IEC takes part in WTO workshop held in Botswana

At the most recent World Trade Organization workshop, held in Gabarone, Botswana, from 19-21 June, participants questioned the IEC about methods to reduce or prevent importation of cheap and unsafe products which were seen by some as contributing to the economic plight of Africa. The workshop provided an opportunity for the IEC to promote its services among a wider and very relevant audience than the immediate IEC family.

The IEC was represented by former Conformity Assessment Board Chairman and Vice-president, Clif Johnston, who gave three different presentations during the course of the workshop.

According to Johnston, these were well received, judging by the questions and comments made, and IEC's profile was clearly enhanced among the delegates which were more representative of ministries than of national committees or standards bodies. The workshop was attended by 48 delegates from 16 African countries.

He noted that while increased participation by African countries in IEC conformity assessment was unlikely at present, delegates showed a real interest in finding ways to overcome forgeries and ensure the credibility of test certificates. Johnston pointed out to them that the IEC conformity assessment systems use online verification, rendering paper forgeries valueless.