SKNBS Advances Accreditation for Microbiology and Chemistry Labs to Boost Public Health, Trade, and Environmental Safety

St. Kitts and Nevis, January 08, 2025 (SKNBS): The St. Kitts and Nevis Bureau of
Standards (SKNBS) has initiated the process to achieve accreditation for its Microbiology
and Chemistry laboratories. This step ensures that the Bureau’s laboratory testing services
align with the highest international standards, particularly in areas critical to public health,
such as food safety, water quality testing, and product certification.

The accreditation process aims to enhance the quality and reliability of the Bureau’s services
while validating its technical competence on a global scale. This recognition is essential for
maintaining high standards in public health, safety, and environmental protection, as well as
aligning the Bureau’s operations with international trade and consumer safety requirements.
Accreditation strengthens the credibility of the bureau’s systems and processes. It ensures
compliance with ISO 17025, an internationally recognized standard for testing and calibration
laboratories, providing stakeholders with confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the
results produced both nationally and internationally.

The anticipated accreditation will significantly impact the services offered by the SKNBS in
Microbiology and Chemistry. Test results that are globally recognized and accepted will
facilitate smoother international trade, eliminating the need for additional testing when
engaging with foreign markets. Furthermore, it will position the Bureau to support other
laboratories in the region, contributing to the elevation of testing and calibration standards
across the Caribbean.

The accreditation will also enable the Bureau to introduce advanced testing techniques and
manage an increased volume of samples. By expanding service offerings in critical areas such
as agroprocessing and food safety, the Bureau’s efforts will further enhance public health
outcomes and ensure adherence to crucial standards.

For St. Kitts and Nevis, this accreditation will deliver widespread benefits. It will remove
technical barriers to trade, fostering economic growth and improving public health and safety.
Meeting international standards enhances the country’s reputation as a reliable partner for
trade and cooperation in global markets.

This accreditation will boost consumer confidence in locally produced goods, ensuring they
meet the stringent quality standards required for export. It also strengthens the nation’s ability
to monitor and respond to public health and environmental risks, which is vital for
sustainable national development.

The Bureau has expressed optimism about the progress of the accreditation journey. It views
this milestone as a testament to its commitment to quality and excellence, reinforcing its role
as a trusted institution for testing and calibration in St. Kitts and Nevis and the wider region.
Additionally, this accreditation is seen as a boost to local industries, as high-quality testing
services within the Federation will eliminate the need for businesses to send samples
overseas, saving both time and costs.

This achievement will serve as a win for the Bureau, local industries, and the people of St.
Kitts and Nevis. The SKNBS remains fully committed to achieving this goal and looks
forward to solidifying its role in protecting public health, promoting trade, and ensuring
environmental safety.