Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS)

Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) emphasized recent that car parts importers must adhere to quality standards to prevent road accidents and improve overall vehicle safety.

TBS’s Standards Manager, Eng Yona Afrika said non-compliance with these standards can lead to the use of substandard parts which increases the risk of mechanical failures, posing serious dangers to both drivers and passengers.

“Ensuring that car parts are up to standard not only protects lives but also contributes to the longevity and reliability of vehicles on the road,” he said during the road safety week celebrations in Dodoma recently.

He said TBS is mandated to ensure that all imported car parts are tested for quality standards to maintain road safety.

He said they used the event to educate the public, emphasizing, among other things to ensure that all vehicles entering the country are safe and significantly contribute to road safety.

Speaking about motorcycles, Mr Africa highlighted that they must meet specific quality standards, including the requirement for rearview mirrors that do not hinder navigation.

He emphasized that helmets must be made from durable materials to protect the wearer in the event of an accident.

Even plastic helmets should have impact-absorbing properties, with soft padding inside to prevent direct contact with the plastic.

Africa noted that motorcycle helmets should cover the ears, with the minimum standard being a three-quarter helmet that covers the head, ears, and chin. He also mentioned the Full Helmet, which extends coverage to the chin.

However, he stressed that helmets permitted in Tanzania must cover the head down to the chin, and both helmet types must fit securely to avoid coming off during an accident.

He explained that helmets covering the ears have a strap underneath to ensure they remain in place.

“The other type covers the chin directly, meaning when you fasten it, it grips the chin. A person can avoid head injuries if they wear the helmet correctly and use the right type of helmet,” he said.

“All road products, including speed bumps, road signs, and asphalt used in construction, are regulated by TBS. This highlights TBS's crucial role in road safety,” he said.