RELEASE: Pacific Islands Standards Committee Endorsed as Regional Standards Body

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) is pleased to announce that at the Forum Trade Ministers Meeting (FTMM) held in July 2025, Ministers formally endorsed the Pacific Islands Standards Committee (PISC) as the Pacific regional standards body, whilst taking into account the eventual outcomes of the Review of the Regional Architecture (RRA) which offers a timely opportunity to recalibrate the organisation’s strategic posture, ensuring that it is better placed to support Forum Members and respond to the shifting needs of the Pacific region.

The endorsement marks a significant milestone for the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Initiative, reaffirming PISC’s role in strengthening regional cooperation on standards, amplifying the region’s voice in international standards fora, and promoting harmonised approaches to facilitate trade across the Pacific.

Currently, two regional standards are under development by Technical Committee 1 on Building and Construction and Technical Committee 2 on Food and Food Products, with plans underway to establish Technical Committee 3 on Kava. The new endorsement process offers a clear pathway for these voluntary regional standards to advance through the agreed mechanism.

These standards reflect regionally agreed best practices and, once published, may be adopted nationally and even incorporated into national regulation, should a member country choose to do so through its own legislative processes. This approach preserves flexibility and respects national sovereignty, while supporting economic development, expanding market access, and promoting harmonisation across Forum Island Countries.

PIFS and Standards Australia extend their sincere appreciation to all PISC members and PQII development partners for their active engagement and support to this achievement.

For further information or media enquiries, please contact: Forum Media on media@forumsec.org