Product standards crucial for economic growth

Posted On: Jan, 30 2025
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Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has emphasized that meeting product standards is vital for enhancing manufacturers' contribution to the economy by ensuring quality, safety and competitiveness in both local and global markets.
The TBS Marketing Officer, Maryam Abdulaziz, stated that by adhering to standards, manufacturers can overcome trade barriers both locally and internationally.
“When products meet recognised standards, manufacturers can expand their market reach, reduce trade barriers, and increase consumer trust,” she said during the 11th National Trade Exhibition held in Dimani, Zanzibar, from January 1 to 15 this year.
She stressed the importance for manufacturers to ensure their products carry the TBS quality mark, which helps eliminate trade barriers.
Ms Maryam explained that any product bearing the Zanzibar Bureau of Standards (ZBS) quality mark would face no trade obstacles when sold in mainland Tanzania, as its quality would be guaranteed.
Additionally, she explained that products certified by TBS will face no trade barriers when sold in Zanzibar, thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between TBS and the Zanzibar Bureau of Standards (ZBS), fostering collaboration.
This ensures such products are recognized as safe and of high quality for consumers.
She urged manufacturers to ensure their products are quality-certified and bear the TBS logo, which guarantees market access.
Ms Maryam further clarified that TBS-certified products are assured entry into the East African Community (EAC) market without barriers.
“Therefore, we encourage manufacturers who have not yet certified their products to come to TBS, as doing so will guarantee market access both locally and internationally,” she stated.
She also encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of the free certification process, requiring only an introduction letter from the Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO).
“The government recognises the contribution of entrepreneurs to the economy, which is why it covers all costs for product certification,” she added.
Maryam explained that entrepreneurs need only the introduction letter to begin the certification process, which starts immediately after submission.
In addition, she took the opportunity to educate the public at the exhibition on the importance of product standards in their daily lives, emphasizing their role in ensuring consumer health and safety.
She urged the public to become ambassadors for quality products, avoid expired items, and develop the habit of checking product packaging for expiry dates and TBS certification.
If they encounter uncertified or expired products, she encouraged them to report them to the nearest TBS office or contact the TBS customer service center.
Regarding TBS's participation in the exhibition, Ms Maryam explained that the goal was to educate the public on the significance of standards in everyday life.
“Our presence here has allowed us to educate participants, and they have promised to be good ambassadors, sharing this information with their families,” she said.
The attendees praised TBS for providing valuable education, which will help them make informed decisions when purchasing products.