Frequently Asked Questions - Implementation

1. What items does the Bureau inspect?
   Appliance and Safety Products
   Automotive Products
   Prepackaged and Construction Goods
   Textile Products and Footwear
   
2. If I want to import an item into the country what should I do first?
   Prospective importers should check with the Bureau prior to importation of any goods. We would inform the prospective importer if the items they wish to import are covered by a compulsory standard and if so, what the requirements of the standard are and what are the associated inspection fees
   
3. Does the Bureau inspect foods, drugs or cosmetics?
   No. These items are inspected by the Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division of the Ministry of Health.
   
4. Does the Bureau inspect pesticides including mosquito coils and other insecticides?
   No. These items are inspected by the Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division of the Ministry of Health.
   
5. Does the Bureau inspect pet foods, fertilizers and personal care items?
   The Bureau is responsible for the inspection of pet foods, fertilizers, and personal care items such as sanitary napkins and disposable diapers including those for adults.
   
6. Is a license required from the Bureau to import any item?
   No. The Bureau does not require that importers have a license to import goods into the country. The prospective importer should check with the Customs and Excise Division of the Ministry of Finance as well as the Ministry of Trade in order to determine what import licenses are required.
   
7. What are the fees for the inspection of goods covered by compulsory standards?
   The inspection fee for all new goods is 0.5% of the sum of the cost of the item, Insurance and freight charges (CIF value) plus fifteen percent (15%) Value Added Tax (VAT). Used goods attract a fee per item in addition to a performance deposit which is usually refundable upon completion of the examination. (For further details please visit the page with the Inspection And Performance Deposit Schedule.)
   
8. Do we charge inspection fees for computers imported by companies and do we charge VAT on computers?
   Yes. Computers imported for company use are inspected by the Bureau and attract inspection fees. VAT is applicable to all inspection fees.
   
9. Why are inspection fees and re-inspection fees so high?
   At present inspections fees are a minute fraction of the cost of the items - a half of one percent (.5%). Re-inspection fees are higher as officers are required to do a more in-depth examination of the goods which have been found to contain nonconformities. It also serves as a deterrent to importers against repeatedly importing .nonconforming goods and offering them for sale.
   
10. Are any of the fees refundable?
    Any performance deposit paid is usually refundable upon the completion of the examination minus any cost incurred for additional items inspected, and/ or destruction and disposal fees.
    
11. Can fees be paid at any bank?
    No. At this time fees can only be paid at any branch of First Citizens Bank in Trinidad and Tobago.
    
12. What are the labelling requirements on electrical items, prepackaged goods, garments and footwear?
    Electrical labelling requirements (pdf)
    Prepackaged goods labelling requirements (pdf)
    Textiles labelling requirements (pdf)
    Garments labelling requirements (pdf)
    Footwear labelling requirements (pdf)
    
13. Does the Bureau inspect fluorescent tubes?
    No. The traditional fluorescent tubes are not inspected by the Bureau. The new "screw" type fluorescent bulbs which fit into household incandescent lighting fixtures are inspected by the Bureau. However, these are covered by the Labelling of Prepackaged Goods standard.
    
14. Does the Bureau inspect tractor and aircraft tyres?
    No. The Bureau does not inspect tractor, aircraft and off road tyres. The Bureau only inspects passenger and commercial (light truck and truck) tyres.
    
15. Does the Bureau inspect vehicles?
    No. The Bureau inspects tyres that are fitted on vehicles. New tyres are inspected on the vehicle whereas used tyres must be removed from the vehicle prior to inspection.
    
16. Does the Bureau have an office in Tobago?
    At present the Bureau does not have an office in Tobago. As the need arises any inspections to be performed in Tobago are carried out by officers who go to Tobago.
    
17. What are pre-packaged goods?
    Prepackaged goods can be defined as any goods which are offered for retail sale in a package. A package is any bag, box, bottle, drum, receptacle, confining band or wrapper.
    
18. What language is required on labels/ packages/ items?
    All information which must be available on the item or label or package MUST be in ENGLISH (With the Exception of the Name and Address of the Manufacturer or Foreign Distributor - Where Applicable)
    
19. What is a UL listing?
    A listing is a safety certification mark given by a certifying body (UL, CSA etc.) to a company whose product has satisfied the requirements of a specific standard. It gives a measure of confidence that the product is safe for general use. It is given to a variety of products, the majority of which are electrical and electrical components.
    
20. What marks are accepted by the Bureau on electrical items?
    The following is a list of local and third party certification marks RECOGNIZED by the Bureau on electrical items.
    • Trinidad And Tobago Bureau Of Standards Mark
    • Underwriters Laboratory
    • Electro Technical Laboratories
    • Canadian Standards Association
    • Normas Oficiales Mexicanas NOM-123
      
21. Where are standards available and why can't they be photocopied?
    At present standards are available from our Information Centre at the Bureau's Head Office in Macoya. Persons can contact the Information Centre for further details. Standards cannot be photocopied without the permission of the Executive Director of the Bureau of Standards as they are copyrighted as intellectual property of the Bureau.
    
22. If I purchase an item that proves to be faulty can I make a report to the Bureau?
    The Bureau of Standards is not the agency responsible for handling general consumer complaints. This is the purview of the Consumer Affairs Division of the Ministry of Legal Affairs. Any such report made to the Bureau will be taken for information purposes only and the actual complaint referred to the above agency.
    
23. How will the Bureau's inspection activities benefit my business?
    With the advent of globalisation and trade liberalization, consumers are exposed to a wide variety of goods of differing qualities. They want better quality goods. The Bureau's inspection activities will benefit an importers business by assisting the importer to improve his overall competitiveness. It can also assist him in reducing consumer complaints.
    
24. Can used tyres be checked on the rim?
    No. Used tyres must be removed from the rim prior to inspection as they must be completely inspected both inside and out. The history of the tyre is unknown and as such the tyre may have been subjected to stresses which could cause damage to the inside of the tyre which cannot be determined if the tyre is on the rim.
    
25. How do I apply to get a TTBS number?
    A TTBS Number can be obtained from the Fibre Products Laboratory of the Bureau and it is obtained at the time of application.
    
26. What does TTBS look for when inspecting used items?
    Used items are subjected to 100% examination. All used items must be of merchantable quality and be in good working condition dependant on the type of item. It must satisfy the requirements of the Bureau. These items when presented for inspection must be clean and have been subjected to a fumigation process by a recognized firm. Used tyres must be dry and free from dirt.
    
27. What is the procedure for importing goods into Trinidad and Tobago?
    First time importers should check with the Bureau prior to importation in order to determine if the goods they wish to import are covered by compulsory standards.
    If covered what are the requirements associated with the particular standard.
    Check associated inspection fees.
    If goods are over the Customs' stipulated value for personal clearance contract the services of a licensed customs brokerage firm. They will perform the business transactions which they (the importer) are not legally empowered to conduct.
    The customs brokerage personnel will make up the customs documents for the client and present them to the appropriate government agency for examination of which the Bureau is one (Document Processing Stations).
    The Bureau's officer will examine the customs documents, determine if the goods are covered by compulsory standards and should be inspected by the Bureau. The appropriate inspection fees will be calculated (See Inspection and Performance Deposit Schedule) on each shipment of goods imported which are covered by compulsory standards.
    Inspection fees can be paid into the Bureau's Account at any branch of First Citizens Bank or at the Bureau's Head Office in Macoya.
    Once the inspection fees have been paid, present receipt and the customs entry documents to TTBS officer.
    It will be stamped with the appropriate stamp and the goods will either be released to the importers premises for inspection or referred to one of the other inspection sites (See Inspection Sites).