GCLA tightens chemical safety oversight
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA) has stepped up efforts to strengthen compliance with safety regulations in the importation, storage and transportation of hazardous chemicals following 62 sulphur-related accidents recorded between 2024 and 2026.
The authority said it was working closely with importers, storage operators and transport companies to improve safety standards and minimise risks associated with handling sulphur and other hazardous substances.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Dar es Salaam, GCLA Director of Regulatory Services, Mr Daniel Ndiyo, said although the number of incidents was low compared with the large volumes of sulphur transported, chemical accidents could have serious consequences.
“Although the number of incidents is small compared with the volume of sulphur transported, one chemical accident can cause significant harm if safety procedures are not followed,” Mr Ndiyo said.
He said the meeting brought together key players across the sulphur supply chain to identify challenges and develop practical measures to improve safety compliance.
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Tanzania has experienced increased bulk sulphur imports following amendments to the Chemicals Management and Control Act in 2019 and the introduction of related regulations in 2020.
Mr Ndiyo said since July 2021, a total of 112 vessels had delivered about 3.74 million tonnes of sulphur through the ports of Dar es Salaam and Tanga.
The chemical is mainly transported to neighbouring countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia, where it is used in copper mining operations.
He said the sulphur trade has contributed to increased cargo volumes at Tanzanian ports while creating employment opportunities in logistics and transportation.
“Based on an estimated 30 tonnes per truck, the transported volume represents more than 129,000 truck movements, creating opportunities for drivers, transport companies and other logistics players,” he said.
However, Mr Ndiyo warned that some operators were not fully complying with safety requirements, including failure to cover sulphur loads during transportation to control dust and reduce fire risks.
He said more than 212 sulphur transporters are registered in Tanzania, urging them to prioritise safety throughout the entire supply chain.
George Alando from DSM Corridor Group (DCG), a company involved in bulk sulphur storage and packaging before transportation to DRC and Zambia, said safety remains central to the company’s operations.
He said DCG follows safety guidelines issued by the Government Chief Chemist’s Office and provides regular training to employees involved in sulphur handling.
Meanwhile, Transago Limited Safety Officer Ms Agnes Mahenge said continuous training of drivers was essential in preventing accidents.
She said drivers are trained on the nature of sulphur, emergency response procedures and safe transportation practices before starting their journeys.
“We provide drivers with emergency cards containing information about the chemical and actions to take in case of an incident,” Ms Mahenge said.
She also warned that driver fatigue could increase accident risks, calling for measures to reduce unnecessary delays at ports.
