 The Hong Kong Branch of the IQA/CQI was established in 1991 with the assistance of the Industry Department of the Hong Kong Government and the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency.The 2000s brought substantial changes within the institute, with changes to the membership criteria, the launch of the Small Business Standard and the petition to the Privy Council for chartered status.In September 2006 the IQA was finally awarded a Royal Charter and commenced operating as the Chartered Quality Institute on 1 January 2007.