liquefied petroleum gas (lpg) in belize

VOLUME 3 - ISSUE 1 - APRIL 2011
LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) IN BELIZE
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Belize Front Cover
Director’s Corner .............................Page Two
Upcoming Events ............................Page Two
Bureau At Work .............................Page Three
Bureau’s Regional/International Participation .................................................Page Three
How Safe Are The Products You Are Using Page Four
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a by-product of crude oil and is used as an alternative form of
energy. As the name suggests LPG is a mixture of hydrocarbon gases that when pressurized
can be stored and transported in liquid form making it much more economically feasible as well
as safer.
To better understand a volatile product as LPG, it’s worth noting that in Belize, LPG was being
sold by volume and not by weight. Neither of the methods are incorrect as long as reliable measuring instruments are used. However, there is a problem when a volume is expected to correspond to a certain weight. The conversion from volume to weight is not that simple, there are
various factors that contributes to the result. LPG mixture is perhaps the biggest and most obvious influence in such a conversion. What does an LPG mixture consist of? In Belize there are
mixtures of propane and butane and very small amounts of other hydrocarbons. To understand
why mixtures matter, basic facts about propane and butane must be known and understood.
Firstly, propane and butane have different mass. In simple terms propane is lighter than butane
weighing at approximately 4.2 pounds while butane is approximately 4.8 pounds per US gallon.
These two gases have a different density and are further affected by changes in temperature
and pressure.
Standards Out For Comments .......Page Four In Belize there appear to be at least three different mixtures of LPG. Not knowing the ratio of
Unfair Practices ...............................Page Five
Product Recall .................................Page Five
LPG Cylinder Safety Tips ................Page Five
Promoting Consumer Rights ......... Page Five
Technical Committees ......................Page Six
Analysis Of The Fuel Distribution Network In
Belize ..................................................Page Six
the mixture leads to not knowing the density of the mixture which WILL lead to inaccurate conversions from volume to mass. Mixtures encountered in Belize are 60% propane 40% butane,
70% propane and 30% butane and 80% propane and 20% butane, furthermore, these mixtures
vary from company to company. This means that a consumer buying a certain volume from a
company selling a mixture of 80% propane and 20% butane could receive less in weight than
another person buying the same volume from another company selling a mixture of 60% propane
and 40% butane. To determine the exact difference, the temperature, pressure and ultimately the
density of the mixture must be known and accurate measuring instruments must be available in
order to ensure correct calculations.
The LPG mixture would also affect how long the product lasts. For example a 60/40 ratio, lasts
Import License A Necessary Evil?
more than an 80/20 ratio. Why? Propane has a higher calorific value than butane. In simple terms,
Page Seven
Quality Management Systems
this means that propane burns faster than butane. Propane is also lighter and has a lower boiling
point (-42C) than butane (-0.5C). This causes the propane to burn faster than butane; therefore,
Page Seven a mixture of 80/20 would be exhausted faster since it has a higher content of propane while a
mixture of 60/40 would last longer since it has a fairly close ratio of propane and butane.
Consumer Complaints .................Back Cover
The Belize Bureau of Standards improving the economy and enhancing the quality of life for all Belizeans!
DIRECTOR’S CORNER
Bureau with assistance from Central Government received technical assistance from the Bureau of Standards Jamaica in undertaking a third party verification exercise as it relates to sale of LPG. It
also through the Physikalisch-Technischen Bundesanstalt’s (PTB)
Technical Cooperation arm for Latin America and the Caribbean
procured technical support in assessing the LPG market. The purpose of the technical assistance was mainly to assess the status
of the use and needs of standards and application of metrology in
the LPG industry in Belize. This included the assessment of product quality and safety, the evaluation of current storage and distribution methods used in Belize, the evaluation of suppliers facilities and
infrastructure, plant and equipment, recommendations for the LPG
Sector and guidance on the minimum level of investment (capital
and technical) necessary of the Bureau for conformity assessment.
Mr. José E. Trejo, Director
The LPG market in Belize has traditionally been dominated by imports. With the market evolving from the practices of importing and
selling LPG in cylinders, supply is now consistently met through
the establishment of depots and mini depots country wide. With a
population density of approximately 37 persons per square mile and
an urban-rural population spread of 52% and 48% respectively, the
range in distances between rural communities varies significantly,
thus stretching resources needed to supply goods and services from
a public and private sector perspective. Not surprisingly five importers currently compete for market share with sources originating from
neighbouring countries, namely Mexico and Central America. In
addition, the recent discovery of oil in 2005, has led to the production of LPG from local sources. Although production remains modest, the potential for growth is quite significant, with the approval
of additional exploration licences which are currently being negotiated between the Government of Belize and the local company,
Belize Natural Energy, not to mention the discovery of new wells.
While the market serves a basic need across household and commercial end users, it has overtime been allowed to operate with a
certain degree of freedom. The sector, for example, has been operating in an environment with no established national standards
on safety and quality. The latter has surfaced as one aspect of
the market that has increasingly accentuated the debate on LPG
imports from various sources – specifically the ratio of propane to
butane. Aside from first party documentation, the quality aspect of
the LPG product being imported remains highly controversial especially since this price-regulated commodity makes no allowances
for the mixture. Why is this significant? Butane and propane are
the predominant constituents of LPG and as such there are significant differences in the physical properties of butane and propane.
Hence the reason why it is important that the properties, specifically the composition of the LPG mixtures being distributed in a
market, are known to importers, producers, agents and customers for safety reasons as well as for appliance performance. This
also helps to explain the reasoning for the differences in weight
across companies, given that density of a mixture will vary accordingly based on ambient filling factors. Specifically the density of
the fluid at 50 °C and the vapour pressure at 70 °C must be stated in order to stipulate the filling factor and the testing pressure.
The Bureau, despite many challenges, remains resilient and committed in its attempt to turn the tables on the effective use of standards regardless of the circumstances in which it finds itself. In
the case of LPG it will ensure that standards are mainstreamed
in the operations of the industry in order to restore confidence,
improve competitiveness but more importantly ensure safety.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Information Booth in celebration of World Consumer Rights
Day - April 28th to May 12th , 2011
Analysis of the Fuel Distribution Network in Belize
June 6th to 17th, 2011
Booth Display in collaboration with Public Service Day:
Theme: “Striving for Excellence, Promoting Good Governance, Contributing to our Nation’s Wealth through our Public
Service.”
May 20th, 2011
World Metrology Day: Theme: “Chemical Measurements for
our life, our future” - May 20th, 2011
Good Regulatory Practices Workshop at George Price Center
for Peace and Development, Belmopan City
May 24th and 25th, 2011
Good Management Practices for Small and Medium Enterprises Workshop at Best Western Biltmore Plaza, Belize City
May 26th, 2011
Since the public outcry and clamour spewed over the sale of LPG by
weight, the Bureau acted swiftly with the assistance of the Solicitor
General’s Office to introduce bylaws for the LPG. In addition, the
Page 2 The Belize Bureau of Standards improving the economy and enhancing the quality of life for all Belizeans!
BUREAU AT WORK
Technical Assistance Provided to the Bureau
The Bureau received technical assistance from the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) during the period of February 28th to March
4th, 2011. This assistance came as a request from the Bureau to
have BSJ facilitate an in-house third party verification exercise to
determine the mass of the product dispensed at selected depots/
sites. The visit also included assistance in the determination of the
accuracy of the meters used at LPG outlets and on trucks for commercial and industrial purposes.
The activities of the assistance included visits to the LPG suppliers,
manufacturers, depots and mini-depots. These included the following:
• Examination of physical facilities
• Interviews with personnels across companies and depots.
• Verification of weighing instruments (scales)
• Provision of recommendation to improve the measurement of
LPG at these locations.
The Bureau undertook a diagnostic of the LPG industry and market
in Belize during the period of March 14th to March 18th, 2011 with
technical assistance from PTB.
This assistance addressed standardization and metrology issues
relevant to commercial and residential use of LPG in Belize. By
extension, the project provided knowledge transfer (skills and minimum training necessary) and guidance on conformity assessment
procedures that is necessary in monitoring/ensuring compliance with
requisite regional and international standards for this commodity.
In pursuing this collaborative effort with the mutual mandates of monitoring goods, the Bureau is currently finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) along with the Customs Department to create a
coordinated mechanism for the examination of imported goods at the
official points of entry, combining technical and administrative functions between both parties.
Memorandum of Understanding between Belize Bureau
of Standards and ASTM International
Effective February 3rd, 2011, the Belize Bureau of Standards and the
ASTM International have signed a memorandum of understanding
(MOU) that seeks to strengthen the relationship between the parties
to enhance support of the needs of Belize, and development of Belize National Standards with respect to health, safety and the environment. The main goals of this MOU include; promoting communication
with both parties, avoid duplication of work, promote knowledge of the
standards development activities, strengthening the BBS standards
system, promote BBS input and greater participation in ASTM standards development and promote Belize’s use of ASTM International
standards. As a result of this MOU give BBS access to over 12,000
standards developed by over 130 ASTM Technical Committees made
up of professionals around the globe covering diverse industry areas.
Furthermore, Belize has the opportunity to join relevant committees,
receive training, adopt standards and gain knowledge from expertise
around the globe.
For more information on ASTM International please browse their webpage http://www.astm.org or contact the Bureau for further information regarding the MOU.
Educational Awareness
PTB visited the Bureau from March 28th to April 1st, 2011. PTB’s assistance to the Bureau was to provide recommendation on an architectural design/plans for a physical building (including laboratories)
to best suit the needs for quality infrastructure within the national
economy.
During the year 2010 presentations were conducted in Orange Walk,
Belize and Cayo Districts capturing a total of five hundred and thirty
six (536) primary and secondary school students.
PTB’s mission to Belize included visits/meetings with regulatory
agencies and institutions, manufactures, producers, exporters, and
academia.
The aim of the presentations are to ensure consumer’s interest are
well represented in the market economy by educating consumers of
their rights and responsibilities. The ultimate goal is to place consumers in a better position to demand the best services and to shop confidently in the purchasing and utilization of goods and services.
Memorandum of Understanding between Belize Bureau
of Standards and Customs and Excise Department
The BBS has been actively conducting market surveillance countrywide to assess the level of compliance with prioritized standards
mainly labeling, bleach, honey, packaged water, brewery products
and cigarettes. The findings show that most local and imported products alike do not comply with basic labeling requirements. As a result, the Bureau has engaged in consultation with various stakeholders to improve their labeling to ensure compliance and implement the
standards. As the need arises to monitor and remain vigilant in the
market for both on local and imported products in a non-discriminatory approach. It has been determined that the best mechanism for
monitoring imported products would be at the points of entry using
the resources of the Customs & Excise Department.
Bureau’s Regional and International Participation
1. February 28th to March 4th,
2011 - Management of Market
Surveillance System on Consumer Product Safety in Washington
DC, U.S.A.
2. 13th to 30th March, 2011 CAR/6348 - Capacity Building in
Metrology for the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards
and Quality (CROSQ) and
National Bureaus of Standards
in Braunschweig, Germany
3. 5th to 7th April, 2011 - Operationalisation of CARIMET
Strategic Plan meeting in St.
Kitts & Nevis
4. 11th to 14th April, 2011 - 18th
Council Meeting of the CROSQ
in Nassau, Bahamas
The Belize Bureau of Standards improving the economy and enhancing the quality of life for all Belizeans! Page 3
HOW SAFE ARE THE
PRODUCTS YOU ARE USING?
The damage sustained by Japan by the earthquake and tsunami
sparked fears of Japanese food products, such as diary, seafood and
produce being contaminated by radiation, and also raised questions
about the vulnerability of Japan’s manufacturing processes to the
aftereffects [is this one word] of the disaster such as unplanned and
frequent power cuts, compromised water sources, etc. For Japan
and the rest of the world one of the lingering effects of the disaster
will be the potential trade in defective goods [contaminated goods?].
[In an increasingly globalized trading environment, the alert levels
must be high particularly for developing countries that have poor infrastructure as they now become more vulnerable to the influx of
unsafe products. It is this very existing threat that begs the need to
have in place systems to monitor the market for unsafe products. In
Belize food safety falls under the purview of the Belize Agricultural
Health Authority (BAHA). BAHA has an established mechanism for
monitoring and ensuring the integrity of the food supply. Belizean
consumers should be comforted that this mechanism exists. However, the same cannot be said for non-food products and it therefore
warrants some focus so that the alert system can be more holistic.
This article will therefore seek to examine existing early warning systems for non-food products.
Considering the expansiveness of the tentacles of trade, the task of
monitoring the safety of products, food or non-food, is daunting. The
risks related to defective products range from mild to severe injuries
to death and can affect a multitude of people world-wide. Recognizing this, consumer agencies have developed early warning systems,
or rapid alert systems for consumer products. For example the European Union’s rapid alert system for monitoring dangerous consumer
products is the RAPEX system. Within this system all consumer
products with the exception of medical devices, pharmaceuticals and
food are monitored. The system provides a medium for national authorities to exchange information with the Commission on measures
mandated by the authorities or actions voluntarily carried out by the
producers or distributors to address products identified as causing
severe risks to the health and safety of consumers. The Commission
uses this information to produce weekly reports of the dangerous
products reported by all national authorities. The report also provides
detailed information on the product, the danger, and measures taken
by the reporting country and is available on the RAPEX website.
The RAPEX system operates on two pillars, national and community
action and in doing this provides high level of protection for EU consumers against unsafe products. For example, products from Japan
imported into one member state and found to cause a severe risk
(i.e. death) would remove the product from the market. That member
state will report its findings and actions to the Commission who forwards this information to the other Member States. With this information they can take preventative actions to prohibit the importation of
that product to their markets. The beauty of the RAPEX system is the
efficient manner with which information is shared.
Regionally steps are being taken to introduce an early warning system for the Latin and Central American and the Caribbean countries. The Organization of American States (OAS) has created the
Consumer Safety and Health Network (CSHN) which was officially
launched on November 23, 2010. This network comprises of consumer, metrology and health organizations and its main objective is
to help ensure that the consumption of goods, insurance services,
and the protection of the health of consumers and consumers in the
continent, by strengthening the capacity for monitoring and control
of states over the safety of non-food products. CSHN creates an environment where information and experiences can be shared while
also promoting education on product safety. Perhaps one of
the most useful features of the CSHN is the ease by which members of
the network can have access to information on unsafe products in the
global market and in doing this contribute to the strengthening of national and regional systems for monitoring product safety. The launch
of the CSHN was followed by an eight week online course entitled
“Management of Surveillance Systems on Consumer Product Safety”
offered by the IDEC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra of Barcelona Spain.
The course was designed to build the skills of the agencies in the region on product safety by studying the product safety management
systems of the United States and Europe. The course was first rolled
out to countries in Latin and Central America and will be extended to
the Caribbean. It comes at an ideal time for the Caribbean region, as
CARICOM is preparing to establish an early warning system for its
member states.
Belize stands to benefit from both the OAS’s CSHN and CARICOM’s
early warning system and these initiatives coupled with the draft Consumer Protection Bill for Belize, which speaks to the recall of unsafe
products, will establish the foundation needed to create national market surveillance systems to monitor safety of non-food products and
contribute to the consolidation of the regional protection against dangerous products.
STANDARDS OUT FOR
COMMENTS
Below are the Regional Standards out for comments:
•
CARICOM Regional Draft Standards Specification for Sodium Hypochlorite Solutions (Liquid Chlorine Bleaches)
- This standard specifies the requirements and test methods
for all sodium hypochlorite solutions (liquid chlorine bleaches),
including scented solutions, used for domestic purposes. This
standard also specifies the requirements for labelling and characteristics of containers.
•
CARICOM Regional Draft Standards Specification for Cement - This standard specifies the requirements for the composition, manufacture, sampling and testing of classes of cement
(Ordinary portland cement, Rapid hardening portland cement,
Blended hydraulic cement, Composite cement, Pozzolan cement, and Blastfurnace slag cement) as well as requirements for
the packaging, labelling and mass tolerance for cement bags.
•
CARICOM Regional Draft Standards Specification for Ketchup - This standard prescribes the requirements for ketchup,
catsup, catchup hereinafter referred to as ketchup, of different
types.
•
CARICOM Regional Draft Code of Practice for Organically
Produced Foods - This code of practices sets out guidelines
for the principles of organic production, storage, transport and
labeling.
•
CARICOM Regional Draft Guidelines for Recreational Water
Quality - The purpose of the guideline is to establish criteria for:
ensuring safety of users of recreational waters; types of use and
methods of ensuring compliance; regulating usage of recreational waters; promoting economic and ecological sustainability of
recreational waters and facilitating quality control of recreational
waters.
These documents can be located/downloaded on the Bureau’s website at www.bbs.gov.bz.
Page 4
The Belize Bureau of Standards improving the economy and enhancing the quality of life for all Belizeans!
CONSUMER
ORGANIZATION
UNFAIR PRACTICES
The existing laws governing the interaction between consumers and
businesses to a large extent is insufficient. The most important thing
in business communication with consumers appears to be closing
the sale. In such an untamed environment, there is much room for
misunderstandings and mistrust in everyday business transactions.
In addition, the environment is ideal for deception, fraud and abuse
of consumers. The draft Consumer Protection Legislation seeks to
address this situation by providing some safeguards to consumers.
Among other things, it will provide some protection from unfair practices (PART VI) in this legislation. Part VI, Section sixty seven, subsection three of the legislation prohibits businesses to make deceptive representations. Therefore, they would be prohibited from falsely
stating or implying that: the supplier has status or affiliation that does
not exist or that the product offered for sale has ingredients, characteristics or benefits which do not exist.
One of the main purposes of declaring status, affiliation or connection
with another entity is to convince their potential customers of their
competence and credibility. For instance, a company offering computer repair services may indicate that they are officially authorized
to repair Dell computer equipment. A company may indicate that
their mechanics are trained and certified to repair Mitsubisi and Isuzu
engines. These statements give the potential customer a measure
of assurance that the company is reliable and competent to provide
the service required. As a result, the customer becomes confident in
the good or service delivered. In essence, the suppliers are trading
on the credibility of the other companies.
The provisions of the draft legislation will prevent establishments
from making such claims if they are not accurate. In other words, the
computer company would not be able to claim official Dell authorization if they do not have approval. The auto service company will not
be able to claim that they are certified if they are not. If such misleading claims are made, the legislation provides legal redress for the
customer affected. It is however key to remember that in all transactions, the customer has a responsibility to apply due diligence when
conducting business. If the services of a computer repair company
is being engaged on the basis of Dell authorization, the customer
should perhaps, seek to verify that the company has such authorization. Likewise, if the service of an auto repair company is being engaged partly on the basis of certification, the customer should verify
that the person is actually certified. In all business transactions, the
advice is trust but verify.
BBS encourages readers to download a copy of the Draft Consumer
Protection Bill from our website www.bbs.gov.bz.
sumers are asked to be cognizant of the recall and any other recall
that is issued internationally on products imported to Belize.
For additional information on this recall visit www.cspc.gov
LPG CYLINDER SAFETY TIPS
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is a fuel used both commercially and
industrially. Even though LPG is widely consumed, it is considered
a dangerous good, which can be threatening to human beings and
cause significant damages to their property if cylinders are not maintained properly.
Most of the danger arises from a faulty tank or leakage. Therefore, as
a user of a LPG cylinder, ensure the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Check rubber tubes (hoses) regularly for cracks, if any. Change
rubber tube at least once every two years.
Before using, check for leakage from cylinder valve and other
joints by applying soap solution. The appearance of soap bubbles
indicates leak points. Sometimes the smell of the distinctive odor
of the gas is also an indicator of leakage; flies tend to be attracted
to leaky areas. Do not use open flame to detect leaks.
In case of a leakage, switch off the regulator if it is turned on,
open all windows and doors, do not switch on/off any electrical
equipment; contact the relevant authority (Fire Department) immediately and notify them of any sources of ignition identified.
Cylinders have a metal ring at the top and bottom to protect the
base of the tank and the valves. When storing the cylinder always
keep it in a vertical position with the valve on top. Do not place
cylinder on the ground, this may cause corrosion of the rings.
If the rings are corroded do not attempt to repair you cylinder,
purchase a new one.
Cylinders must not be installed near any heat source and should
not be exposed to sun, rain, dust, or heat.
Make it a practice to turn off cylinders when not in use.
Faulty cylinders or leakage of cylinders can be ignited quickly by an ignition source; this makes it very important to carefully store and maintain LPG cylinders and to correct any defects or leakage detected as
soon as possible.
LASKO RECALL
In March 2011 the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission working with the manufacturer Lasko Products Inc. issued a voluntary
recall. The recall pertains to the box fans the company manufactures. The product is being recalled due to reports of fires caused
by motor failures a result of electrical failure in the fan’s motor. The
recall involves box fans with the model numbers 3720, 3723, and
3733. It also includes Galaxy box fans with the model numbers 4733
which have the date 2002-03 or 2003-04 stamped at the bottom of
the metal frame. Fan manufactured by this company can be identified by the printed words “ Lasko or Galaxy” on the physical fan.
Promoting Consumer Rights:
The Right to consumer education: Consumers have the right to
acquire knowledge and skills needed to make informed, confident
choices about goods and services, while being aware of basic
consumer rights and responsibilities and how to act on them.
Tip: Make an effort to gather information on goods, services and
your entitlement as a consumer, and feel free to discriminate between sources of information. Knowing your rights is the first step
in becoming a confident consumer.
Considering that Belize imports products of this particular brand, con
The Belize Bureau of Standards improving the economy and enhancing the quality of life for all Belizeans!
Page 5
TECHNICAL COMMITTEES
General
In general, in order for the Bureau to carry out its core mandate of
standards development and given the legal authority as the national
standards body, it may establish national Technical Committees
(TCs) with precise title, scope and work program to manage and
facilitate the preparation of standards deliverables.
The main role of the TCs is the development of consensus documents such as standards or guides in the context of international
best practices to be implemented by affected entities to gain competitive edge in providing quality products and services in today’s
trade. The Bureau has established four (4) committees namely the
Water, Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), Tourism at national level and
Red Kidney Beans at a regional level who meet every other month
or when called to order. The Bureau is currently finalizing its three
(3) year national standardization plan which is assessing the demand for standards according to main sectors spur the need of additional Technical Committees.
Water Committee
The committee is seeing to address standardization in the field of
services related to the Drinking Water Quality in Belize, which shall
include standards and technical regulations for the following areas:
registration of production plants and operations, regulation of the
production, operation and distribution of drinking water, certification
for quality requirements and development, evaluation and approval
of testing methods, and approved chemicals for the safe use in water
treatment based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.
This committee is comprised of representatives from Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), Belize Chamber of Commerce and
Industry (BCCI), Belize Water Services Ltd. (BWS), Pan American
Health Organization (PAHO), Public Utilities Commission (PUC),
National Association of Village Councils (NAVCO), University of Belize (UB), Bowen & Bowen Company Ltd, Popsi Purified Products,
Ministry of Health and the Bureau.
Tourism Committee
This committee seeks to establish standards/technical regulations
for tourist transportation and tour operators respectively. The need
for implementing standards in the Tourism sector in Belize is imminent in order to be able to provide quality products and services for
tourist satisfaction.
This committee is comprised of representatives from Belize Toursim
Board (BTB), Belize Tourism and Industry Association (BTIA), BELTRAIDE, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign
Trade, Bureau and UB.
Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)
The objective of this committee is the establishment of standards and
technical regulations to regulate the LPG market in Belize addressing issues relevant to safety and quality across plant and equipment,
mixtures, storage and transportation, filling methods all of which will
ensure the health and safety of consumers.
This committee is comprised of representatives from the Department of the Environment (DOE), Belize Police Department, Belize
National Fire Service, Belize Western Energy Ltd. (BWEL), Belize
Red Kidney Beans
Belize was given the opportunity to lead the Regional Technical Committee (RTC) for the development of a standard for Red Kidney Beans.
This Committee is comprised of representatives from the Ministry of
Agriculture and Fisheries, CARDI, BELTRAIDE, BCCI, Bel – Car l Ltd.,
BSJ, BAHA and the Bureau.
The Belize Bureau of Standards invites stakeholders to provide input
into the content for the development of any of the specific documents
being developed by any of the Committees mentioned above.
ANALYSIS OF THE FUEL DISTRIBUTION NETWORK IN BELIZE
The technical assistance “Analysis of the Fuel Distribution Network in
Belize” which will be undertaken 6th to 17th June 2011 is an initiative
being launched by the BBS in collaboration with the CARICOM Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ). The idea for this project
originated because of difficulties that the Bureau encountered with fuel
retailers and service technicians regarding the verification of fuel distribution pumps. The Bureau aims to create a working relationship with
the fuel industry in Belize while at the same time ensuring that fair trade
is being practised in the sale of petroleum products. For this reason the,
technical assistance was requested from CROSQ with the overall aim
of identifying the status of the fuel industry as it relates to metrology and
metrological requirements. The Bureau identified the specific areas that
need to be analyzed to determine where Metrological requirements are
not considered, where they can be introduced and where they are being
met. The specific areas to be addressed to determine the metrological
objectives are:
1. Methods of measurement – Obtain a clear layout of the methods of
measurement used at each major point of the distribution chain.
2. Measuring equipment – Develop a coherent inventory of equipment
used to measure from point of importation to point of sale.
3. Maintenance of equipment – Obtain information on how and frequency of maintenance done on the equipment used.
4. Transportation vessels – Obtain information on transport vessels
used; their properties and capacity.
5. Storage containers – Obtain information on the maintenance and
properties of storage containers.
Through this activity the Bureau aims to gain a better knowledge of the
distribution chain in the country as well as expose its current metrological activities and metrology in its entirety. The analysis of the fuel
distribution network in Belize, from the point of importation to the point
of sale, is expected to provide the necessary information on each of
the focus areas mentioned above. This information will assist in the
determination of the extent to which measurements in the fuel industry
are traceable and how this traceability is established. The information
will also be used to identify areas where the Bureau could implement
further metrological activities or consider implementing services that will
improve and ensure accurate, traceable and reliable measurements in
the fuel industry.
Natural Energy (BNE), UB and the Bureau.
Page 6
The Belize Bureau of Standards improving the economy and enhancing the quality of life for all Belizeans!
IMPORT LICENSE A NECESSARY EVIL?
Belize’s Import licensing regime is not ideal in fact it at times seems
archaic and flawed, though it seems to serve its purpose. The arguments against it are many and substantiated as are those for it. The
agricultural nature of Belize makes it vulnerable and the fact that
these arguments are brought about by countries with subsidized agricultural markets seem to lessen their validity and partially relieve
the pressures to comply with policies set by the WTO. There are
understandably several arguments for utilizing a licensing regime
many of which are undeniable.
Food security could become a problem with any country that has
chosen the position of basic commodity importer. Guaranteeing a
country’s ability to feed its population entirely on imported goods
makes a country vulnerable and have its citizens suffer from lack of
foresight.
Countering illegal trade (Contraband) is another utility. The porous
borders of Belize have caused severe lapses in the security of the
market for Belizean producers and legitimate importers. Licensing
helps in legitimizing imports.
Employment is another factor to consider. Due to the difficulty in
procuring investment capital Belize’s exports are primarily agricultural. These agricultural commodities account for much of Belize’s
employment and as well even a greater portion of employment in the
areas already plagued by poverty mainly the south and the north.
In 2007 the agricultural sector of Belize accounted for more than
11,326 jobs.
Unavoidable are the shortfalls of licensing, one such short fall is
complacency. Where competition does not exist the supplier has
little to no need for improvement as the consumer is limited to what
is available It is not uncommon in a market where competition does
not exist to have the quality of products suffer. Licensing has also
been criticized as contributing to poor quality. When there is a void
in regard to competition there is very little incentive for improving a
product.
In conclusion it is not a matter of import licensing being ideal or not,
the true issue is what happens if it were removed. Measuring the
effects and benefits of licenses is difficult as what is directly attributable to the practice is difficult to distinguish from other economic
evolutions. If managed properly it could provide temporary protection for industries vital to the survival of a country. On the other hand
it may encourage countries to become lackadaisical in a vacuum
isolated from the ever-changing global economy and the market
forces that have caused hardships in countries larger and more financially endowed.
QUALITY MANAGEMENT
SYSTEMS
A quality management system (QMS) is an organized system or procedures implemented by any organization that guarantees consistency in
operations and aims for continuous improvement addressing the needs
of all involved. There are eight principles of a QMS that can be used
by top management in order to lead the organization towards improved
performance. These principles include customer focus, leadership, involvement of people, process approach, system approach to management, continual improvement, factual approach to decision-making and
mutually beneficial supplier relationships. A QMS is not a system to be
implemented by macro organizations only. It can be implemented by organizations with micro organizations as well. Benefits of implementing a
QMS can be determined at several angles. For the customer, benefits
include a greater focus on customer requirements and customer service
and it conveys to the customer commitment on part of the organization to quality, while reducing complaints and warrant claims. Internal
benefits include a continuous improvement of the management cycle
which results in increased savings, guarantees that new and existing
products and services satisfy customers, it facilitates business and quality planning, it controls process and systems and establishes operational
controls, makes internal operations more efficient and effective...just to
name a few. In turn, the implementation of a QMS reduces duplication of
effort, re-work, waste, costs, staff turnover and brain drain.
Belize as a member of CENPROMYPE, which is the Regional Center for the promotion of SMEs in Central America, was invited to be a
part of a project entitled “Quality Management System for Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)”. The project was in collaboration with Central
American Integration System (SICA), the Government of Taiwan and the
Belize Trade & Investment Development Service (BELTRAIDE), which
launched the project. The objective of the project was to strengthen entrepreneurial development services and increase knowledge of quality
management. The Belize Bureau of Standards along with other stakeholders was invited to participate in the training models for consultants
who would conduct the diagnostics and implemented the Quality Management Systems (specifically ISO 9001) for SMEs in Belize. Three
members of staff participated and completed training in the six phases
of the QMASTER System. The QMASTER System is a systematic approach for documentation and implementation of the ISO 9001. Internally as the entity responsible for standards and quality, the Bureau is
considering an in-house implementation of the QMASTER System.
The Bureau encourages SMEs to implement a quality management system for which the Bureau remains receptive in providing any technical
assistance upon request.
Quote of this Issue:
“Quality in a service or product is not what you put into it. It
is what the client or customer gets out of it.”
~Peter F. Drucker
The Belize Bureau of Standards improving the economy and enhancing the quality of life for all Belizeans!
Page 7
CONSUMER COMPLAINTS
CHART ONE: TYPES OF COMPLAINTS RECEIVED
(DECEMBER TO MARCH 2011)
CHART ONE:
During the months of December to March the Consumer Protection Unit received a total of 24 (twentyfour) complaints.
Six (25%) complaints were classified as Health Issue, Five (20.8%) was classified as Private Matters,
Four (16.7%) classified as Defective Goods, Two
(8.3%) Price Control Goods, Two (8.3%) as General Goods, Three (12.5%) as Expired Goods, One
(4.2%) as Price Regulated Goods, and 1 (4.2%) as
Inquiry.
CHART TWO:
The most complaints received were in both February & March, which individually accounted for 33%
each and together accounted for 66%. This is more
than half of the overall complaints received for the
period. The least complaints were in December
& January accounting for 17% of the overall complaints received.
CHART THREE:
CHART TWO: COMPLAINTS RECEIVED
BY MONTH
(DECEMBER TO MARCH 2011)
Nineteen (19) of the twenty four complaints received
were resolved, a redress rate of seventy-nine percent (79%) for this period.
Complaints not yet resolved are expected to be addressed in April and on subsequent inspections.
CHART THREE: COMPLAINTS RESOLVED
(DECEMBER TO MARCH 2011)
Ministry of Works Compound
P.O. Box 430,
Power Lane, Belmopan City, Belize
Tel: 501-822-0446/0447 Fax: 501-822-2571
Hotline: 0-800-283-5587
Email: [email protected]/[email protected]
Website: www.bbs.gov.bz
The Belize Bureau of Standards improving the economy and enhancing the quality of life for all Belizeans!