CROSQ's Mission Statement
The promotion and development of standards
and standards related activities
to facilitate international competitiveness
and the sustainable production of goods and services
within the
CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)
for the
enhancement of social and economic development
The CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) was created by the Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as an Inter-Governmental Organisation. The mandate of CROSQ is to harmonise and implement standards, to facilitate international competitiveness, and to increase regional and international trade; for the sustainable production of goods and services in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), and the enhancement of social and economic development.
Objectives of CROSQ
To promote the development of standards and the recognition of technical regulations.
To encourage the recognition of internationally accredited certification systems.
To facilitate the achievement of international competitiveness of regional goods and services by fostering a culture of quality in regional enterprises.
To contribute, through its operations, to the preservation of the environment and conservation of the national resources of the CARICOM Single Market Economy (CSME).
To provide guidance to Organs and Bodies of the CSME including, but not limited to disputes settlement.
To promote and protect the interests of States, Parties and Associate Members in regional and international standardisation fora.
To promote the awareness of standards-related matters including technical regulations, conformity assessment procedures and metrology.
Composition of CROSQ
CROSQ consists of:
a) The Council,
b) Special Committees and,
c) The Secretariat .
as established by the Inter-Governmental Agreement signed in Belize on the 4th day of February 2002.
The Council
The Council consists of the Executive Heads of the national standards bodies of the State Parties. From the Council, a Chairman and Vice-Chairman is elected for two years to lead ordinary Council meetings. It exercises powers to meet at least twice every calendar year.
The Council shall report annually to the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) which shall determine the policy of CROSQ , agree on its budget and contributions and in particular the establishment or adoption of regional standards and technical regulations.
The Special Committees
The Special Committees shall consist of the nominees of the State Parties and Associate Members drawn from the public and private sectors. The Special Committees shall meet as often as necessary to perform their functions efficiently and expeditiously.
The Secretariat
The Secretariat is led by the Executive Secretary, who is appointed by the CROSQ Council and includes professional and support staff from the member states of CARICOM subject to the directive of the Council
The Secretariat shall perform the following functions: