The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) is a statutory body established in 1969 under the Standards Act. In addition to its mandate under the Standards Act, the BSJ holds ultimate responsibility for the Weights and Measures Act and the Processed Foods Act. The regulatory functions of the Bureau have been delegated to the National Compliance and Regulatory Authority (NCRA), which operates independently from the BSJ.
The BSJ’s mandate is to support Jamaica’s economic competitiveness through the testing, analysis, and certification of raw materials, components, and finished products on behalf of consumers, manufacturers, importers, and exporters. The organisation also delivers services in quality control, calibration, metrology, training, and technical information, and serves as a national contact point for international organisations in matters relating to trade and standards.
For the 2026/27 financial year, the BSJ will pursue strategic priorities centred on international competitiveness, business development, regulatory and consumer protection, and financial sustainability. Key initiatives include providing free services to 15 MSMEs adversely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, engaging 27 MSMEs in standards adoption, and publishing 45 new standards. The Bureau also plans to implement ISO 27001 and pilot a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) to strengthen operational efficiency. The BSJ’s certification arm, the National Certification Body of Jamaica, plans to certify 19 new clients in ISO 9001.
The Bureau forecasts a surplus of $70.24 million for 2026/27
