Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS)

Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has urged product manufacturers to certify their goods to enable them to sell beyond East African market and take advantage of Local Content Policy.

Joseph Ismail, TBS Manager for Northern Zone, made the call on Tuesday during an exhibition organized by Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) in Babati District, Manyara Region, which ran from October 20 to 30.

Speaking to the media yesterday at the exhibition themed ‘Manyara for Business and Investment Growth’ Ismail explained that TBS plays a crucial role in promoting investment by facilitating production of various goods.

He encouraged manufacturers to formalize their businesses, noting that obtaining a quality mark would allow them to export products beyond East Africa.

He highlighted Manyara as a strategic region with numerous hotels that require products certified by TBS.
"To sell to these hotels, you must certify the quality of your products. Through the Local Content Policy, hotel owners are inclined to purchase locally in Manyara rather than sourcing from Arusha but they won’t buy uncertified products," he said.

He emphasized that TBS is a supportive institution that works closely with traders, with government funds allocated to assist them.

"The government through TBS provides quality certification services free of charge," he added. “While certification typically has costs, the services are provided at no cost. So, I encourage manufacturers to come to TBS and certify their products.”

Ismail further noted that obtaining a quality mark would help manufacturers’ access broader domestic and international markets.

He also advised them to formalize their businesses to facilitate access to bank loans.