1. Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS)

The BBS is the national standards body responsible for promoting efficiency and competitive production in goods and services. It oversees standardization, metrology, conformity assessment, and accreditation to ensure that products meet established regulatory requirements. The BBS also manages the Supplies Control and Consumer Protection Units. 

2. Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA)

BAHA is responsible for food safety, quarantine services, and plant and animal health inspections. It assesses, monitors, and manages the issuance and approvals of import permits for phyto-sanitary and zoo-sanitary certificates. BAHA also assists with the establishment and implementation of certification programs, including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). 

Product Certification and Compliance Requirements

• Standards and Labeling: All locally manufactured and imported goods must adhere to minimum standards for labeling, packaging, and metrology. The BBS manages a publicly available standards catalogue and prepares annual standards work plans submitted to the World Trade Organization. Labeling requirements include product name, description, manufacturer’s details, country of origin, storage instructions, net weight/volume, list of contents, nutritional information, production and expiration dates, and identification lot. Labels must be in English, and products labeled in accordance with standards from Canada, CARICOM, the EU, or the U.S. are generally accepted. 

• Conformity Assessment: Products are subject to compliance with technical requirements, which can be demonstrated through the submission of relevant conformity assessment documents such as test reports or certificates of conformity. Testing is limited except for food and fuels (diesel, gasoline, jet fuel, and liquified petroleum gas). Belize has no accredited testing laboratories; however, BAHA and the Citrus Research and Education Institute (CREI) are seeking international accreditation. 

• Publication of Technical Regulations: The BBS publishes notifications on new requirements for product standards in the Belize Gazette. As part of the standards development process, the BBS submits standards for public comments and is required to notify technical regulations to the World Trade Organization Central Registry.