FROM ROOT TO RICHES: OWNING THE QUALITY REVOLUTION VBS & DARD Provincial Kava Campaign June 16th - 20th of 2025 “Compliance is not a penalty. It is our passport to the world.”
FROM ROOT TO RICHES: OWNING THE QUALITY REVOLUTION VBS & DARD
VBS & DARD Provincial Kava Campaign 16th to 20th June 2025
“Compliance is not a penalty. It is our passport to the world.”
🏝️ A LETTER TO EVERY KAVA FARMER, EVERY LANDOWNER, EVERY NI-VANUATU
For decades, the world has paid premium prices for Vanuatu kava. Yet too often, the profit leaks—not because our root is weak, but because our post-harvest chain is inconsistent.
In June 2025, VBS and DARD travelled by ship through cyclone swells to reach Epi and Lamap. We did not come with fines. We came with an invitation: to take full ownership of the quality narrative.
🌱 WHY THIS IS YOUR MOMENT
The global market for kava is not just growing—it is competing for Vanuatu. Buyers in Europe, America, and the Pacific pay a premium only for kava that is:
- Noble (genetically pure)
- Chemically compliant (kavalactone-tested)
- Ethically dried (never Two-Day)
When you meet these VBS standards, you are not simply following a rule. You are claiming your share of an export economy that can transform your village.
🛠️ FROM TRADITION TO INVESTMENT
Our farmers already hold the ancestral knowledge. The training added the technical edge:
- ✅ Nursery management → Turn one cutting into 100
- ✅ Noble variety identification → Protect the brand that only Vanuatu owns
- ✅ Drying & packing labs → Double your price per kilo
- ✅ Kava Act awareness → Know the minimum price—and demand it
This is not aid. This is asset-building.
⚖️ PROTECTING THE COLLECTIVE WEALTH
In Malampa, bags of Two-Day kava were seized and destroyed. Some saw loss. We ask you to see investment protection.
Imagine if one farmer sells immature kava. The container is rejected. The entire shipment loses value. The importer turns to Fiji or Hawaii.
That is not a fine. That is a national dividend lost.
💡 THE ROOT CAUSE WE MUST ALL FIX
The root cause of past rejections was never bad intent—it was fragmented knowledge. One village mastered drying; another did not. VBS and DARD are now closing that gap, province by province.
You are now the custodians of that knowledge.
🌏 YOUR LAND, YOUR CAPITAL, YOUR FUTURE
The land is not just soil. It is your capital reserve.
The kava is not just a crop. It is your share scheme.
The standard is not just a document. It is your title deed to the trillion-vatu market.
🤝 JOIN THE MOVEMENT
The VBS Provincial Division remains open for:
- ✅ Free drying audits
- ✅ Export labelling guidance
- ✅ Kavalactone testing referrals
- ✅ Linkages with compliant buyers
Compliance is not control. Compliance is collective wealth.
📞 Contact the VBS Provincial Office or your local DARD Agriculture Officer.
🌐 This is Vanuatu’s decade. Own it.
⬇️ Download: Shefa Training Report (June 2025)
⬇️ Download: Malampa Partnership Report (June 2025)
— Published by the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards, for the farmers who hold the root, and the future, of our nation.
Understanding “Best Before” Dates: What They Really Mean for Your Food
Best Before Dates Decoded: VBS Lab Report on Snack Quality
Date Published: December 2025
A recent nationwide inspection by the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards (VBS) has revealed important insights into the quality and safety of food products on our shelves. Laboratory tests conducted on snack items, including potato chips and baked snacks, show that “Best Before” dates are not just suggestions—they are key indicators of product quality, freshness, and safety.
As part of our ongoing commitment to consumer protection, VBS is sharing these findings to help you make informed choices and to remind retailers of their responsibilities under Vanuatu’s food safety regulations.
What the Laboratory Tests Revealed
Two snack products were analyzed in detail:
1. Potato Chips (1 Month Past Best Before Date)
- Chemical Safety: Safe to eat—no harmful rancidity detected.
- Quality Issue: Moisture content was elevated (2.22%), meaning the chips may have lost their crunch and freshness.
- Verdict: Acceptable with reservation—safe but not at peak quality.
2. Baked Snacks (On Best Before Date)
- Chemical Safety: Failed quality standards—critically high free fatty acids (2.5%).
- Quality Issue: High moisture (3.97%) and significant rancidity, leading to potential soapy or bitter taste and soft texture.
- Verdict: Unacceptable—not suitable for sale or consumption.
What “Best Before” Really Means
Best Before Date: This indicates the period during which the product is expected to remain at its best quality—in taste, texture, and freshness. It is not an expiry date, but eating food after this date may mean a decline in quality.
Use By / Expiry Date: Used for perishable items where safety may be compromised after the date. These are stricter and related to health risk.
In the cases studied, one product remained safe after its Best Before date but had lost quality, while another had already failed quality standards on its Best Before date due to packaging or ingredient issues.
Advice for Consumers
- Always Check Dates: Look for “Best Before” or “Use By” dates before purchasing.
- Trust Your Senses: If a product looks, smells, or tastes unusual—even if it’s within date—do not consume it.
- Store Properly: Keep dry snacks in sealed containers away from humidity to maintain crispness.
- Report Concerns: If you find expired or poor-quality products, inform the shop manager or contact VBS.
Reminder to Retailers and Shop Owners
Under the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards Act, all retailers are required to ensure products meet national standards. This includes:
- Regular Shelf Checks: Remove products past their Best Before dates, especially if quality is compromised.
- Proper Storage: Control humidity and temperature to preserve product integrity.
- Supplier Accountability: Source from reputable suppliers and verify product quality upon delivery.
- Cooperation with Inspections: VBS continues to conduct inspections nationwide. Your cooperation ensures a safer market for all.
VBS Is Here to Protect You
The Vanuatu Bureau of Standards remains dedicated to upholding food safety and quality across the nation. Through laboratory testing, inspections, and public awareness, we are working to ensure that every product sold in Vanuatu is safe, reliable, and of high quality.
Together, we can build a healthier, more informed Vanuatu.
For more information or to report a concern, contact the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards at +678 25978.
📄 Download Full Laboratory Reports
Access the complete laboratory analysis:
Vanuatu Bureau of Standards
Ensuring Standards, Protecting People.
VBS CEO Engages with Global Standards Leadership in Rwanda and Geneva, Championing Vanuatu's Voice on the World Stage
Championing Vanuatu's Voice on the World Stage
Port Vila, Vanuatu - 12 November 2025
Pictured (L-R): Mr. Atanas Pipite, CEO of Vanuatu Bureau of Standards (VBS) and Mr. Steve Lowes, ISO Regional Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific
VBS Represents Vanuatu at Global Standards Events
The Vanuatu Bureau of Standards (VBS) is proud to announce the successful international engagements of our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Atanas Pipite, at two pivotal global standards events in October 2025. This journey underscores VBS's growing role in shaping international standards that directly benefit the people and economy of Vanuatu.
Mr. Pipite's mission began in Kigali, Rwanda, where he represented Vanuatu at the ISO Annual Meeting 2025, a gathering of the world's leading standards bodies. Following this, he undertook a strategic visit to the headquarters of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in Geneva, Switzerland, for high-level discussions with ISO's Central Secretariat.
Strengthening Vanuatu's Future with ISO Strategy 2030
During his visit to ISO in Geneva, Mr. Pipite met with Mr. Steve Lowes, ISO's Regional Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific. The discussions focused on aligning Vanuatu's national development goals with the global ISO Strategy 2030.
"Our engagement in Geneva reaffirmed the importance of embedding international standards into the heart of our national planning," said Mr. Pipite. "For VBS, this means a clear roadmap to use standards for building resilience, promoting sustainability, and driving digital transformation."
Vanuatu Takes a Stand on Climate Change
A major highlight of the discussions was Vanuatu's active role in using standards to combat climate change. In a significant demonstration of this commitment, Mr. Pipite announced that a VBS representative will join Vanuatu's national delegation to the upcoming COP30 climate conference.
"This underscores our dedication to the global climate agenda," Mr. Pipite stated. "We are continuously working to ensure our national stakeholders can use ISO standards to support climate mitigation and green innovation."
Amplifying the Pacific Voice in Global Standards
A key outcome of these meetings was the emphasis on the unique contributions Pacific Island nations can make. Mr. Pipite advocated strongly for greater Pacific representation in ISO committees.
"Pacific Island countries have immense potential to contribute to international standards, particularly in areas like sustainable agriculture, circular economy, renewable energy, and our vital ocean-based industries," he explained.
Regional Collaboration for a Stronger Pacific
The visit also reinforced the importance of regional partnerships. Mr. Pipite highlighted the critical work of the Pacific Quality Infrastructure (PQI) network.
"Collaboration is our strength," he said. "Through initiatives like shared laboratory facilities and joint training programs under the PQI, we can achieve more together."
🔍 VBS Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Non-Compliant Food Products
Port Vila, Vanuatu – October 23, 2025 – The Vanuatu Bureau of Standards (VBS) today announced a major new nationwide operation to safeguard the quality and safety of food products on store shelves across the nation. The "National Retail Shop Conformity-Assessment and Inspection Surveillance Exercise" is the first operation of its kind, combining rigorous on-the-ground inspections with advanced scientific laboratory testing.
VBS Inspection Officers carefully checking product labels and expiry dates during a routine inspection.
Why is This Operation Necessary?
Vanuatu's food supply increasingly relies on imported goods. While this offers more choice, it also brings risks. Previous checks by various authorities have found expired products, misleading labels, and substandard packaging on sale to the public.
Acting on a direct mandate from the Council of Ministers, VBS is taking decisive action to protect consumers and ensure a fair marketplace for all.
"The health and safety of every ni-Vanuatu consumer is our top priority," stated the CEO of VBS. "This exercise is not just about removing bad products; it is about setting a new, higher benchmark for food quality and safety in our nation. We are sending a clear message that non-compliance will not be tolerated."
A Scientific Approach to Food Safety
This is not just a simple spot-check. This high-level operation integrates physical inspections with detailed laboratory analysis conducted by the VBS's own laboratory. This means the findings are based on scientific evidence, providing an accurate picture of the food environment in Vanuatu for the first time.
The key goals of the operation are to:
- Verify that all labelling is truthful and products are within their expiry dates.
- Ensure both imported and local products meet strict safety and hygiene standards.
- Build a baseline of data to guide future government policy on food safety.
Example of non-compliance: Products found with expired dates or incorrect labelling will be removed from shelves.
What Will the Inspections Involve?
The exercise will be carried out in phases across major retail outlets in Port Vila, Luganville, and provincial centres.
The process is as follows:
- Notification: Retailers are being formally notified of the exercise.
- Inspection: VBS officers will physically inspect products, storage areas, and documentation.
- Sampling: Samples of key items like dairy, canned goods, beverages, and snacks will be collected.
- Lab Testing: Samples will be tested for microbiological and chemical contaminants to ensure they are safe for consumption.
- Action: Products found to be non-compliant will face regulatory action, and findings will be reported to the government.
Protecting You and Our Market
The expected outcomes of this landmark initiative are:
- Enhanced Public Health: Removing unsafe and substandard food from circulation.
- Fair Competition: Creating a level playing field for honest businesses.
- Consumer Trust: Giving you the confidence that the food you buy is safe and accurately labelled.
- Stronger Regulations: Providing the data needed to build even better food safety laws for Vanuatu.
Samples collected from retail shops undergo rigorous testing at the VBS Laboratory to verify their safety and quality.
Operation Timeline
The exercise will be conducted according to the following schedule:
- Phase 1 (End of October): Official notices and stakeholder coordination.
- Phase 2 (November - December): Retail shop inspections in Port Vila and Luganville.
- Phase 3 (November - January): Laboratory testing and analysis of all collected samples.
- Phase 4 (February): Reporting of findings and recommendations to the Council of Ministers.
This exercise represents a major step forward in the Government of Vanuatu's commitment to public welfare. VBS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Department of Biosecurity, and local authorities, is dedicated to ensuring that the food you feed your family meets the highest standards of safety and quality.
Media Coverage
Read the official coverage of this in Daily Post:
📖 Read in Daily PostExternal link: Vanuatu Daily Post
For more information, contact:
Vanuatu Bureau of Standards (VBS) | P.O Box 6532, Port Vila | +678 25978
Stay informed. Stay safe. VBS is committed to protecting the people of Vanuatu.
Vanuatu Bureau of Standards Launches Official Website to Strengthen Export Compliance, Transparency, and National Quality Infrastructure
The Vanuatu Bureau of Standards (VBS) has officially launched its new website, www.vbs.gov.vu, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s national quality infrastructure, improving export compliance, and promoting standards across all sectors of production and trade.
The platform reinforces VBS’s mission to ensure that all products — from farms and packhouses to export markets — meet the highest international standards of safety, quality, and conformity. It also enhances public access to information and establishes a direct communication channel between the Bureau, producers, exporters, and consumers.
Official Launch Event
The launch event, held at the VBS Headquarters in the George Pompidou Building, brought together senior government officials, private sector partners, industry stakeholders, and community representatives.
The ceremony was officially opened by the Director of Cabinet of the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, alongside the Chairman of the VBS Board and the Director General of Trade and Commerce, and was witnessed by the entire staff of the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the live website and a symbolic cake-cutting ceremony, celebrating Vanuatu’s growing digital presence and commitment to global standards alignment.
“This website is more than information; it is a tool of empowerment for every citizen, every business, every producer, and every consumer in Vanuatu,” remarked the CEO of the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards.
“Now you can access our standards catalogue, send us your enquiries, lodge complaints about faulty or unsafe products, and directly participate in improving product quality across all sectors — from farms and packhouses to laboratories, schools, and marketplaces.
The platform supports our National Packhouse Policy and Export Compliance Program, which ensure that all stakeholders — from smallholder farmers to exporters — operate under one unified national quality framework.”
Transparency and the Right to Information
The launch aligns with the Right to Information (RTI) Act, ensuring public access to accurate and timely data about VBS’s services, mandates, and regulatory activities.
Through the new website, citizens, businesses, and development partners can access national standards, inspection procedures, certification requirements, and news updates.
Visitors can also use the Contact Portal to:
- Submit queries or information requests;
- Lodge complaints or alerts about unsafe or non-compliant products;
- Share feedback or ideas to strengthen national inspection and testing capacity;
- Or provide suggestions to support conformity assessment initiatives.
This digital approach makes standards and quality control a shared responsibility, empowering everyone to contribute to consumer protection, market safety, and export credibility.
Empowering Stakeholders Through Conformity Assessment
With VBS now fully implementing conformity assessment, inspection, and certification under the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards Act No. 14 of 2016, public participation is key in identifying unsafe or poor-quality goods circulating in the domestic market.
The new website serves as a digital bridge between producers, processors, exporters, laboratories, consumers, and government authorities — ensuring that national standards extend seamlessly from production sites to export destinations.
“Our standards framework is inclusive,” added the CEO. “It belongs to every sector — agriculture, fisheries, construction, education, energy, and beyond. Through this website, Vanuatu is demonstrating that quality is not the work of one institution but a collective national mission to protect our people, our economy, and our reputation abroad.”
Key Features of the Website
- National Standards Catalogue: Access and search for standards relevant to your industry.
- Export Compliance & Certification: Guidance for exporters on inspection, testing, and documentation.
- News & Announcements: Stay informed on training sessions, inspection programs, and conformity campaigns.
- Contact & Feedback Portal: Submit inquiries, complaints, or share experiences directly with VBS officers.
- Driving the Packhouse Policy and Export Compliance: The Packhouse Policy Program, led by VBS in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, ensures that all agricultural and manufactured goods processed in Vanuatu comply with international export standards. This “farm-to-market” framework links producers, packhouses, and exporters through certification and traceability. The website now operationalizes this system — enabling users to access standards online, download compliance guidelines, and contact VBS for assessment or certification support. By digitalizing procedures, VBS guarantees that Vanuatu’s products enter global markets confidently, backed by inspection, certification, and documentation in line with WTO’s Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) principles.
About the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards
Established under the Vanuatu Bureau of Standards Act No. 14 of 2016, VBS is the national authority responsible for the development, promotion, and implementation of standards across all sectors of the economy.
The Bureau leads the country’s Packhouse Policy Program and Export Compliance Framework, ensuring that Vanuatu’s products meet international safety and quality requirements while strengthening the nation’s competitiveness in global markets.
Through its new digital platform, VBS continues its mission to make standards accessible, protect consumers, and foster national excellence in trade and production.