Plan to bring together accreditation agencies set to miss 2020 deadline

Plan to bring together accreditation agencies set to miss 2020 deadline

By THE NATION

The National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards’ (ACFS) plan to combine accreditation bodies of four ministries and work together as one entity within this year is likely to miss its deadline.

Meanwhile, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has suggested that the timeframe be extended so related agencies can adjust their work process and strategy.

ACFS secretary-general Pisal Pongsapich said the plan is to bring together four accreditation entities, namely the Industry Ministry’s Thai Industrial Standard Institute; the Public Health Ministry’s Department of Medical Sciences; the Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Ministry’s Department of Science Service; and the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry’s National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards.

“The merger was to be completed before the end of 2020, with the Industry Ministry as the main responsible agency,” he said.

“However, the project has yet to take shape as the four agencies have always worked independently.”

The objective of the merger is to cut down on overlapping procedures and create a single platform for the accreditation of all industrial and agricultural products, Pisal added. The new entity will work under the supervision of an executive committee, which will comprise high-ranking officials from the four ministries.

Pisal added that the NESDC has said this project requires further discussion among stakeholders and that more time should be granted to the different agencies so they can adjust their strategy and work procedures.

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30399690