CONTENTS

1. General information on NSB

2. Standards

3. Conformity assessment and certification

4. Miscellaneous

1. General information on NSB   [back to top]

1.1 Just what is NSB?

An abbreviation for National Standards Body.

1.2 Who runs NSB?

In the case of BOBS, we are governed by a Standards Council.

1.3 Where can I find facts and figures on NSB?

this information will be found in various publications, catalogues, brochure and the BOBS website, and even through toll free telephone number 0800 600 900.

1.4 How can I keep up to date on NSB and its activities?

Check out this site regularly, especially our News section and read the monthly bulletin which provides an overview of NSB's activities. To subscribe, contact the sales department: [appropriate e-mail address to be inserted]

1.5 Who pays for NSB?

BOBS is financed by the government of Botswana.

1.6 Can one become a member?

1.7 Where can I find out what standards NSB has to offer?

Botswana Bureau of Standards is an NSB and has a catalogue that lists available standards. The same information is available at www.bobstandards.bw

1.8 Does NSB provide courses on standardization and related activities?

Information about courses and training is given in the section Training and education of this site.

2. Standards  [back to top]

2.1 What can I do if I'm looking for a standard, but I'm not sure if it exists?

Browsing the list of standards arranged in accordance with the International Classification for Standards (ICS). In addition, the online catalogue provides a search engine which allows you to search by keyword or reference number. Further assistance is available through our customers service department: [appropriate e-mail address to be inserted]

2.2 Where can I find links to other standards bodies (international, regional or national)?

Consult the World Standards Services Network (WSSN), accessible via the NSB home page. It contains links to international, regional and national standardization bodies, including international and regional organizations which develop standards in their specialized subject area, in addition to their principal activity.

2.3 How can I find out which standards are equivalent to other standards (international, regional or national)?

From catalogues and individual standards from other standards bodies.

2.4 Can I access NSB standards online or through some other electronic database?

Some NSBs such as South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) sell standards online but BOBS doesn’t yet.

2.5 Can I order NSB standards and publications online?

Not BOBS’ standards.

2.6 Where can I obtain technical assistance on standards?

All enquiries for technical assistance should be sent to the customer service department: [appropriate e-mail address to be inserted]

2.7 Can I reproduce material from NSB standards?

No, standards are covered by copyright act.

2.8 What can I expect to find in an NSB standard?

Guidelines for activates to be done/followed,  and the intended results for using that particular standard.

2.9 Technology moves on - what about NSB standards?

Standards are reviewed periodically as and when the need arises to suit specific changes.

2.10 Does NSB have standards for everything?

One NSB may not necessarily produce standards for everything.

2.11 What other products does NSB offer?

Code of practice and services such as training, certification and calibration.

2.12 How does NSB decide what standards to develop?

This depends on the needs of industries and/ consumers.

2.13 Who actually develops NSB standards?

Different Technical committees.

2.14 How are NSB standards developed?

The development stages of NSB standards are described in the section Standards development of this site.

2.15 What should I do if I want to take part in the development of a standard?

Contact Director of Standards at 0800 600 900.

2.16 Are NSB standards mandatory?

Only those that affect health and safety are mandatory.

3. Conformity assessment and certification  [back to top]

3.1 What does 'conformity assessment' mean?

At its simplest, "conformity assessment" means checking that products, materials, services, systems or people measure up to the specifications of a relevant standard. For example, a customer may want to check that the product he or she ordered from a supplier meets the purpose for which it is required. One of the most efficient ways to do this is when the specifications of the product have been defined in a standard. That way, both supplier and customer are on the same wavelength, even if they are based in different countries, because they are both using the same references.

3.2 Does NSB carry out conformity assessment and certification?

Yes

3.3 Does NSB offer any consulting services for companies wishing to obtain certification of conformity to any standard?

No

4. Miscellaneous  [back to top]

4.1 Where can I obtain information about import and export regulations?

4.2 Can I reproduce material from this site?

4.3 Can I link to this site or one of its sections?

4.4 Can I reproduce material from one of your print publications?