The Dominica Bureau of Standards (Bureau) was established under the Standards Act (#4) of 1999. The Standards Act gives the Bureau responsibility to facilitate the development and promotion of Standards and Codes of Practice for products and services. As a result, this provides protection of the health and safety of consumers and the environment as well as for industrial development in order to promote the enhancement of Dominica's economy.
The Bureau develops Standards through consultations with relevant interest groups. In accordance with the provisions of the Standards Act, public comment is invited on all draft Standards before they are declared as Dominica National Standards (DNS).
In light of this, the following draft CARICOM Regional documents are being issued for Public Comments:
| Reference # | Title | Scope | Documents used in Formulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCRS 87: 202x |
Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) for Cocoa and Chocolate Products - Requirements
|
This standard establishes the requirements for basic food safety practices and sustainability measures for cocoa products and chocolate in CARICOM Member States, for the production of cocoa nibs, cocoa butter, cocoa products and chocolate to be used for both food and non-food purposes. EXAMPLE Cocoa powder, cocoa sticks and balls, cocoa butter blends and lotions, chocolate bars, truffles, chocolate powder and chocolate drinks. This standard does not apply to: a) raw, unfermented or unprocessed cocoa beans, wet or dry; b) fermented, dried or roasted whole beans; and c) other products, food or non-food where the cocoa is used only as a flavouring. |
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) - ISO 14001:2026, Environmental management systems - Requirements with guidance for use - ISO 26000:2010, Guidance on social responsibility - ISO/TS 26030:2019, Social responsibility and sustainable development — Guidance on using ISO 26000:2010 in the food chain. - ISO 37000:2021, Governance of organizations - Guidance
CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) - CRS 34:2018, Cocoa and chocolate products - Specification
Rainforest Alliance - Rainforest Alliance Supply Chain Requirements v1.5
Fairtrade International Fairtrade Standard for Cocoa 27.09.2023 v.2.14 |
The period for Public Comments will run from July 01 to August 31, 2026.
Please be advised that the Dominica Bureau of Standards will simultaneously review and adopt this Draft CARICOM Regional Standard as National Standards.