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Jul 3, 2026

2 min read


The Dominica Bureau of Standards (DBOS) has opened public consultations on several draft standards and codes of practice relevant to food manufacturing, honey, cocoa and coconut production. The drafts are being issued for public comment before their possible declaration as Dominica National Standards (DNS) or Dominica National Codes of Practice (DNCP).


The standards submitted for public consultation are:


The consultation covers a broad set of requirements across the food and agricultural value chain. The GMP draft sets out general manufacturing requirements for food processors and manufacturers, while the honey specification addresses production, handling, packaging, labelling, analytical sampling and testing requirements for honey produced by Apis mellifera and Meliponini species. The honey standard is particularly relevant because it has been recommended for compulsory adoption.


For the cocoa sector, the consultation includes a Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) draft covering farm management, planting materials, soil and water management, agrochemical use, harvesting and post-harvest handling, documentation, traceability, food authenticity and fraud prevention. A separate Voluntary Sustainability Standard (VSS) for cocoa and chocolate products introduces requirements related to basic food safety practices and sustainability measures for cocoa nibs, cocoa butter, cocoa products and chocolate intended for both food and non-food uses.


For the coconut sector, the GAP draft addresses hygienic practices for the production and primary processing of young and mature coconuts intended for industrial use and human consumption, including post-harvest handling, storage, authenticity and fraud prevention. The coconut VSS focuses on best production practices, sustainability measures and the use of the CARIBBEAN Sustainability Product Mark for eligible coconut and coconut products in CARICOM Member States.


Comments on the coconut GAP and coconut sustainability drafts will be received until 7 August 2026. Comments on the GMP draft, the honey specification, the cocoa GAP draft and the cocoa and chocolate sustainability standard will be received until 31 August 2026. Food manufacturers, honey producers, cocoa and coconut operators, exporters and other stakeholders should review the proposed requirements and assess whether technical comments should be submitted before the applicable deadlines.






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