Functions of the Bureau

(1) The Bureau shall promote and encourage the maintenance and use of codes of practice, specifications and (a) for the improvement of goods, services, processes, and practices used in Belize; (b) for ensuring industrial efficiency and development; (c) for promoting public and industrial welfare, health and safety; and (d) for the protection of the environment, subject to any rules and regulations made by the Ministry for the time being responsible for the environment. (2) In the exercise of its functions, the Bureau shall, (a) formulate, or, in accordance with section 8 of this Act, adopt specifications; (b) promote research in relation to specifications and provide for the examination and testing of goods, services, processes, and establish or accredit laboratories and testing facilities therefor; (c) declare standards and keep such standards under review; (d) collect and publish for public information and guidance data relating to specifications and (e) encourage and undertake educational programs for consumers in connection with 10 (f) co-operate with and co-ordinate the work of other institutions in the formulation and publication of specifications; (g) inspect or cause to be inspected any operations carried out, and any books or records, in connection with the production, manufacture, processing or treatment of any goods, the execution of any services, process, or practice for which a compulsory standard has been declared or for which application has been made to use the Standard Mark; (h) inspect or cause to be inspected any activities which may adversely affect the environment; (i) co-operate with and advise manufacturers in setting up systems, preparing specifications, and applying standards or codes of practice; (j) maintain liaison with foreign, regional, and international bodies dealing with standardization of goods of importance in Belize; (k) acquire, maintain, and use test equipment to provide reliable and accurate services to industry, commerce, government and consumers in Belize; (l) certify the quality of goods for home use or for export; (m) carry out any functions assigned to it by any written law; and 11 (n) do all other things as are necessary and expedient to secure the proper execution of the purposes of this Act.