The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Namibian Standards Institution (NSI), Dr Eino Mvula, has called for strengthened standards and regulatory systems to boost Namibia's competitiveness and protect consumers.
Speaking at a stakeholder consultation on the review of regulations under the Standards Act of 2005, Dr Eino Mvula said Namibia's quality infrastructure must align with international best practices.
This is in light of regional and global trade developments such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Dr Mvula noted that since the commencement of the Standards Regulations in 2013, Namibia's economic and trade environment has evolved significantly.
He also highlighted the Revised National Quality Policy 2020-2025, which calls for stricter compliance for locally manufactured goods and enhanced quality checks on imports to prevent substandard products from entering the market.
Proposed changes include clearer procedures for developing and declaring compulsory standards, as well as provisions for fast-tracking standards during emergencies.
"Key changes relate to the following being proposed." Development of Standards: Detailed regulations on the process for locally developed Namibian standards and a section on the development of Namibian standards based on international standards. Compulsory Standards: The amendment now provides for the regulations on how the standards are declared compulsory by the Minister in terms of section 20(6) and the implications thereof. In case of emergency: Provide for the shorter period of development of a Namibian if the NSI is satisfied that due to an emergency event immediate action is required to protect public health or safety, animal or plant life or health, the environment, or national security."
Dr Mvula stressed that the reforms are aligned with Namibia's Sixth National Development Plan, prioritising manufacturing, trade and consumer protection.
Proposed Standards Regulations of 2026, set to modernise Namibia's quality framework, will strengthen regulatory certainty, protect consumers, and align the country with WTO, SADC, and AfCFTA requirements.