https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/discover/Commonwealth Standards Network (CSN) - All Activityenhttps://www.commonwealthstandards.net/events/event/174-launch-of-new-csn-case-studies/Throughout April, a series of new CSN Case Studies will be launched to demonstrate the positive impacts of standards use by SMEs. See: https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/library/csn-case-studies/Thu, 02 Apr 2026 08:49:11 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/news/standards-on-quality-safety-environmental-responsibility-and-operational-excellence-is-driving-success-for-this-local-ugandan-business-r360/The Real Natural Beverage Solutions Ltd (RENA) is a local Ugandan agri-processing company that was founded in 2012. The company specializes in immune-boosters, detoxifiers and antioxidant drinks, including hibiscus tea, Hibi Drink, rosemary powder and okra seed-based products, such as Mpirivuma coffee and Saw Palmetto. RENA is based in Kampala and works closely with outgrower farmer groups across Uganda and East Africa, and sources and processes hibiscus flowers and seeds for its expanding product portfolio. This business is using international standards on quality, safety, environmental responsibility and operational excellence to drive business growth, including: • ISO 9001:2015, Quality management systems; • ISO 14001:2015, Environmental management systems; and • ISO 45001:2018, Occupational health and safety management systems. So far, these standards have helped the company increase revenue and drive business growth, gain market leadership and recognition, empower their workforce and strengthen customer confidence. Read more about RENA's story.Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:39:32 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/news/how-lake-bounty-a-ugandan-fish-processing-and-export-company-used-standards-to-enter-global-markets-r359/Lake Bounty began as a small fish processing and export company, in Nile perch fish products, in Uganda. The company has since grown into one of the largest processors and exporters of high-quality fish products in East Africa – a transformative journey, powered by standards. By using local and international standards (like ISO 22000 Food safety management) and through collaboration with the local standards body, the company has been able to tap into global markets, expand its product lines, reduce customer complaints, and improve employee morale. “Consumers are willing to pay a higher price because they know they are getting the best products.” - Quality Control Lead, Mr Moses Tenywa. Read more about Lake Bounty's success story.Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:24:10 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/news/a-standards-success-story-from-kenya-r358/Rembo is a local Kenyan #detergent company that was founded in 2023. It launched into a busy and competitive market, amidst many legacy household brands. The company faced many challenges similar to those of any small or medium-sized enterprise. By using standards and complying with local regulations, the company was able to get ahead of the challenges and witnessed an increase in sales, a growing base of repeat customers, a safer working environment for its employees, and even expanded its product lines. “Our growth is the main result of using standards. Our products have progressively and consistently improved due to standards and eased production.” - Kelvin Kyalo, Director of Rembo. Read about how Rembo used standards to boost business growth.Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:12:16 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/library/csn-publications/csn-digital-trade-whats-next-for-csn-r147/CSN - Digital Trade next steps for CSN.pdfTue, 31 Mar 2026 18:11:35 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/library/csn-publications/csn-publication-seizing-the-opportunities-of-paperless-trade-guidance-fro-commonwealth-nsbs-r146/CSN Publication: Seizing the opportunities of Paperless Trade: Guidance fro Commonwealth National Standards Bodies (NSBs) CSN_ Paperless Trade - NSB Guidance (March 2026).pdfTue, 31 Mar 2026 15:27:54 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/library/csn-publications/csn-publication-gender-responside-standards-2026-revision-r145/CSN Publication: Gender Responside Standards (2026 revision) CSN - Gender Responsive Standards (March 2026 revision).pdfTue, 31 Mar 2026 15:20:09 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/library/training-materials/csn-training-seizing-the-opportunities-of-paperless-trade-guidance-for-nsbs-part-6-opportunities-and-experiences-country-profiles-r144/CSN Training: Seizing the opportunities of Paperless trade - Guidance for NSBs (Part 6) 'Opportunities and experiences - Country Profiles' (March 2026) Presentation download: CSN_Paperless Trade_Training_Part 6 - Opportunities and experiences - Country profiles (03-2026).pdfTue, 31 Mar 2026 12:50:46 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/library/training-materials/csn-training-seizing-the-opportunities-of-paperless-trade-guidance-for-nsbs-part-5-digital-and-paperless-trade-standards-r143/CSN Training: Seizing the opportunities of Paperless trade - Guidance for NSBs (Part 5) 'Digital and paperless trade standards' (March 2026) Presentation download: CSN_Paperless Trade_Training_Part 5 - Standards (03-2026).pdfTue, 31 Mar 2026 12:48:22 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/library/training-materials/csn-training-seizing-the-opportunities-of-paperless-trade-guidance-for-nsbs-part-4-governance-and-policy-r142/Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:39:41 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/library/training-materials/csn-training-seizing-the-opportunities-of-paperless-trade-guidance-for-nsbs-part-2-trade-facilitation-r141/CSN Training: Seizing the opportunities of Paperless trade - Guidance for NSBs (Part 2) 'Trade Facilitation' (March 2026) Presentation download: CSN_Paperless Trade_Training_Part 2 - Trade Facilitation (03-2026).pdfTue, 31 Mar 2026 12:37:51 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/library/training-materials/csn-training-seizing-the-opportunities-of-paperless-trade-guidance-for-nsbs-part-3-legal-frameworks-r140/CSN Training: Seizing the opportunities of Paperless trade - Guidance for NSBs (Part 3) 'Legal Frameworks' (March 2026) CSN_Paperless Trade_Training_Part 3 - Legal Frameworks (03-2026).pdfTue, 31 Mar 2026 10:44:49 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/news/reintroducing-the-positive-impact-of-standards-case-study-library-r357/Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:24:35 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/library/training-materials/csn-training-seizing-the-opportunities-of-paperless-trade-guidance-for-nsbs-part-1-introduction-r139/CSN Training: Seizing the opportunities of Paperless trade - Guidance for NSBs (Part 1) 'Introduction' CSN_ Paperless Trade_Training_Part 1 - Introduction (03-2026).pdfMon, 30 Mar 2026 17:33:41 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/library/csn-case-studies/csn-case-study-video-laikipia-permaculture-centre-kenya-march-2026-r138/CSN Case Study Video: Laikipia Permaculture Centre, Kenya (March 2026)Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:12:45 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/library/csn-case-studies/csn-case-study-video-sasini-kenya-r137/CSN Sasini Case Study, KenyaMon, 30 Mar 2026 16:57:11 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/library/csn-case-studies/how-a-kenyan-detergent-company-rembo-used-standards-to-boost-business-growth-case-study-commonwealth-standards-network-r135/Rembo, a small business in Kenya, used standards to improve its processes and quality of products and create a working environment that promotes growth and excellence. Download the case study: CSN_Case Study_Rembo, Kenya (03-2026).pdfMon, 30 Mar 2026 11:11:10 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/library/csn-case-studies/rena-powered-by-standards-positioned-as-a-champion-in-uganda%E2%80%99s-agro-processing-sector-case-study-commonwealth-standards-network-r134/The Real Natural Beverage Solutions Ltd. (RENA)'s journey demonstrates that while using standards can be costly and often seems complex for SMEs, it can also be a powerful engine for credibility, growth, innovation and market leadership. Download the case study: CSN case study - RENA - Uganda.pdfMon, 30 Mar 2026 10:43:06 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/news/how-standards-support-is-helping-businesses-in-south-africa-and-zambia-r356/The South Africa Bureau of Standards (SABS) has signed a partnership agreement with Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) to harmonize standards and use them as practical tools for trade. The partnership aims to support small and medium sized organizations by making compliance costs easier on the pocket and helping them create products and services that are export-ready. Through the partnership they also aim to strengthen cooperation in testing, certification, and capacity building, which will directly impact trade and economic growth. SABS Executive Director, Nathan Sing’ambwa said, “Closer collaboration between ZABS and SABS will help local industries meet internationally recognised standards, thereby enhancing their competitiveness in both regional and global markets.” Read more in this news update by the Zambia Bureau of Standards.Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:53:59 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/news/promoting-stronger-education-standards-in-mozambique-r355/In Mozambique, the National Institute for Standardization and Quality (INNOQ) has partnered with the Ministry of Education and Culture to coordinate the roll-out of the national standard for Management Systems for Educational Organizations, NM ISO 21001. The two organizations met on 16 February to establish a joint strategy to promote and support the adoption of this standard across educational institutions in the country. During the meeting, both organizations outlined their roles to ensure the standard is implemented in a voluntary and harmonized manner, consistent with national regulations. The NM ISO 21001 standard is designed for all organizations involved in developing knowledge, skills and attitudes through various teaching methods, and aims to improve student satisfaction and enhance the effectiveness of teaching and learning processes. Read more about this in INNOQ’s update.Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:42:44 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/news/new-standards-for-water-distribution-and-wastewater-collection-systems-in-northern-canada-r354/The CSA Group in Canada has developed the country’s first technical specification (TS) for water distribution and wastewater collection systems in northern regions, under the Northern Infrastructure Standardization Initiative (NISI), with funding support from the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). The CSA TS006: Water distribution and wastewater collection systems in northern regions was developed with consultation from civil and environmental engineers, municipal public works representatives from Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Yukon and Kativik, and Indigenous Services Canada, and engineers and researchers from the National Research Council. TS006 is part of a broader series of guidance supporting climate resilience and sustainable management of wastewater across Canada, including CAN/BNQ 3682-420 Existing Sanitary Sewer Systems – Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Program – Guidelines, flood mapping standards CSA W229.1 and CSA W229.2 and Developing a Stormwater Quality Management Standard. Read more on the SCC website.Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:23:12 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/news/strengthening-food-standards-in-mozambique-to-safeguard-public-health-r353/Mozambique’s National Institute for Standardization and Quality (INNOQ) has partnered with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) to validate new quality standards for eggs, poultry and fish in the country. From 18-20 February, it conducted a three-day workshop to review, validate and align Mozambican standards for egg, poultry and fish with the nutritional and food safety needs of the country. During the workshop, Alcinda Duvane, the Director of the Standardization Division of INNOQ highlighted that through such collaborative efforts, INNOQ and GAIN aim to ensure that these products help improve the diet, strength and resilience of the most vulnerable populations in the country. Find out more about the workshop in this update by INNOQ.Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:36:41 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/library/csn-case-studies/lake-bounty-group-from-local-processor-to-global-player-uganda-case-study-commonwealth-standards-network-r133/The Lake Bounty Group’s journey demonstrates how standards can transform a business, improving quality, building consumer trust, opening new markets and inspiring employee pride. Lake Bounty Group, Uganda. Read and download the case study below CSN case study - Lake Bounty Group - Uganda.pdfThu, 19 Mar 2026 16:26:24 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/news/advancing-digital-inclusion-in-jamaica-r352/The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) recently launched the nation’s first information and communication technology (ICT) accessibility standards, positioning Jamaica at the forefront of digital accessibility governance efforts within the Caribbean. The eight standards were launched during a ceremony at the BSJ multipurpose facility in Kingston, under the theme ‘Inclusive by Design: Crafting a Digital Jamaica that Leaves No One Behind’. These standards aim to promote inclusive and equitable access to digital information and products across the country and reflect its commitment to building systems that are practical and can be used by everyone. Sancia Bennett Templer, Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, stated, “In an increasingly digital global economy, jurisdictions that design accessibility systems expand their labour force participation, broaden their consumer base, reduce inefficiencies, and strengthen reliance. When citizens can participate fully in economic life, productivity rises. Accessibility, therefore, supports innovation, enhances national competitiveness, and contributes directly to sustainability.” This initiative will also accelerate digital transformation across Jamaica’s government, education, finance, commerce, and public services. Ensuring all citizens can participate in economic activities will improve productivity and enhance innovation and national competitiveness. Read more on the BSJ website.Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:17:35 +0000https://www.commonwealthstandards.net/case-studies/contribution-of-standards-to-trade-r41/The issue/challenge International trade, quality, compliance. The solution To review studies that measure economic impact amongst Commonwealth countries. The case study method The original case study was based on: A literature review of studies using econometric analysis. The most common approach is the use of the gravity model. The model resembles Newton’s law of gravity because the economic ‘mass’ of the exporting and importing countries (their GDPs) tends to boost trade, while trade costs, like distance, tend to hold it back. The gravity model of trade is used where economists need to model bilateral flows amongst countries, regions, or cities. The general approach consists of estimating a model with standard control-variables from the literature, and one or more variables of interest that relate to standards. The impact The literature review suggest the following: Standards in importing markets can contribute to cost increases for exporters because of the need to adapt products and production processes, as well as to comply with testing and certification requirements. Developing countries may be constrained in their ability to absorb these costs due to difficulties in financing the necessary investments. On balance, it was argued that standards in importing markets may limit the ability of some developing countries to contest those markets. Where importing market standards are de facto harmonized with international standards, such as ISO or IEC, the negative effect on developing country exporters is substantially lessened or even reversed. There is evidence that standards promote trade, likely by reducing information disparity between producers and consumers, and helping to signal quality products and services. There are significant differences in the impact of trade across exporting countries, sectors and organizations. Notwithstanding an initial cost-impact of importing market standards, over time, standards can be a catalyst for higher productivity and quality. Read original case studyWed, 18 Mar 2026 15:32:27 +0000