The PSQCA Act 1996 of the Parliament empowers Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority, as National Standard Body of Pakistan under the administrative control of Ministry Of Science & Technology. PSQCA started its operations since 1st December, 2000, as self-finance organization The PSQCA Act VI of 1996 and the functions performed by PSQCA fall within the ambit of Article :143 and 70(4) Federal Legislative List entry No.03,27,32,39,54 and 59 of Part I and entry No. 6,12 and 15 0f Part II, of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan,1973. The above, further authorize to perform as per International practices and Government of Pakistan’s agreement with WTO & ISO. The PSQCA and Government of Pakistan have adopted 22070 ISO Standards and developed 8857 Pakistan Standards. Food Standards are aligned with Codex Alimentarius Commission and traceable with WHO. These standards are on Food items and related products. The Government of Pakistan has declared 107 products as mandatory out of which 37 are food products.
PSQCA is a member of International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO has a network of National Standard Bodies. The members are the solitary Standards Organizations in their countries. Each member represents his country in ISO as National Standards Body of that country. Individual provinces or companies cannot become ISO members as per ISO manifesto.
The Government of Pakistan being member of International Standards Organization (ISO) has committed on agreements with ISO and other International Law / Agreement made by Government of Pakistan with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) and WTO.
Pakistan is full member of International Standards Organization (ISO) through PSQCA (under Administrative control of Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of Pakistan). Pakistan is ‘P’ member of of ISO and ‘P’ member of Technical Committees of International Electotechnical Commission (IEC). The function of the Authority is not only provides to advice the Government on standardization policies, programs and activities to promote industrial efficiency and development, as well as for consumers protection. Pakistan Standard set criteria, rules and parameters against products, services and process are measured or compared. Although we often speak of “ Voluntary Standards”, many standards are referenced in regulation making adherence to them mandatary. Conformity Assessment (i.e: Testing, Calibration, Inspection ,System Certification and Product Certification) is any activity related to the verification of conformance to the standard. Standardization refers to both standards development and conformity assessment activities. The Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority promotes the use of standards, conformity assessment and standardization nationally and internationally Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) facilitates the development and use of recognized national and international standards and conformity assessment services to enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness social well-being. PSQCA carries out a variety of functions intended to ensure the effective and coordinated operation of standardization in Pakistan. It also represents Pakistan’s interest on standard related matters at national and international forums. The main function of the Authority is to foster and promote standards and conformity assessment as a means of advancing the national economy, promoting industrial efficiency and development ensuring the health and safety of the public, protecting the consumers , facilitating domestic and international trade and furthering international co-operation relation to standards and conformity assessment. Being a member of international organizations, globalization, competition, innovation, sustainability and accountability are just some of the many challenges of running a successful business in the 21st century.
PSQCA is designated focal point for NEP (TBT) of World Trade Organization (WTO) by the Federal Government, since 12.02.1998 to overcome the technical barrier to trade (TBT). PSQCA is also responsible for formulation of Pakistan Standards, Quality Testing and Conformity Assessment of the products as per ambit of PSQCA Act VI, 1996.
The Codex Alimentarius Commission, established by FAO and WHO in 1963 develops harmonized international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice to protect the health of the consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade. The Commission also promotes coordination of all food standards work undertaken by international governmental and non-governmental organizations. PSQCA has also adopted and developed Codex Alimentarius Commission standards on Food products accordingly.