TBS urges manufacturers to leverage standards for growth

KATAVI: THE Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has called on manufacturers to leverage the competitive advantage gained from adhering to national standards, emphasising that such compliance can expand their market presence locally and regionally while bolstering economic growth.

TBS Acting Manager for the Western Region, Mr Hamis Seleleko, made this remark yesterday during the Third Annual Mwanakatavi Week Celebrations in Mpanda, which concluded over the weekend.

“This not only broadens market reach at both local and regional levels but also supports sustainable economic growth by attracting more investment, fostering consumer confidence and promoting high-quality products in the market,” he stated.

The exhibition aimed to showcase the economic potential of the Katavi Region, encompassing investment, agriculture, mining, tourism and livestock farming.

Mr Seleleko underscored that TBS’s participation in the event was intended to educate the public about its services, including the issuance of quality marks for locally manufactured products.

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This certification helps ensure product quality and boosts consumer acceptance.

“Moreover, products that have obtained a quality mark can be exported seamlessly within the East African Community, free from trade barriers,” he added.

He also pointed out that TBS’s presence at the exhibition served to inform the public about its testing services for various products at its laboratories in Dar es Salaam.

“These laboratories are accredited and internationally recognised, meaning that any product tested there is accepted worldwide and does not need further testing,” Mr Seleleko explained.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that only products meeting relevant standards are permitted on the market.

He highlighted the issues related to noncompliant products, such as the need to withdraw banned items from circulation, including certain cosmetics with toxic substances.

“We therefore encourage citizens, traders and entrepreneurs to comply with the standards set by the government through TBS,” he concluded.