The Instituto Nacional de Normalização e Qualidade (INNOQ) is the official body responsible for standardization, metrology, and quality assurance in Mozambique. Established in 1993 under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, INNOQ plays a key role in promoting national economic development by ensuring products and services meet international quality and safety benchmarks.

Mission and Role

INNOQ’s main mission is to develop and promote Mozambican standards (NM), ensure compliance with technical regulations, and manage national quality infrastructure. Its activities support the country's industrial competitiveness, consumer protection, and alignment with regional and international trade agreements, including those under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Key responsibilities of INNOQ include:

• Drafting and publishing national standards

• Promoting implementation of ISO and other international standards

• Operating the national conformity assessment system (certification, inspection, and testing)

• Ensuring legal and industrial metrology services

• Organizing training and capacity building for companies and public institutions

Regional and International Cooperation

INNOQ is a member of several international organizations, including:

• International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

• African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO)

• SADC Cooperation in Standardisation (SADCSTAN)

Through these affiliations, INNOQ works to harmonize Mozambican standards with international best practices and facilitates mutual recognition of certifications across borders.

Quality Mark and Certification

One of INNOQ’s visible contributions to national industry is the Mozambican Quality Mark (MQM), a voluntary product certification that confirms compliance with Mozambican or international standards. This mark helps consumers identify quality-assured products and supports local manufacturers in gaining trust in domestic and export markets.

Additionally, INNOQ provides ISO certification services in areas such as quality (ISO 9001), food safety (ISO 22000), and environmental management (ISO 14001), supporting companies striving for continual improvement and regulatory compliance.

Challenges and Progress

Mozambique continues to face infrastructure and resource limitations that impact the reach and enforcement of quality regulations. Nonetheless, INNOQ has made strides in digitalizing its services, increasing awareness of standardization benefits among SMEs, and expanding training across the country.

As Mozambique deepens its integration into global trade, INNOQ remains a central actor in ensuring that national production meets the requirements of international buyers and regulatory frameworks, while also safeguarding public health, safety, and the environment.

Accreditation in Mozambique 

Mozambique does not have its own national accreditation body. Instead, it utilizes the services of the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS), a multi-economy accreditation body serving several SADC member states that lack national accreditation infrastructures.

The National Institute of Standardization and Quality (INNOQ) acts as the National Accreditation Focal Point (NAFP) for SADCAS. INNOQ facilitates accreditation processes and serves as the liaison between SADCAS and local conformity assessment bodies. For more information, you can visit the official websites of SADCAS.

 

Official Website: http://www.innoq.gov.mz