The Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) is the national standards body of Malawi, established in 1972 by an Act of Parliament (Cap 51:02), later amended as Act No. 14 of 2012. As a statutory organization, it is mandated to promote metrology, standardization, and quality assurance of commodities, including their manufacture, processing, and treatment. MBS is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the government and operates through several specialized departments. These include the Standards Development Department, which prepares and disseminates national standards; the Quality Assurance Services Department, which implements standards through inspection and certification; the Testing Services Department, which conducts product and sample testing; and the Metrology Services Department, which oversees verification and calibration of measuring instruments. The institution’s mission is to strengthen the national economy and enhance the quality of life in Malawi by embedding quality principles into products and services across industries.

MBS represents Malawi in international standardization, serving as a member body of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and as an affiliate country of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Over the past five decades, MBS has introduced several important initiatives that have shaped the national quality infrastructure. The Export Quality Certification Scheme, launched in 1990, helps Malawian products meet foreign market requirements, while the Imports Quality Monitoring Scheme, established in 1993, ensures the safety and conformity of imported goods. In 1996, MBS took over responsibility for implementing the Weights and Measures Act, expanding its oversight of measurement standards. More recently, the 2016 Metrology Act modernized Malawi’s legal metrology system, and construction began on a new laboratory and office complex to support the bureau’s expanding activities. Through these efforts, MBS continues to play a central role in improving consumer protection, supporting trade, and fostering industrial competitiveness in Malawi. For more information, please visit its official website.