Vanuatu

25 February 2025 — G/TFA/N/VUT/4  

This is a transparency measure and needs a policy response. Each border regulatory agency has its own policy framework for second testing, but procedures are not standardized or widely published.

There is progress on the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards, and the government lab is currently being fully equipped (with assistance from the International Atomic Agency which provided the equipment) and protocols for tests are currently being created. Currently there is no information or protocols in place to what is required for testing (i.e., for textiles).

The government laboratory is currently on track to become accredited to ISO 17025 by the end of 2025.

The Vanuatu Bureau of Standards plans to launch a communications policy, which includes testing etc, strategies based on policies and regulations. There is a lack of communications among each other, and even though upgrades are currently taking place, they are not communicated and there is a need for a public campaign to bring awareness to the private sector that the government lab is able to do that (even though currently second testing is not being used very often, due to perishables)

At a regional level, Vanuatu is a key participant in the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Initiative (PQII) that is managed by the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat (PIFS). This initiative is assessing laboratory capacity and future needs on a regional basis.

Areas of assistance required:

Vanuatu needs support to develop a multi-agency policy framework that provides for the possibility of second testing, where appropriate, the development of a Standard Operating Procedures and to also ensure that the business community is well informed of the availability of second testing procedures.

World Bank Group will be assisting with the supporting the Test Procedures Working group under the TFSC to review the existing legal/policy instruments for alignment with the TFA test procedures article and SOPs to support 2nd testing.

Vanuatu requires assistance to develop the following 2nd testing requirements:
• Laboratory training and capacity development requirements.
• Equipment and infrastructure to for laboratories to facilitate priority border testing needs.
• 2nd testing Implementation strategy (including processes and timing).
• Implementation of policy and standard operating procedures when legislation is approved.
• Potential automation and laboratory sample tracking.
• Stakeholder consultancy and awareness on secondary tests.