PHASE ONE OF THE QUALITY CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED
The Department of Trade, Industry, and Fair Competition successfully completed Phase One of the Quality Certification Programme, which consisted of a series of training sessions and workshops designed to strengthen awareness and understanding of quality standards among local Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The National Quality Policy, approved by Cabinet on the 9th October 2024, outlined the framework for developing a modern and robust Quality Infrastructure in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Under the policy’s implementation plan, capacity building for MSMEs was identified as a priority intervention within the standards and conformity assessment components of the proposed quality infrastructure. Many MSMEs face barriers to market access due to limited awareness of standards, inadequate access to testing infrastructure and limited certification opportunities. In response, the Department of Trade, Industry and Fair Competition developed the Quality Certification Programme to accelerate the adoption of quality management practices and internationally recognized standards among local MSMEs. The programme comprises three phases, the first of which focuses on training sessions, workshops and readiness assessments for product testing and certification.
The Director of Trade noted that the successful completion of Phase One marks an important milestone in implementing the National Quality Policy, stating:
"Through the Quality Certification Programme, we are equipping local enterprises with the knowledge and practical tools needed to improve their operations, increase consumer confidence in their products and position themselves to access new market opportunities and achieve sustainable business growth."
Phase One was delivered July 1–6, 2026 through a combination of in-person and virtual sessions held at the Atrium Conference Room in Leeward, Providenciales. More than twenty businesses from Providenciales, Grand Turk and North Caicos participated in the programme.
Phase One covered the following topics:
- July 1, 2026 – Standard Operating Procedures, Labelling Standards, Technical Regulations and Group Activities
- July 2, 2026 – Safety, Quality and Good Manufacturing Practices
- July 3, 2026 – Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP): Principles 1–5
- July 6, 2026 – Quality Assurance
The training sessions were delivered by a team of local and regional experts in quality management and standards. Participants gained practical knowledge in developing documented procedures, improving product quality, strengthening food safety systems, and aligning their operations with internationally recognized standards. These improvements will help businesses enhance operational efficiency, increase consumer confidence, and improve readiness for certification and export opportunities.
Following the successful completion of Phase One, the programme will advance to product testing in Phase Two and product certification in Phase Three. As the programme progresses, the Department will continue working closely with participating businesses to support the implementation of quality management systems and prepare eligible enterprises for certification. Through this initiative, the Department remains committed to strengthening the competitiveness of local businesses and fostering a national culture of quality and continuous improvement.
For more information about the Quality Certification Programme, contact the Department of Trade, Industry, and Fair Competition via the following options:
Location: Parade Avenue, Downtown, Providenciales
Phone: (649) 338-3703
Website: www.gov.tc/trade
Email:
Instagram: tcidepartmentoftrade
Facebook: TCI Department of Trade, Industry, and Fair Competition
