TBS directed to design strategies for curbing illegal entry of goods
The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) Board of Directors has directed TBS Management to develop strategies to address the issue of products entering the country through informal routes, bypassing necessary inspections.
The directive was issued by TBS Chairman, Prof Othman Chande Othman, during a visit to the TBS offices at the Tunduma and Kasumulu border posts.
The aim of the visit was to assess current operations and identify strategies to enhance the Bureau's effectiveness and support business growth.
"Apart from strategies to curb the illegal entry of products, TBS management should continue educating the public about the dangers of using banned and uninspected products," said Prof Chande.
The Board visited the Tunduma border in Songwe Region on December 10 and the Kasumulu border in Mbeya Region on December 11.
During these visits, they emphasized the importance of ensuring both imported and locally manufactured goods are marked to make it easier for consumers to identify
quality-assured products.
This directive follows a report by TBS Director General, Dr Ashura Katunzi, who highlighted that uninspected products, including banned cosmetics, continue to enter the market through informal channels.
Despite collaboration with other regulatory authorities in market survelliance and at official entry points, such as border posts, airports, and ports, the issue of porous boarders persists.
The Board noted that the continued presence of substandards and banned products reflects its high demand in the market.
As a result, they urged TBS to strengthern public education efforts and to ensure all inspected products are clearly marked for consumer identification.
