means which are

available for such activities, I am asked to state that this material

does not represent in any manner an official report authorized by the

Honduran authorities.

B. GENERAL

With about 3 000 000 people and an area of about 45 000 square miles,

Honduras has a size and a population similar to Alabama, Hondurans

are mostly of Catholic faith and of Spanish, American Indian, or African descent. The per capita income is low (less than $500 per

year), and disparities of wealth are wide. The country is tropical

and mountainous with coastlines on the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The potential for tourist trade is great because the country is

diverse, beautiful, and of special Interest as the heartland of the

ancient Maya culture. Forestry and agriculture are and will probably

remain the most Important sectors, but manufacturing is now

encouraged. To me as a casual observer, the country seems geologically very complex, and it has large ore deposits of which iron

and silver are only the two best known. Principal exports are

bananas, coffee, and wood. Export potential exists in wood products,

rosins, turpentine, tropical fruits, sugar, cottons and tarpaulins.

Industrial cowhide gloves and other leather products, steel wire, etc.

The country has only about 1 000 miles of paved roads and 600 miles of

railroads but several airports.

C. GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION

The country has a "Military Government Junta" with a "President of the

Military Junta" and a Ministerial Council,

1. The Ministerial Council discharges the legislative functions as a kind of Congress, It appoints other councils and committees, such

as the National Economic Council. Below the Ministerial Council

are the ministries which are also called Secretariats of State,

2. The Superior Economic Planning Council supervises plans and

projects for the national development in all branches; industrial,

educational, social, etc. The principal standards-related activities fall under specific ministries including the following;

5
3. The Ministry of Education is in charge of primary and high school

education and develops adult literacy and other projects tending

to improve the educational level.

A. The Ministry of Defense organizes and administers the armed forces

in all branches on land, sea, and in the air.

5. The Ministry of Finance controls public income and expenses,

administers public property, and manages the domestic and foreign

debt.

6. The Ministry of Communications, Public Works, and Transportation

is in charge of air, land, and sea transportation, as well as of

the construction and maintenance of public works.

7. The Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance organizes

sanitoria and hospitals and provides consultative programs.

8. The Ministry of Labor and Social Provision lays down conditions

under which labor is offered and hired in Honduras.

9. The Ministry of Natural Resources is responsible for the protection,

development, and mainteiiance of agriculture, livestock, and mining.

10.

The Ministry of Economy is in charge of the foreign and internal

trade of Honduras, regional integration, and industry. It formulates economic policies that increase Honduran living standards and

lead to optimum use of natural resources. As such, it actively

participates in the Board of Directors of several development corporations. In order to accelerate industrial and trade development,

it has created several institutions among which are:

- National Industrial Development (Investment) Corporation (CONADI)

- Honduran Forest Development Corporation (COFiDEFOR) - National Banana Corporation (COHBANA)

This Ministry was formed by Decree No. 129 dated February 5, 1971,

by which the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Public Credit was restructured and separated.

In this Decree the functions of every Ministry are specified. The

functions are carried out by the General Directorates that make up

the Ministry. One of the functions specified for the Ministry of

Economy is: to protect industry at all levels within the national

life.

The Ministry of Economy operates a system for manufacturers to

receive imported items on bond and another system for restitution

of Import duties for items eventually exported.

A firm can be given an "A" or ”B" classification If more than 50

6
percent of its value has a Central American origin, if it produces

articles not otherwise produced in the country, or if it fulfills

an unsatisfied domestic demand. These firms can be exempted from

Import duties for up to 10 years on machinery and equipment, and

from all income taxes for up to 8 years, etc. Some incentives

can be given even to class "C” firms that meet less stringent

requirements.

At present, quality of product does not enter into these systems

of incentives

.

At this time there are the following General Directorates in the

Ministry; Interior Trade, Foreign Trade, Economic Integration,

Industries, and Census and Statistics. The Ministry has in addition other sections such as Administration, Special Studies,

Personnel, etc.

D. DESCRIPTION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING AND STANDARDIZATION

1. History

Since October 1971, the Ministry of Economy has maintained a unit for

matters related to quality standards. This Department of Engineering

and Standardization was created within the General Directorate of

Industries by decision of the authorities of the Ministry of Economy

and by recommendation of an advisory group provided by the Central

American Public Administration Institute (ICAP)

.

2. Activities to Date

a. Six proposals for National Standards have been developed on;

(1) Corn flour

(2) Wheat flour

(3) Corn starch

(A) Sugar

(5) Concrete blocks

(6) Fats

b. A Manual on Quality Control of Liquid Insecticides has been

written.

c. Two pamphlets on metrology have been disseminated; Basic

Statistic Concepts (a translation from NBS Special Publication

300 by Dr. H. H. Ku) and Use of Units and Factors of Conversion,

a publication of ICAITI.

d. One pamphlet on quality control has been written.

e. A project has been started to draft a new Weights and

Measures Law.

7
f. A project has been undertaken to plan a Survey of national

industry on the needs for standardization, quality control, and

metrology. The plan Includes;

(1) Objectives

(2) Goals

(3) Resources needed

(A) Participants proposed

(5) Budget

(6) Program of visits

(7) Survey format

(8) Evaluation system

g. The Department has participated in the National Commissions on:

(1) Weights and Measures

(2) Cement

(3) Environmental Protection

h. Relationships have been initiated with other orpanlzatlons

concerned with standardization in America,

1, Decisions have been made oh minimum national product quality,

especially for the products enumerated in subsection D,2,a,

j. Technical assistance has been extended to the Department of

Industrial Incentives regarding processes, machinery, equipment, raw materials, classification, equipment procurement, and extension services to the manufacturing entrepreneurs, all in

accordance with services stipulated in the Industrial Incentives

Law,

3 , Reeijne of International Advisory Mission

a. In March 1976, Engineer Jaime Rojas Arias organized a 19-day

Quality Control Mission in Honduras under the General Directorate

of Foreign Trade as part of the technical cooperation program of

the Interamerlcan Export Promotion Center (CIPE) , In his Report,

he presented rules for the organization of a Standardization and

Quality Control Department within the General Directorate of

Industries,

b. In September 1976, Engineers Raul Estrada and Hugo Jara

visited Honduras for 30 days. They were supported by the U.N.

Development Program and the Ecuadorian National Institute for

Standardization, of which Engineer Estrada is Director

General, In their report, recommendations are made on strengthening technical standardization, control, and

quality certification activities, under the auspices of

the Ministry of Economy,

8
4

Participation In Courses and Seminars

Staff of the Department took part In the following courses:

a* On quality control: one month In Costa Rica

b. On standardization: five weeks in Mexico

c. On project evaluation at CENADI In Honduras

5. Resources of the Department

a. Personnel

(1) Ms. Juana Chcunbasls Lorenzana, chemical Industrial engineer

(graduated), employed in the Department since 1976, She

attended the Seminar on Greases and Fats In Lima, Peru,

1977, and the course on Standardization In Mexico, DF,,

Mexico, 1978,

(2) Mr, Marco Antonio Farach, a graduated Industrial chemical

engineer, employed in the Department since 1978,

(3) Mr. Daniel Menjivar, a graduate mechanical Industrial

engineer, employed In the Department since August 1976, He

attended a seminar on steel In San Jose, Costa Rica, In

March 1976 and a course on quality control also In San Jose,

Costa Rica, In June 1977.

(A) Mr, Guillermo Rivera Andino, a civil engineer employed In

the Department since May 1978,

(5) One secretary.

6 , Physical Resources

The Department Is acquiring some basic office equipment. For work

related to the Department, a basic standards library Is being collected.

E. LEGAL ASPECTS IN SUPPORT OF STANDARDIZATION, QUALITY CONTROL . AND METROLOGY ACTIVITIES

There Is no law that specifies minimum technical standards; nor any

executive order. However, Decree 49 of June 21, 1973, and Its By-Law

(Agreement No. 287 of September 12, 1973) refer to Industrial production

incentives and establish in section X\' of requirement No, 6 of Article

73, Chapter VII (which refers to classification procedures), company

obligations (applicable to the company that obtains a -classification)

,

to observe the rules and other legal dispositions that are specifically

pointed out in the Classification Agreement,

Decree 49 contains the legal and regulatory dispositions referring to

9
the applications for fiscal incentives to manufacturing industry. The

legal and regulatory standards in force in Honduras for the granting of

fiscal Incentives to industry constitute the judicial framework within

which the Government promotes national production and establishes

conditions to enable manufacturers to compete equally with Industry of

the other countries of Central America that adhere to an existing Fiscal

Incentives Agreement,

A law on weights and measures is actually in force, but unfortunately

it is no longer technically up to date and it is not enforced.

F, OTHER ORGANIZATIONS, OFFICES, INSTITUTIONS. ETC,, WITH ACTIVITIES

RELATED TO STANDARDIZATION AND QUALITY CONTROL

1, Organizations

The following relevant organizations were contacted:

a. The Drug and Chemical Association of Honduras, a professional

association supported by the Government, This group carries

out activities similar to a standardization and quality control

organization by:

(1) Defining and certifying the quality of medical and pharmaceutical products produced in the country to protect the

health and welfare of consumers,

(2) Testing and registering imported pharmaceutical and

cosmetic products to verify their specifications,

(3) Analyzing and testing of these products at the request

of producers or importers.

The Association's work is based on the Pharmaceutical Law of 1951

and the Organic Law of the Drug and Chemical Association of

Honduras of 1964,

b. The Ministry of Public Health and Social Service, which is

involved in the following activities:

(1) The Food Control Department mandates standards and specifications that have to be observed by food producers,

distributors, and retailers in order to obtain their

required registration. Such specifications relate to the

hygienic conditions of the industrial establishment,

the products, and the handling and packaging of food

products,

(2) When dealing with firms that produce foods that have been

registered, a periodic control is set on the sanitary

10
conditions of the establishment and on the characteristics

of the products » The Food Control Department observes

whether all standards and specifications are satisfied.

(3) The criteria used in establishing quality standards of

products are: the Food Sanitary Standards approved by

the Pan-American Organization of Health, backed by the

experience of the Honduran Department and specifications

contained In the Sanitary Control Regulations.

The Food Control Department's work is based on the following regulations : the regulation on Sanitary Control of

Foods and articles of the Sanitary Code: 83, 84, 85, 90, 91,

etc. According to article No, 84 of the Sanitary Code,

regulations for the Sanitary Control of Foods may Include

technical standards on foods In respect to their Importation, production, processing, packaging, distribution,

warehousing (storage) , transportation, etc.

c. The Ministry of Natural Resources

The Ministry of Natural Resources through the General Directorate

of Renewable Resources Is adopting standards and specifications

on the use of pesticides In agriculture and on environmental

protection. The Department of Wildlife Is working on a draft law

for environmental control and another for the establishment of

a biosphere reservation In the Rio Platano basin.

d. The Ministry of Communications, Public Works, and Transportation

The Ministry of Communications, Public VJorks, and Transportation

has adopted and Is applying foreign standards in their activities

for construction of roads, highways, and all types of public

works. The Ministry's work Is based on the Law for Land Transportation, the Law for Civil Aeronautics, and the Postal Law,

2, External Information Resources for the Department of Engineering and

Standardization

The National University Library will provide library support for the

activities of the Department of Engineering and Standardization, The

following Information centers will also assist the Department;

a. The Industrial Information Center of the National Universityactive In industrial mechanics, electrical technology, civil

construction, industrial organization, and wood Industry,

b. The Agricultural Information Center of the Ministry of Natural

Resources offers information on agriculture,

c. The Technical Information Center of the Industrial Development

Center is concerned with handicrafts.

11
d. The Commercial Information Center of the General Directorate of

Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economy handles information on

products, export supply, trade tariffs and regulations, and

general and specific aspects of international trade,

e. The National Information Center of the Ministry of Finance

serves the public sectors by data processing by means of

computer,

f. The Industrial Information Center of the Honduras Central Bank

supplies information on chemical industry and foods,

3, External Laboratory Resources for the Department of Engineering and

Standardization

The following laboratories support the activity;

a. Governmental laboratories include those at the

(1) Central Bank (see section V,E)

(2) Ministry of Communications, Public Works, and Transportation

(3) Ministry of Natural Resources, (Mines and Hydrocarbon

Laboratory, Soil and Fertilizer Laboratory, Renewable

Resources Laboratory, and the San Jose Veterinary

Laboratory)

(A) Ministry of Finance (the Customs Laboratory)

(5) Ministry of Public Health and Social Service (the Food

Control Laboratory)

(6) The National University of Honduras (the Chemical

Laboratory, the Pharmacy Laboratory, the Biology Laboratory, and the Engineering Laboratory)

b. Quality control laboratories in the private sector exist for:

sugar, starch, vegetable oils and fats, pharmaceutical products,

paints and adhesives, textiles, flour, milk, foods, and plastics,

4 , Relationship with the Central American Institute for Research

and Industrial Technology (ICAITI^

The Central American countries through the regional committee for

economic cooperation (Economic Committee for Latin America) in 1955

executed an agreement in Guatemala City creating the Central American

Institute for Research and Industrial Technology (ICAITI), with

functions related to standardization and especially for setting up

quality control standards on raw materials. Intermediate products, and

12
finished products. The Governing Board of ICAITI consists of the

Central American Ministers of Economy,

Honduras contributes to ICAITI through a quota paid by the Ministry of

Economy. Although the named adhering institutes of Honduras are the

National University (through its Library System) and the National Bank

(through its Information Center), any official institution of Honduras

may request the services of ICAITI directly through the permanent

ICAITI Secretariat. There is an ICAITI field agent in all Central

American countries.

5, Widespread Opinions in Industry and Commerce Concerning

Standardization, Quality Control, and Metrology

Honduran enterprises (except food enterprises) are not obliged to apply

standards to their products. Nevertheless, in some sectors such as the

sugar, as well as the alcoholic and non*>alcoholic beverage industry,

the enterprises have seen the need to apply some standards in order to

obtain a stable process and a consistent final product.

National enterprises are not obliged to maintain up-to-date quality

control plans. However, in some of the sectors mentioned above, plans

have been carried out with excellent results. These could be a good

example to other enterprises.

Both the International System of Units and the English System are used

in Honduras because machinery is Imported from everywhere, technology

is also Imported, and there is no national agreement on the system to

be used.

13
IV. TKE AID MISSION’S REQUEST FOR AN NBS STAFF MEMBER TO VISIT HONDURAS

AND THE SUPPORT GIVEN FOR HIS STUDY OF STANDARDIZATION

IN HOITOURAS

In December 1978 the AID Mission in Tegucigalpa wrote to Washington in

part as follows:

"The Honduran Ministry of Economy is interested in establishing

an agency to determine standards for weights, measures and quality

control of raw materials and finished products sold within Honduras.

The Ministry has requested A.I.D. help in obtaining technical

assistance, reference materials and training,"

"Since the Ministry is beginning to form its ideas on a new Directorate General of Standards, a short 3-5 days TDY would be

useful. Is such short-term assistance available?" [Note: TDY

stands for temporary duty.]

"Attached for your Information is summary of the proposed system

which the Ministry has prepared for the Government of Honduras

Five Year Development Plan beginning calendar year 1979."

This summary reads as follows (quoted in full)

:

TRANSLATION

Project: SYSTEM OF STANDARDS. QUALITY AND CONTROL. AND

MEASUREMEirr IN HONDURAS

Tentative Work Program

I. OBJECTIVES

1. Improve the mechanisms for utilization of scientific-technological knowledge.

2. Vigorous and wide application of a process of standards designed to obtain the agreement of the interested parties

(producers, government, scientific-technological infrastructure),

using the most coherent national experience and the most solid

and applicable scientific-technological facts.

3. Manufacture of products with a quality that can compete in a free market, based on aa adequate price and good quality.

Technical assistance to industry for this objective and

establishment of an adequate system of a quality control.

4. Institutionalization of the national policy and strategy of the

process of technical standards, application of standards instruments, interrelation and cooperation at a regional and

international level.

5. Strengthen the base for the establishment of a Honduran Institute

of Standards, Quality Control, and Measures.

14
II GOALS

1. Formation of a core of professionals and auxiliary personnel,

capable of:

- Technical standards

- Control and certification of quality

- Measurement

- Others

2. Establishment of a special library specialized In Quality

Control and Standards.

3. Formulation, distribution and application of technical

standards.

4. Establish a legal basis for the standards promulgated, functions and actions of the process of technical standardization,

application of standardizing Instruments, Interrelation and

cooperation at the regional and International level.

5. Creation and establishment of a Measurement Laboratory.

6. Implant the International Unit System.

7. Control of Weights and Measures.

III. STRATEGY

The global project will be executed In three steps

Step I:

a. Creation and functioning of the library

b. Creation of the Division of Standards

c. VJrltlng a draft law on Standards, Quality Control, and

Measurements

Step II:

a. Creation of the Quality Control and Certification Division

b. Creation of the Publications Section, as part of the Library

Step III:

Creation of the Measurement Division

In order to carry out the project, sufficient authority must be

granted, through technical legislation, to the executive to permit

a high level of an Independence and self determination; due to the

above only v;ork for the first step of the project has been programmed.

15
As head of the NBS Office of International Relations, I replied in

January in part;

"Colleagues at the National Bureau of Standards and I greatly

welcome the interest of the Ministry of Economy in standards

which in our opinion constitute an essential element in the infrastructure needed for a self-reliant development. In principle, NBS

is prepared, within the limitation of our resources and authority,

to render assistance to the Government of Honduras under the

Mission's guidance and advice."

"A short 3-5 days' TDY for an ^^BS specialist consultant can still

be financed under the RSSA," [RSSA stands for Resource Support

Services Agreement (of AID),]

"isBS would like to know whether the GOK has considered;

(1) active assistance from ICAITI?

(11) active participation in COPAI'TT?

(ill) active participation in Sill (an OAS program)?

and (iv) assistance in Standardization from the U.S. private

sector? NBS would be glad to help in drafting an RFP,

providing lists of firms likely to be Interested in

bidding, or in evaluation of bids,"

Subsequent correspondence and cables established that;

A, I would go for 3 to 5 days, during the week of 1-Iay 21, 1979.

B, The cost would be shared between NBS and the Mission.

C, The Ministry of Economy and Commerce would make an Interpreter available.

D, NBS would make available a slot for a suitable candidate

from Honduras with good English capability for the NBS/AID

Weights and Measures Course in July 1979,

E, NBS would donate some standards literature needed in the

Department of Engineering and Standardization.

The AID Mission in Tegucigalpa is the largest in Central America

offering considerable technical support to a country which continues

to have a very poor majority. Throughout my stay, I was welcomed and

given assistance and guidance by all levels of the USAID Mission

staff, I am Indebted especially to Mr, and Mrs, Fred L, Zumwalt who

were most hospitable, Mr, Zumwalt personally Introduced me to the

Director General of Industries, Lie, Orlando Funes, and his Deputy,

16
Lie. Anlbal Madrid. At the end of my week In Honduras, I was received

by the Mission Director, Mr. John B, Robinson. Two points in our discussion deserve special mention:

1. The Director's advice to N£S for more assistance to Central

American countries is to become more closely acqtialnted with

ICAITI and the technological laboratory In San Jose (Costa

Rica)

.

2. Although Mr. Robinson himself was due to retire shortly and

therefore had no continuing responsibility for AID fund

allocations, he felt that NBS advice on a modest standardization project may well find support from AID. Equity In retail

markets, serviceability of consumer necessities, and quality

assurance of exports were key items to help the poor population

of Honduras. Weights and measurement standards, such as NBS

had supplied to the states of the U.S.A. and Ecuador, could

be considered for AID funding. However, the laboratory building would have to be furnished by the Government of Honduras.

(I ascertained later that Director General Funes would not

consider It a problem for a suitable laboratory to be made

available at the expense of his Ministry.)

17
V. VISITS MADE DURING ONE-WEEK STAY IN HONDURAS (HAY 20--26. 1979)

A. MINISTRY OF ECONOMY

Contacts at the Ministry of Economy were the Director General of

Industries, Lie, Orlando Funes, and his Sub-Director, Lie, Anibal

Madrid, The terms of reference for my study were clearly stated, and

cooperation was assured. My impressions and conclusions were conveyed

to them and to AID before my departure. This report should serve as a record

,

B, DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING AND STANDARDIZATION (DES )

Ms, Juana Chambasis Lorenzana and her staff were entirely cooperative

and helpful and accompanied me throughout my week's visit. The

Department at this time is an office with functions as described in

section III, Use of IBM 370/138 and Wang 2200 computers is available.

C, THE NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF HONDURAS

The Engineering School has facilities for elementary teaching in

civil, electrical, and chemical engineering, A Department of

Technology has considerable plans, and the Physics Department has an enthusiastic faculty but little thought has been given to the

applicability of this subject to Honduran development,

A section within the Engineering Faculty is a Center of Industrial

Information (CII) with contacts with NTIS (U,S.) and INFOTEC (Mexico),

CII plans to help in transfer of technology, development of nev; technology, and management training, CII is one of the two Honduran

organizations adhering to the Central American Institute for Research

and Industrial Technology (ICAITI)

,

D, VISIT TO THE CENTER FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT (CID)

(Formerly CCTI: Cooperative Center for Industrial Technology)

The Center is headed by Lie, Dorcas De Gonzales, an economist, who

received me with members of the Department of Engineering and

Standardization, She showed an interest in plans for technical

standards and measurement, but her Center is mostly concerned with

information on managerial, financial, and economic issues for

industrial enterprises. Limited design and training programs are also

offered. With assistance from AID, the Center is to expand

considerably. However, there is at this time no plan to strengthen

standardization or quality and technical process control facilities.

18
E. VISIT TO THE CENTRAL BANK OF HONDURAS

It is a somewhat unusvial feature of this National Bank of Honduras

that It maintains a Technical Industrial Information Center (TIIC)

which not only disseminates articles from the literature, but also

maintains a very ambitious, capable, small analytical chemical

laboratory on the roof of Its main building operated with remarkable

devotion by a pharmaceutical chemist, Ms, Roslnda de Diaz del Valle,

The Technical Notes distributed by TIIC have sections such as on food,

chemical industry, and miscellaneous, but with fewer than 12 entries

per topic per month, the choice may be arbitrary, and there Is a great

lack of full-length Spanish papers,

TIIC also adheres to ICAITI,

F. VISIT TO CANE SUGAR REFINERY

After a two-hour drive, we arrived at a well-run sugar refinery,

Cantarranas at Talanga, under the Impressive management of Eng. Jaime

Gavlria of Colombia with capable technical staff Including Dr, Guillermo

Verhelst who was doing some original measurement on the phase diagram

S02/air/H20/cane sugar. He was well acquainted with the thermodynamic

publications of NBS,

19
VI. POSSIBLE NBS ASSISTANCE

At the time of my visit to Honduras, the National Bureau of Standards was planning a July 1979 training course in the United States for

senior weights and measures officials from other countries.

Participants of that training course would be invited to attend the

U.S. National Conference on Weights and Measures to be held in

Portland, Oregon, with representatives from virtually all states

(which in the United States carry the regulatory authority for equity

in the retail markets). Manufacturers of measuring instruments and

representatives of private sector standards bodies also attend. The

secretariat and several speakers on the state of the art of

measurement science and standardization are provided by NBS, It has

become almost a tradition of that National Conference to welcome some participants from other countries. Therefore, I invited Secretary

General Orlando Funes to send an English-speaking representative of

Honduras to the NBS training course and the National Conference,

Mr. Guillermo Rivera Andlno was selected. He is to head the Honduran

Weights and Measures Service. To help his English capability, the AID

Mission training officer, Ms. Albertina Centeno, generously arranged

for full-time English Instruction for Mr. Rivera during the

intervening period.

The disparity of the size and present levels of industrial activities

of Honduras on the one hand and the United States on the other should

be reflected in a similar appropriate disparity between the size and

objectives of the Department of Engineering and Standardization (DES)

versus NBS. I believe the useful assistance NBS can render to DES

directly is therefore quite limited. As a counterpart institution,

NBS can, however, act as focal point for DES contacts in the U.S. A.

NBS can send short-period consultants in needed topics of

standardization and metrology at the expense of the Government of

Honduras, AID, or other assistance agency. When DES has developed

further in accordance with present plans, AID Indicated its

willingness to consider making available funding to enable NBS to

order the measurement reference standards for Honduras as had been

done by AID for the National Ecuadorian Institute for Standardization

(INEN). A prior condition would be for Honduras to provide the

laboratory space to specifications. NBS also would give guidance and

advice to DES upon request relating to such topics as purchase of

measuring equipment, construction of laboratory facilities, and

training opportunities for technicians and managers of DES. As has

been indicated above, the separate U.S. state offices of weights and

measures and private sector standardization bodies in the U.S. A. might

be excellent hosts, and NBS is more than willing to help DES to

optimize its relevant programs. The initial cooperative mechanisms

and the basis for future contact between DES and NBS have certainly

been agreed.

20
VII. THE PROJECT PROPOSAL ON STANDARDIZATION. QUALITY CONTROL. AND

>IETROLOGY SUBMITTED BY HONDURAS TO THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES

A. THE PROPOSAL

The Ministry of Economy of Honduras in March 1979 submitted a project

proposal to the Organization of American States on a "National System

of Normalization, Quality Control and Metrology" planned for four

years to begin in January 1980, The proposed cost of the project

would be for the first two years about $15,000 per year for OAS and

about three times that amount for the Government of Honduras. Because

of the importance of this proposal, it is reproduced in full in

Appendix A.

I was asked to comment on this proposal immediately, and with the

explanation that my comments were necessarily tentative and personal,

I submitted the following statement;

B. H. S. PEISER'S TENTATIVE COMMENTS ON OAS PROJECT PRESENTED

DURING HIS VISIT*

"This is an excellent proposal and, if implemented, would help

development in Honduras greatly.

"The document shows an understanding of the problems and opportunities

and the many facets involved. The problems can be solved, and they

are being solved in other countries.

"As development proceeds, the opportunities and the costs will

increase; more services will be needed. It would be useful to

consider whether it would be practical to fund these services in part

from industrial production. In any event, it would be advisable to

start thinking about a suitable system for funding for the future

because the goals set in the interests of the Honduran people cannot

be attained fully with the level of funding contemplated in this

proposal.

"The more immediate need is to decide how to write the Weights and

Measures Law for Honduras, Several important choices have to be made

by Honduras.

"The General Director of Industries would probably find it most

helpful to appoint a very high level advisory council to consult and

advise on all aspects of Standardization, Quality Control, and

Metrology. Tliis Council should have at least one member from another

Government Ministry, one from medium-scale industry, one from the

University of Honduras, and one from the consumer public. The staff

support would be provided by the General Directorate of Industry.

*Minor editorial changes have been made later for the sake of clarity.

21
"Some decisions, however, should be based on the widest possible

national consensus. Let us examine how the Council might advise and

bring to debate, for example, choices to be made for the Weights and

Measures Law. The General Directorate would ask Council members

concerning the Law:

1. Do they agree It should be simple to be understood as widely as possible?

2. Do they agree that technical details should be omitted from

the Law Itself as far as possible but recorded In appendices

or Introduced by Implementing orders to be regularized

by the Law?

3. Do they agree that non-SI units might be pexnnltted In trade,

provided the conversion factors be spelled out clearly at the

point of sale?

4. Do they agree that tolerances should be stated with due regard

to statistical considerations, but that large departures may

be used In evidence of fraud?

5. Should Honduras establish type approval for all measurementindicating devices?

6. Should all such devices be periodically Inspected, approved,

and "sealed" for use In trade?

7. Should fraud be establlshable by wrongful quantities delivered,

whether by Instrumental error, wrongful conversion factors of

units or pricing, or any other means?

"When the Director General has duly considered the advice of his

Council and made relevant decisions, the staff can draft the Law and

submit It to the Council again for advice. The staff will be helped

greatly by reference to similar laws from other countries. The draft

which I was shown should be considered no more than a good start of

the consideration of the Law. When Mr. Guillermo Rivera visits the

U.S. (see sec. VI), he will have the opportunity to discuss the draft

with representatives of other countries that have enacted similar

laws.

"The Director General for Industries may also find It helpful at an

early stage to establish under his highest level three similar

Advisory Councils on:

1. Quality Control,

2. Standardization (Normalization).

3. Metrology (Including legal and Industrial metrology).

22
"Representation should be balanced between the sectors Indicated above.

"It Is not clear whether the Technical Information Centers at the

National University and the National Bank of Honduras have access to

standards Information. It appears to be not so. With advice of the

Advisory Council, the Director Ceneral should either establish a standards Information center within his Department or persuade the

existing Information services to Include standards Information by

joining 'ISONET,' the Information system of the International

Organization for Standardization.

"The proposal on page 5 of Appendix A In paragraph 2 (11) describes

a survey. The output of this survey Is of great Importance and should

lead to a continuing activity to keep the General Directorate Informed

on which Industries need what services from the metrological

laboratories.

"Stage 1 (see page 10 of Appendix A, section d.l) on the technical

standardization system will have to draw heavily on the norms of other

countries. Each norm should be adapted to conditions In the country

In accordance with advice from manufacturers and consumers. The

process of attaining consensus Is Itself of great benefit for an understanding of the technical aspects,

"Stage 2—on the Metrology Plan—calls for considerable expense, not

only In training, but also In buildings and equipment. The

requirements go beyond the financial resources applied for In this OAS

proposal. Supplementary help from UNIDO, UNESCO, or AID may be

desirable. Such help could also come In the form of loans. The

association with Ecuador In the plan would be of benefit. The

omission of Ecuador presumably has some cogent reason which may

exclude this source of technical support,

"Step 3—on the National Certification Plan—Is very Interesting, too.

Many countries at this time are moving forward rapidly towards such

systems—New Zealand and Australia lead the way; the U.S.A, with a more complex economy may be held to be lagging somewhat. The

International organization, International Laboratory Accreditation

Conference, Is beginning to be active. I will send some details.

However, a first step might be to introduce a national quality marking

scheme, such as India has introduced,

"The Project Activities (d.2) in the Proposal are well written, I have little to say, but of course, each sub-paragraph could be further

elaborated.

"On the questions of costs requested from OAS, I really doubt whether

an observation trip to the U.S, on the legal scope will be as helpful

as to some other countries. Corresponding to the complexities of the

23
U.S, Industrial systems, our legal structure Is too complex to provide

a good model for Honduras, The U.S. systems have grovm up in history

and probably suit our present situation well, but no country should

wish to imitate these systems without considerable adaptation.

Consideration might be given to an observation trip to France,

Britain, or Switzerland,

"The project proposal deals with the plan for project evaluation.

Verifiable goals are always difficult to establish for standardization

projects, because most of the benefit derives from avoidance of

losses. There are ways in which such estimates can be made and by

which verification of progress can be obtained. For example, the FDA

in the U.S. published a list of products by country that were denied

entry into the U.S. A. with the reasons for each denial. Better

standards in food processing should certainly lead to reduction of

such losses. Another source of verifiable savings is Industry Itself,

Has the demand for non-standard sizes decreased so that diversity of

manufactured types and stocks could be reduced?

"The U.S, Institute for Scientific and Technological Cooperation, if

enacted in some form by the U.S, Congress, might consider the funding

of the international team survey of Honduras services in

standardization and metrology. [Plans for this Institute are still

uncertain as of January 1, 1980.]

"Consideration should be given to discussion with the National

University of Honduras to establish a course In engineering metrology

In cooperation with the Directorate General of Industries,

"In many of these activities, NBS has some experience to offer and

will always be willing to cooperate with the proposed OAS project and

to share that experience with the Department of Engineering and

Standardization. My colleagues and I at NBS wish our new counterpart

in Honduras success and satisfaction In the service of the people of

Honduras."

24
VIII . INFORMAL OPINIONS ABOUT THE DRAFT LAW ON WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

I have been asked by the Department of Engineering and Standardization

to comment on that Department's need to draft a new Law on Weights and

Measures for Honduras, although I am not a specialist In that field.

In all countries, people would wish to rely on the government to

assure that equity based on clearly defined units prevails in retail

markets. A legal foundation for weights and measures is therefore

needed. A good law should be enforclble and reasonably clear to the

public. The cost of the law enforcement should be neither large nor allowed to rise proportionally to trade. It should not harass traders

or punish minor and inadvertent departures from exact measures.

In modern times, additional problems have arisen. It Is most

desirable for units of measurement to be Internationally agreed.

Whereas until recently virtually all trade was based on mass, length,

area, or volume, in the modern world a great variety of measures have

become an essential part of agreements made between buyer and seller.

An excellent international system (SI) has In fact now been agreed for

all measurements under the Treaty of the Meter. It is designed to

suit all of science, technology, and trade, but has complexities

that even most university physics professors find difficult to

comprehend

.

One view on weights and measures laws—as Is, I believe, held by the

Federal Republic of Germany—maintains that a sovereign country must

never base its laws on definitions of a foreign or international

authority. Therefore, it is held that the law for internationally

compatible measures must explicitly restate all SI definitions. This

viewpoint suffers from automatically calling for a law of great

complexity, some part of which would have to be changed whenever SI

undergoes a revision (about once every four years)

.

The opposite view is represented by the practice in New Zealand where

essentially units are legal if they are current SI units. The law,

therefore, is simple and readily comprehended by the informed public,

but it defers to the authority of the General Conference on Weights

and Measures under the Treaty of the Meter,

An interesting intermediate position is taken by the National

Standards Act 1978 of Papua and New Guinea (PNG) from which Sections

15 and 16 read as follows:

15, - PNG LEGAL UNITS OF MEASUREMENT.

The Minister may, by notice published in the- National

Gazette, fix a date on and from which a PNG legal unit of

measurement is the sole legal unit of measurement of a particular physical quantity.

25
16. - CONTRACTS, ETC., TO BE EXPRESSED IN PNG LEGAL UNITS OF

MEASUREMENT. (1)

Subject to Subsection (3), on and after the date

specified in a notice under Section 15, a contract, dealing or transaction made or entered into for any goods or services

relating to a measurement of physical quantity shall be made

or entered into by reference to the PNG legal unit of measurement of that physical quantity,

(2) Where in a contract, dealing or transaction to which

Subsection (1) applies, a reference is made to a unit of

measurement of a physical quantity and there is a PNC legal

unit of measurement of that physical quantity of the same name,

that reference shall, unless the contrary intention appears,

be deemed to be a reference to the PNG legal unit of measurement of that physical quantity,

(3) The Minister may -

(a) in the case of a particular contract, dealing

or transaction - by written notice to the

party applying to him; or

(b) in the case of a particular class of contracts,

dealing or transaction or contracts, dealings

or transactions relating to a particular

commodity - by notice in the National Gazette,

after having received and considered the advice of the Council,

exempt that contract, dealing or transaction, particular class

of contract dealing or transaction or those contracts dealing

or transaction relating to a particular commodity, as the case may be, from the application of this section.

(A) Subject to Subsection (3), where in a contract,

dealing or transaction measurements of physical quantity are expressed in units other than PNG legal units of measurement,

that contract, dealing or transaction is voidable at the option

of any party to it,

A further choice that lawmakers have is whether to require all

instruments used by a vendor in the legal transfer of goods or services to be of an approved type and to be calibrated and certified

by governmental authority. Despite the difficulties and public costs

of enforcement, the trend in the world is to prefer laws that entail

these requirements. Personally, I much prefer putting the onus on the

vendor that his measurements be right. In any event, this is an essential part of a good law, because incorrect or fraudulent

measurements can be made even with a certified instrument.

26
In a country where many customary measures are non-metric, one may

decide to teach and persuade the public to accept conversion as soon

as possible to the important simple metric SI units. In the interim,

the law should not make criminals out of non-conforming traders who

show legal conversion factors at the point of sale.

To summarize my views, the simplest type of law for governments to

enforce with penalties for false measuring and for the public to

understand is one that puts the responsibility on the vendors to

measure to defined tolerances with instruments based on units that are

either in nationally accepted units recognized also under SI or defined at the point of sale in terms of SI by a legal conversion

factor. Pedantic misinterpretation needs to avoided. For example, a hotel keeper should not indicate the price for a room as, say, 50 1ms

per day (1 day 84,400 sec). Definitions of unusual units and a number of special explanations should form part of the associated

regulations of the law. Such ordinances should be capable of

amendment and adaptation without a full legislative process.

27
APPENDIX A

(original document)

PROJECT PRESENTATION

NATIONAL SYSTEM OF STANDARDIZATION, QUALITY CONTROL AND METROLOGY

To be considered by the Organization of American States

In order to obtain approval and be included in the National Prograinme of

Technical Assistance

DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING AND STATARDIZATION

GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF INDUSTRIES

MINISTRY OF ECONOMY

TEGUCIGALPA, D.C.

MARCH, 1979

HONDURAS, C.A.

28
1 .

INTRO D UCTION:

TOE PROJECT:

The National System of Standardization, Quality Control and Metrology, is

officially pre sented through the Executive Secretary of the Superior Coun

cil of Econanic Planning as an action that will be carried out by the Mini^

try of Economy through the General Directorate of Industries.

The cooperation here requested to the OAS, referrs to services as well as - to the training of national personal and counselling carried out by foreign

specialists on the matter. Also, the request includes the dotation of means

for the establishment of a laboratory for quality control and metrology.

By the considerations that are stated throughout the project, we are requesting to the OAS the inclusion of the Project in its Regional Progranme of Scien

tific and Technological Development within the Multirational Projects of the

Technilogical Development Units, specifically in the standardization project, on behalf of the need of an inter-disciplinery and sectorial scope. The problem

that is to be solved with the present project is ccmmon to all countries in

process of development.
2 .

1. IDENTinCATION :

A) Country: HONDURAS

B) Type of Project:

By Country / /

Multinational or

Regional / X /

C) Executive Secretariate or Sub-Secretariate

ECOSOL / 7

EDUCICULT /~?T7

COOP. DES / 7

D) Priority :

2. OTHER PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS :

E) TITLE: National System of Norroali2ation, Quality Control

arri Metrology.

F) INITIATION DATE: January 1980; TERMINATION DATE: December ,1984

G) OTHER PARTTCIPANTES OF MEM BER COUNTRIES OR BENEFICIARY SUBREGION:

Argentina, Bolivia, M&dco, Panama, Uruguay

H) COUNTERPART: Engineering and Standardization Department

General Directorate of Industries, Ministry of Econcaiy

30
3.

I) Director, Coordinator or Responsible: Engineer Juana

Chambasis L.

J) Other Contributing ountries or Institutions: NONE

K) Cost of the Project for the tern:

1981

OAS 1980 US$13,400; US$14,700

National Counterpart 45.300 US$40,600

TOTAL COST $58,700 $55,300

3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

L) Antecedents, Principles and Objectives:

A) ANTECEDENTS:

1. JUSTIFICATION:

a) Nature and principles of the proposal and the

problems that generate it.

Because of the fact of the inexistence of a na

tional system that harmonizes activities such

as Standardization, Quality Control and Metrolo

gy, the country has faced the following problems:

- Marketing based on prices

- The no exchangability of parts

- The existence of a variety of unnecessary pro

ducts

“ non efficiency in the quantity of the natioral

production.

- Technological and economical dependence on foreign

suppliers

.

31
4 .

All of the above are obstacles for the development

of industry, conmerce, services and scientific and

technological infrastructure.

A consistent national development of the Standardi

zation techniques, Quality Control and Metrology

is the base for the creation of National abilities

for: a) Industrial production; b) a correct asimilation of technologies and c) better quality levels.

Sane of the specific gains frcm the technical Standardization, Quality Control and Metrology are:

- Minimization or prevention of the waste of limited

resources

.

- Sinplification of massive production of goods.

- Limitation on the variety of goods and components

and the elimination of those that are useless in

the sound economic development of production.

- Foresees and effective means of conmunication be

tween the oonsunmer and producer.

- It exercises a powerful influence on the demand

of the consummer and is capable of channeling it

towards adequate directions, towards a general

econonic growth.

- Provides the possibility of giving equal attention to the consunmer's and producer's econany.

- The most evident advantages are_ the protection and

health of hurran lives.

32
5.

b) Technical Feasibility :

This project is contemplated in the five years

plan of the National Development Plan for the -

period 1978-1983. Also, the prcraulgation of a -

legislation on Standardization, Quality Contro].

and Metrology is already fprseen in the actual

law on fiscal incentives to the national produc

tLon.

2. ANTECEDENTS: (Technical, Institutional, experience,

etc.)

a) Relevant to the consideration of the project.

In spite of other activities, the Engineering and -

Standardization Department has developed the follow

ing tasks referring to Standardization, Quality Con

1rol and Metrology:

i) Elaboration of the proposals for the following

products:

- Com flour

- Wheat flour

- Com Starch

- Sugar

- Fats

- Concrete blocks

ii) Presentation of a survey project directed to the

industrial sector. The survey will cover aspects

related to Standardization, Quality Control and

Metrology. Such project consists of:

33
6 .

- Presentation

- Objectives, resources, participants, justifica

tion

- Budget

- Program of visits

- Survey

- Evaluation system

iii) Technical assistance to the General Directorate - of Industries on judgements related to the quality of products and/or national raw materials just

in case a failure in quality is invoked as a reason to request the granting of franchise on the - importation of products or similar naterials. Actually, the Department makes use of outside labora

tories

.

iv) Actions tending to the approval of a preliminary

project on the legislation of weights and measure

ments by which Honduras adopts the International

Unit System.

v) Personnel from the Department have participated - in the following courses:

- Quality Control: San Jose, Costa Rica, 1977

- Integral Standardization: Mexico, D.F., 1978

b) Objectives and Goals:

1. General Objectives

(Fundamental purpose of the project and medium

and long tern goals to solve the stated problems)

The project is defined by the national need of

establishing a systematic method to assist the

industrial development of the country.

34
7.

The present project is part of a scientific and

technological program and has been included in

the National Development Plan for 1979-1983 and

will be coordinated by the Technical Secretariate

of the Superior Council of Economic Planning

as an action to be carried out by the Ministry of

Econony through its General Directorate of Industries. The goals are:

i) The fomation of specialized human resources

in the fields of Standardization, Metrology,

Certification and Quality Control.

ii) To obtain the:

- approval of a new law of Weights and Measurements . - approval of a legislation that will set —

the Standardization Techniques, metrology.

Certification and Quality Control that will

nark the policy and strategies for the appH

cation of the system.

- adoption of the international system of Units

- adoption of quality Standards for the industrial production.

Because the project is a dynamic system, it has been

considered convenient to execute it in three stages;

setting a 2 year period for each stage. This will —

allow time enough for necessary adjustments in order

to achieve best results. As for today, tasks have —

been programmed for only the first stage, which will

last for a period of two years.

The general objectives for the five years, are thefollowing:

- Inprovement of the mecanisms -for the better use - of scientific and technological knowledge that —

35
8 .

will assist in the elaJsoration of products with - quality standards able to coiipete in free narkets.

- Enforcement in the application of a standardization

process designed to achieve the agreement of the va

rious sectors involved (production, government,

scientific and technological infrastructure) utili^

ing the most coherent national experience and the - scientific and technological happenings that are —

most consolidated and appliable.

- Guidiance on all activities related with metrology

towards the adoption of the International Unit Sy£

tern as the only system of measiirements in the coun

try.

- Institutionalization of the National Policy and —

Strategy of the process of the Standardization Tech

nique; application of all nomative instruments; —

inter-relation and cooperation at a regional and in

temational level.

- Promote and encourage the awaireness on Standardization Techniques, Quality Control and Metrology.

- Strengthening the bases for the establishment of a

Honduran Institute for Standardization, Quality Con

trol and Metrology.

2. Specific Objectives :

((3oals and solid results expected at the end of each

period ard at the end of the project)

(goals and results expected at the end of Part I are:

36
9 .

- Design, organization and implementation of a Stand

ardization program that is adecuate to fulfill the

needs of the country.

- Sketch of the legal scope that vdll officialize —

the perfomance of the Standardization, Quality —

Control and Metrology.

- Training of skilled personnel in areas such as Standardization and Metrology.

- Preliminary actions throu^ a can^jaign for the dif

fusion of the International Unit System. Such actions consist of the design, publication and distri

bution of pamphlets illustrating the system.

- Elaboration of a technical-economical study to predict the effect resulting from the adoption and use of the Intematicnal Unit System, specifically

among users of weight scale units of a mass, the - viability of the change, the adaptation or construe

tion of apparatus that can weigh in the International

System.

c) Inpact and Benefits:

The following advantages derive frem the establishment

of a solid National System of a Standardization Technique, Certification, Quality Control and Metrology in

Honduras .

:

- Rationalization of industrial and commercial activities

- Better use of the natural resources.

- Increase of national production.

- Quantity and Quality improvements in the production

activity

.

- Improvement of export production.

37
10 .

- Security of international markets.

- In^jrovement of Honduras image.

- Quantity and Quality improvements in internal trade.

- Improve the use of scientific and technological resources.

- Promote the creation, adoption and use of National

Scientific and Technological resources.

- Quantity and Quality improvements of Honduran personnel working both in the public and private sector.

d) Proyect Organization:

1. Organization:

The project will be the responsibility of the Engineering and Standardization Department , General Directorate of Industries, Ministry of Economy. Such

Department consists of four engineers who will coor

dirate the project with scientific and technological

institutions as well as with the productive sectors.

The project will develop through the following stages:

Stage 1: Implantation of the technical Standardization System.

Stage 2: Implantation of the Ifetional Metrology Plan.

Stage 3: Implantation of the National Certification - of Quality and its International Policy Plan.

2 . Activities

:

- Design, organization and implementation of a Standardization program adecuate to the needs of the

country.

38
11.

- Duration: 7 Months

- Personnel Involved: 1 Standardization Expert

3 Plant Technicians

- Delimitation of the legal scope that will officialize the fionctioning of the Standardization,

Quality Control and Metrology Organism.

- Duration: 5 Months

- Personriel Involved: 1 Interrational Expert

3 Plant Technicians

- Training of technical personnel in the areas of

standardization and metrology.

- Duration: 2 years

- Personnel Involved: 4 Plant Technicians

- Preliminary actions through a can^raign for the

diffusion of the Intematioral Unit System.

Such actions consist of the design, publication

and distribution of pamplets illustrating the - system.

- Duration: 6 months

- Personnel Involved: 2 Plant Technicians

- Elaboration of a technical-economical study to

predict the effect resulting from the adoption

and use of the International Unit System, specially

among users of weight scale units of mass, the

viability of change, the adaptation or construction

of apparatus that can weigh in the Intematioral

Unit System.

- Duration: 20 months

- Personnel Involved: 2 Plant Technicians

3. Coordination and Cooperation Mecanisms:

a) Internal Project Coordination:

The project will be executed in a coordinated manner with other public institutions that are imple39
12 .

menting measures and policies with respect to

Standardization, Quality Control and Metrology.

- Responsibility of the Executor

The Department of Engineering and Standardization of the General Directorate of Industries, Ministry of Economy will be responsible for the execution of the project.

- Coordination with ONE.

The coordination system linked with the na

tional organism will be the same as the ones being used lately by institutions receiving

international technical cooperation firom the

QAS.

b) The Multinational coordinating mecanisms with

other agencies and institutions will be the - same ones being used lately by institutions - receiving international technical cooperation

from the OAS.

c) With the advancement of the project, relations

will be established with countries working on

similar activities and with agencies and insti

tutions working on the matter.

d) Progress indicators and external conditioners:

The foreseen evaluation system is used by National Organizations that operate in the public

sector. Such evaluation permits the immediate

verification of goal accomplishments and expected results.

No external conditioners are expected to affect

the execution of this project.

e) Resources

40
13.

1. Required contribution from the Regional - Program corresponding to the QAS.

i) Design, organization and implementation

of a standardization Program, adecuate - for the needs of the country.

The purchase of technical

Ifeterials: US$2,000. (Year of 1980)

Equipment: US$ 800. (Year of 1980)

ii) Delimitation of the legal scope that will

officialize the functioning of the Standardization, Quality Control and Metrology

Or^nism.

1 Observation trip: US$1, 600. (Year of 1980)

iii) Training of technical personnel in the —

areas of standardization. Quality Control

and Metrology.

- 1 Three week trip to Venezuela

- 1 week visit to Costa Rica and Panama

Trip: US$800.

Traveling Expenses: US$1,555. (Year of 1980)

- 1 three week trip to Colombia

1 week visit to Costa Rica and Panama

Trip: US$650.

Traveling Expenses: US$1,295.

iv) Preliminary actions through a campaign for

the diffusion of the International Unit

System.

Pamphlets: US$1,000.

Equipment and Publications: US$100. (1980)

41
14.

v) Elaboration of a technical-economical study

to predict the effect resulting from the - adoption and use of the International Unit

System, specifically among the users of

weight scale units of mass. Project Support Expenses: US$600. (Year 1980)

vi) Design, organization and implementation of a standardization program adecuate for the needs

of the country.

1. Standardization Expert: US$3, 000. (Year 1980)

vii) Tmining of Techniccil Personnel in the area of

Metrology.

Trip: US$600.

Books :US$200.

Tuition: US$500.

Traveling Expenses: US$1,500.

TOTAL: US$ 2.800. (Year of 1981)

viii) Preliminary actions through a campaign for the

diffusion of the International Unit System.

Pamphlets: US$1,000. (Year of 1981)

ix) Design, organization and implementation of a

Standardization adecuate for the needs of the

country.

Purchase of technical material fcr standardi2a

tion: US$ 2,000. (Year of 1981)

Equipment: US$1,200. (Year of 1981)

x) Delimitation of the legal scop>e that will officialize the functioning of the standardization

(Quality Control and Metrology organism.

42
15.

1 expert: US$ 3.800. (Year of 1981)

1 Observation trip: US$1,200. (Year of 1981)

xi) Training of Technical personnel in the area of

Quality Control

1 Three week trip to Ecuador

1 one week visit to Costa Rica and Panam

Trip: US$800.

Traveling Expenses: US$1,300. (Year of 1981)

OBSERVATIONS ON VISITING PERSONNEL : An international expert on Standardi2ation will

be required for 1980. The foreseen duration of

the job will last one month with an estimated - cost of US$3,000.

Such staff should be oriented to the identifica

tion of the need of standardization techniques

for the country throu^ a prYdiminary industrial

survey on standardization, quality control and

metrology. Such survey will be runned in 1979.

Another expert is expected in 1981 to assist the

Engineering Department in the definition of ttie policy and mecanisms for the establishment of a

National Standardization System. Such task should

last half a month. During the second half of the

month the expert will work on a study of the es- tablishment of legal dispositions on the matter of

standardization. The budgetary cost for this is

US$3,800.

Total OAS Contribution: US$28,100.

2. National Contribution:

- Personnel

The following personnel from the General Directorate of Industries will be required for the de43
16.

velopment of this project:

2 Industrial-Chemical Engineers

1 Industrial-Mechanical Engineer

1 Civil Engineer

Equivelent to 66 months-nan, totalling US$39,600

Auxilary Personnel (assistants, Secretary and

others) at a cost of US$9,600.

- Other expenses

- Administrative services, materiales, traveling

expenses, trips and transportation at a cost - of US$85,900.

M) OAS PARTICIPATION:

i. Procedure and (Contents:

The OAS will participate in the following activities:

- Hiring of international experts

- Financing of the visits to institutions of Technical —

Standardization in Latin America.

- Purchase of technical documents (Standards)

- Firancing of publications containing technical informa

tion on the International Unit System.

- Other expenses to support the project.

ii. Verifiable (Coals: ^gg

Design,organizetion and implementation of a Standardization Program - adecuate to the needs of the country XX

Delimitation of the legal scope that

will officialize the functioning of

the Standardization, (Quality Control

and Metrology Oi'ganism

AA

XX
17.

1980

Training of technical personnel in

the areas of Standardization and - metrology XX

Preliminary actions through a cam- paign for the diffusion of the International Unit System. Such actions

will consist of the design, and pubH

cation and distribution of illustrative pamphlets XX

Elaboration of a technical-economical

study to predict the effect resulting

fran the adoption and use of the Inter

national Unit System, Specifically

among the users of nass unit measuring

apparatus in the country; the viability

of change and the adaptation and cor^-

truction of apparatus that can measure

in the International Unit System XX

COST SUMMARY AND PROJECT FINANCING:

Distribution

of Firancing Totals* OAS

Natioral

Counterparts

Year

1980 58.7 13.4 45.3

1981 55.3 14.7 40.6

TOTAL 114.0 28.1 85.9

*) in 1000 of US$)

1981

XX

XX

XX

Other

Sources

45
18.

5. QUAmTY OF PROJECT IMRJTS :

N) OAS CONTRIBUTION: Estunated Costs (in Thousands of US$)

IMPUT DESCRIPTIONS 1980

Design, organization and inplemen

tation of a Standardization Program

adecuate for the country's needs

Purchase of technical material

for Standardization 2 .

0

Purchase of equipment \ 0.8

Standardization expert 3.0

Delimitation of the legal scope

that will officialize the functioning of the Standardization,

(Quality Control and Metrology - Or^nism.

Observation Trip 1 .

6

1 Expert

Treining of personnel in the areas of Standardization, Quality Ctontrol

and Metrology.

Observation trips and visits 4.3

Scholarship for the study of

metrology

Prelimirary actions through a c^

j>aign for the diffusion of the In

terrational Unit System

Publication of Pajiphlets 1.0

Equipment and publications 0.1

1981

2.0

1.2

1.2

3.8

2.1

2.8

1.0

46
19.

1980

Elaboration of a technical-eccndcal study to predict the effect

resulting from the adoption and

use of the International Unit Sys

ten, specifically among users of

Mass Unit Measuring apparatus in

the country.

Project Si^porting Expenditures 0.6

TOTAL 13.4

1981

0.6

14.7

0) NATIONAL COUNTERPART CONTRIBUTION:

IMFUT DESCRIPTION

Design,organization and inplementation of a Standardization Program

adecuate for the country's needs

3 Plant Technicians during 7 months

equivalent to 20 non/months

Auxiliary Personnel: 4 Assistants

during 3 months equivalent to 12

man/months

Delimitation of the legal scope that

will officialize the functioning of

the Standardization,Quality Control

and Metrology Organism.

3 Plant Technicians during 5 months

equivalent to 16 nan/months

Preliminary actions through a cam- paign for the diffusion of the Interrational Unit System.

2 Part-Time Plant Technicians during

8 Months 1.2

ESTIMATED COST

( in 1000 of US$)

1980

12.0

3.6

1981

9.6

2.4

47
20 .

Elaboration of a technical-econond

cal study to predict the effect re

suiting from the adoption and use of the International Unit System,

specifically among users of l^ss

Unit Measuring apparatus in the - country.

2 Part-Time technicians during 20

months

TOTAL

Secretarial Services

Administrative services, mterials,

etc.

TOTAL

1980 1981

7.2 7.2

24.0 19.2

3.0 3.0

18.3 18.4

45.3 40.6

6. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND CULTURE :

P) . Infomation on the executive center:

i. Identification

Engineering Department, General Directorate of Industry, Ministry

of Econoiy.

ii) Functions and Objectives '

- Protection to consummers by guarantee of correct weights and

measures and quality of goods and services.

- Reduction of the number of unnecessary varieties of similar -

piroducts through standardization.

48
21 .

- Simplification in external marketing.

- Inp^ovement of quality levels, increasing ccnpetition between national products.

^ - Counseling in all enginerring aspects.

- Rinctions relating to: Standardization Techniques

Wei^t and Measurements

Quality Control

- Technical opinions relating to the law of Industrial Incentives .

iii) Preliminary data on GDI Activities:

- Elaboration of six proposals on National Standards

- Elaboration of the Ifenual on Quality Control of Insecticides

- Elaboration of two pamphlets on Metrology.

- Elaboration of a pamphlet on Quality Control.

- Elaboration of a draft project of the Law of Weights and Measures.

- Participation in an Integral Standardization Seminar.

- Participation in a Quality Control Seminar.

- Participation in National Commissions on: Weights and Measurements

Cement

Preservation of the environment

- Iniciation of relationship with Standardization Organism of

America

- Opinion on the quality of national products.

iv) Human Resources

2 Chemical Engineers

1 Mechanical Engineer

1 Civil Engineer

1 Secretary

49
22 .

AB/cdm.

v) Fixancial Resources

Only those provided by Treasury Department of Honduras.

vi) Experience on the evaluation of the project.

Academic and frequent practices.

50
NBS-114A (REV. a-7e)

U.S. DEPT. OF COMM.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

SHEET

1. PUBLICATION OR REPORT NO. NBSIR 80-1969

Z, No.

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

Consultation Visit to the Honduras Department

of Engineering and Standardization

5. Publication Date February 1980

Code I

I

7. AUTHOR(S)

H. Steffen Peiser

8. Performing Organ. Report No.

9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, DC 20234

11. Contract/Grant No. PASA TA (CE) 6-71

12. SPONSORING ORGANIZATION NAME AND COMPLETE ADDRESS rsrroer. city. St^te, ZIP)

Agency for International Development

Department of State

Washington, D.C. 20523

13. Type of Report & Period Covered Final

U* IdOAMflng Agency Code

15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

I I Document describes a computer program; SF-185, FIPS Software Summary, is attached.

16. ABSTRACT (A 300-word or teaa factual aummary ot moat alghlflcant Information. If document Includes a algnlflcant bibliography or

literature aurvey, mention It here.) The Government of Honduras, with support from the Agency for International

Development, asked the National Bureau of Standards to provide consultation

on an increased concern with standardization and measurement services. In

this report, H. Steffen Peiser describes his brief visit to Tegucigalpa and

his constructive discussions with governmental, industrial, and university

authorities. Honduras has very considerable unexploited natural resources

and a developing industrial manufacturing base in need of standardization,

especially for quality control, to enter world markets. Honduras needs a new Weights and Measures Law and metrology and test laboratories, as well as some assistance for training technicians. Closer cooperation with regional

standardization organizations is advocated. Domestically, measurement control

in retail markets needs to be developed. Although officially Honduras is

metric, the change to metric units has not been widely accepted by the public.

Peiser believes that the new programs would be highly cost effective for the

economy.

17. KEY WORDS (six to twelve entrlea; alphabetical order; capitalize only the first letter of the first key word unleaa a proper name;

separated by semicolons)

Agency for International Development; development assistance; Honduras; legal

metrology; metrology; metrication; quality assurance; standardization;

test laboratories; weights and measures laws.

18. AVAILABILITY [^Unlimited

I I For Official Distribution. Do Not Release to NTIS

I I Order From Sup. of Doc., U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC

20402, SD Stock No. SN003-003-

Hc1 Order From National Technical Information Service (NTIS), Springfield,

VA. 22161

19. SECURITY CLASS 21. NO. OF

(THIS REPORT) PRINTED PAGES

UNCLASSIFIED 53

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