Procedures for Declaration of Standards

The procedures for declaring standards can be found under Standards (Preparation and Regulation) Regulations: SI No. 23 of 1997

Step One

Where a specification is declared a standard, the Bureau shall publish a notice inviting comments from the public and those directly affected.

Step2

Publish the specification on two (2) occasions in the Gazette, in a newspaper circulating in Belize and in other media. The notice shall include:

i. Title and scope of specification
ii. Reference and title of any foreign or international documents from which it was adopted
iii. Address where details or copies of the specifications can be obtained.
iv. Last date on which comments may be reviewed.
v. Address to which comments may be received.
vi. Intended to recommend specifications as compulsory or otherwise.

Step Three

 Comments received shall be considered by the Technical Committee or Bureau personnel, thereafter modifying or amending the specification.

Step Four

Prepare report on the comments received in response to the notice and also on any modification, variation or amendment to the specification.

Step Five

Submit copy of Specification with any variation, modification or amendment along with the report.

Step Six

If Standards Council decides specifications declared a Standard then three (3) copies shall be signed by Chairperson of the Council and by the Director of Standards.

 Recommendation of Compulsory Standard to Minister

A recommendation from the Standards Council to Minister that a Standard be declared compulsory shall include:

1) Copy of Standard signed by Chairperson and the Director of Standards.

2) Statement, signed by Chairperson and Director that the Standard has been submitted for Public Comments before declaration by the Council, and indicating reasons why the Standard is recommended to be compulsory.

3) Recommendation as to the date when the Standard will have effect as compulsory, together with a draft Order required under Section 9(3) of the Act.