As a government instrument, a Quality Policy (QP) can specify the objectives of the national QI system in establishing and maintaining a suitable technical foundation for initiating and facilitating more effective trade. The availability of a formally recognised QP to guide the QI, can also make significant contribution to the successful achievement of other government policy objectives. These include industrial development, competitiveness in global markets, efficient use of natural and human resources, food safety, health, the environment, and climate change.
Producers and manufacturers increasingly need reputable evidence that their products and services meet regulatory, technical and other requirements. This often uncoordinated and unpredictable need has, in many cases, led to the evolution of a national QI in a fragmented and dysfunctional way. There are inherent inefficiencies, duplications of effort and associated costs associated with such a “laissez faire” approach. Many governments are therefore re-considering the overall arrangement and interaction of their national QI related organizations to create a more coherent, fit-for-purpose, efficient and user-friendly system. A QP based approach has now gradually evolved with the aim of fulfilling this important set of needs.
A well-functioning, cost-effective, QI system fundamentally relies on the availability of appropriate standards, metrology (scientific, industrial, and legal), and accreditation. It also needs the technological support provided by public and privately provided conformity assessment services (testing, inspection and certification), calibration, and market surveillance. The alignment and focus of all of these related activities to meet national and regional priorities, as well as international needs through a QP is therefore critical. Without the cohesiveness gained through a QP, it can become increasingly difficult to sustain economic development, as well as successfully navigate through ever changing environmental and other requirements. It is therefore important that the role of, and contribution made by, a QP and appropriate QI system are considered as part of larger national, regional and international strategic imperatives (e.g. development, trade and investment, competitiveness and business reform, sustainability, environment, climate change and gender) so that their substantial contribution, including global development and trade initiatives, are more widely understood and appropriately leveraged.
