TBS stresses quality standards adherence
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA Bureau of Standards (TBS) has reminded manufacturers and importers to strictly follow national quality and safety standards, stressing that enforcement is vital for consumer protection and inclusive economic growth.
By enforcing these standards, TBS aims to protect consumers, enhance market competitiveness and empower small businesses to participate fully in both local and regional economies.
Through targeted outreach at events like the Social Welfare Week Exhibition held at the Institute of Social Work in Dar es Salaam at the weekend, TBS intensified outreach efforts to bridge the gap between regulation and public awareness, promoting adherence to quality and safety standards for all products in the country.
TBS Special Zone Manager for Dar es Salaam, Ms Nour Meghji said by eliminating certification costs for small entrepreneurs and ramping up inspections, TBS is not only protecting consumers but also breaking down systemic barriers that hinder local businesses from thriving in competitive markets.
“Our goal is to reach citizens, especially entrepreneurs and educate them about the services we provide, including inspections at factories, ports, markets, wholesale and retail shops, to ensure all products entering or produced in the country are safe for use,” said Meghji.
She stated that the bureau’s involvement in the exhibition themed ‘Seek psychological support, strengthen mental health’ aligns with its mandate to educate the public on the critical role of quality and safety in products.
He added that TBS also offers education through social media, schools and during direct inspection activities to ensure all citizens gain a proper understanding of the importance of product quality.
Ms Meghji said that during the exhibition, many entrepreneurs showed up and received in-depth information about the product certification service, a service provided free of charge to small-scale entrepreneurs.
He emphasised that there is no reason for an entrepreneur to fail to meet quality standards due to the excuse of cost.
“The government has covered this service through TBS for small entrepreneurs, so there is no longer any obstacle in ensuring their products are of good quality and safe for use by Tanzanians,” he emphasised.
Recognising the contribution of entrepreneurs to economic growth, the government has been covering the costs of product quality certification for small-scale entrepreneurs at no cost.
What entrepreneurs are required to do to access this service is to visit TBS with an introductory letter from SIDO (Small Industries Development Organisation) and from there, the process of product certification begins.
The goal of this initiative is to enable them to participate in the economy, including economic empowerment, as their products will overcome trade barriers both domestically and within the region.
This is because member states of the East African Community (EAC) have agreed that once products are certified by the standards body of a member country, they are allowed into the markets of other EAC countries without needing further testing.
