Maldives

5.3 - Test procedures

Articles	5.3.1 – 5.3.2 – 5.3.3 View measure text
Indicative date of implementation	31 December 2023
Definitive date of implementation	30 June 2027
Deadline for extension request, if required	2 March 2027
Extension of time	Request received 27 August 2025 Original definitive date 31 December 2025 New date requested 31 December 2028 Date approved 30 June 2027 Reason Maldives has limited laboratories and testing capacity. For instance, Maldives Customs Service (MCS) currently does not have an in-house facility to provide testing service. A proposal has been prepared by MCS and endorsed by management to establish a customs laboratory, however funding is needed by a donor. The current National Health Laboratory (NHL) has developed numerous tests and possesses advanced equipment. However, there is a need to identify further requirements in test capacity and develop these areas. Difficulty in procurement of chemicals and maintenance are the challenges in rendering services and these issues related to the procurement of chemicals and maintenance of equipment are being discussed with the Ministry of Health (MoH) for potential solutions. The High Performance Liquid Chromatography – Tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC MSMS) has been procured and installed, the Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (ICP MS) is under installation, and the Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC MS) is in the process of being procured. NHL has been accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by the BLQS, DMSc, Thailand since 2008. The current scope of accreditation includes seven microbiological food tests, seven microbiological water tests, and seven chemical tests. Thus, several agencies require donor assistance and financial support to acquire laboratory testing kits and relevant laboratory equipment and materials. Hence, Maldives requests an extension to implement this Article up to 31 December 2028. Committee approval: Approved new date Link to notification G/TFA/N/MDV/3/Add.7
Assistance required for implementation	Assistance and financial support are required to acquire laboratory testing kits and relevant laboratory equipment and materials. Assistance and support are required to train and build capacity of the technical staff and testing capabilities of laboratory staff. Assistance and support are required to strengthen capacity at National Health Laboratory for food and medicine testing. Assistance and support are also required to establish port facilities at central and regional level for food and medicine storage. Assistance and support are also required to develop testing parameters and accreditation. Tags: Infrastructure and equipment, Human resources and training
Donor / Agency	Not yet notified
Progress reported	Not yet notified