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IN the era of globalisation, the need for maintaining international standard in all sectors is paramount. This necessity has also increased with the expansion of the country's export market. But the fact is that there is still lack of initiatives and awareness among the export-oriented business organisations and manufacturers and regulatory authorities to achieve the international product standard.
To acquire this standard, many mid-level organisations have now developed to help the business organisations and manufacturing units in getting international certifications. There are a number of certifications issued worldwide. Among these, ISO 9000 is given for management standard. ISO 14000 for environmental management and Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points for standardisation of food products. Besides, the certifications -- SA 8000 and Worldwide Responsible Apparel Production are also provided for social compliance and accountability in garments industry. International Standard Organisation issues these certificates which are not mandatory but useful for business promotion abroad and ensure compliance issues of the organisations.
Among these, however, ISO 9000 is most popular certification in the country. It was reported that 700 business organisations have already achieved this certification on management. Since the phase-out of Multi Fibre Agreement, WRAP has also been popular in the garment sectors. It was learnt that 30 RMG units have also achieved the certificate. But the popularity of ISO 14000 and HACCP is still not encouraging.
So it has now become urgent to create awareness among all sector players to achieve related certificates in respect of their businesses so that a fair trade environment is created in the country. The government has to take initiatives to provide necessary information to them enabling the country to be recognised as one respectful of the issues of compliance by the importing countries.
Masuk Khan
Mohakhali
Dhaka
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