Quality Control Lab. DoF, Chattogram

Quality Control Lab. DoF, Chattogram (QCL Chattogram) is a public regulatory institute which is situated on the top of the N.M. Khan Hill; 209, Muradpur, Chattogram. This is one of the regional laboratories under the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Bangladesh, which is accountable to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MoFL). The Quality Assurance Manager (QAM) is the chief executive of the laboratory who is assisted by Quality Manager, two Technical Managers, several Analysts and other supporting staffs. The laboratory was established in 1976 by the implementation of the project “Establishment of National Fish Inspection and Quality Control Services in Bangladesh” which is followed by Fish and Fish Product (Inspection and Quality Control) Ordinance, 1983. Fish and Fish Product (Inspection and Quality Control) rules 1989 and 1997 and an amended rule in 2008 as to provide legal basis of the total effort as well as to bring harmonize with international seafood market requirements.

Microbiological test started in February 1990 whereas Chemical test (TVBN, TMA) and Virus test started in 1998 and 2018. New lab building established in 2008 and furnished with State of the art equipment by BQSP project (UNIDO Funded). From 2010, Better Work and Standards (BEST) programme (UNIDO Funded) has been working as a follow up programme of BQSP. In August 2015 it was separated from FIQC with the named Quality Control Laboratory, DoF, Chattogram. QCL Chattogram achieved its accreditation from BAB (Bangladesh Accreditation Board) in May, 2014, which is renewed in 2022 and valid up to May 2024.

The laboratory is mainly involved in testing of  quality and safety parameters (Chemical, Microbiological, PCR, Physicochemical) of shrimp, fish & fishery products, water, ice, surface swab, feed etc. in view of sustaining Bangladesh export performance in world seafood markets through integration of qualified personnel, standard methods, appropriate equipment and quality assurance system are in place for necessary testing and interpretation of tested results.

The main objectives of QC Lab, DoF, Chattogram are: 

• To support export/ import certification issued by Fish Inspection and Quality Control (FIQC) through providing credible test results and to ensure the quality of fish and fishery product for promoting  exports and public health.
• To ensure the quality of fish and fishery product for promoting  exports and public health.
• To implement and maintain the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and other national & international standard.