The implementation of the NQI is guided by the following four pillars:

• Standards development;
• Conformity assessment (which involves testing, inspection and certification);
• Metrology (the science of measurement); and
• Accreditation.

Recent developments towards the implementation of the NQI:

• Draft National Quality Policy 2015 - The new policy is guided by current global standards and quality requirements as per the World Trade Organization-Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO-TBT). Consultations are currently underway.
• The Establishment of a National Compliance and Regulatory Authority - the Division will be responsible for registering processed food establishments, inspecting goods at the ports of entry and in the domestic market for compliance.
• JANAAC as signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) Mutual Recognition Arrangement - the ILACMRA facilitates global acceptance of the results generated by the conformity assessment bodies, which are accredited by the Jamaica National Accreditation Agency (JANAAC). This recognition helps reduce cost for manufacturers and exporters and eliminates the need for redundant testing of products being exported.
• The Nuclear Safety and Radiation Act (2015) - ensures that activities relating to radioactive material, nuclear material and ionizing radiation apparatus are subject to standards of safety and security. The Act also makes provision for the establishment of a national regulatory body, referred to as the Hazardous Substances Regulatory Authority.
• Amendments to the Weights and Measures Act (2015) - the legislation ensures uniformity in the laws, regulations and standards that govern weights and measures to achieve equity between buyers and sellers in the marketplace.

The National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) is a platform to strengthen the quality and standard threshold for locally produced goods and services based on international benchmarks. The production of goods and services which meet internationally accepted quality standards is the only platform on which Jamaica can compete and take its place as a strong player in the global marketplace. Its implementation will require the private sector to adhere to international standards (voluntary) and technical regulations (mandatory) but they stand to gain benefits from increased revenue and opportunities for business expansion.