TBS tasks firm on missing low quality iron sheets

Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has ordered Urhome Company Limited to explain in writing whereabouts of 2,176 low quality iron sheets out of 125,280 that were to be destroyed.

The TBS Manger for Consignment Control Eng.  Saidi Mkwawa said in Dar es Salaam at the weekend that after the iron sheets consignment entered the country, TBS took sample and found that they were of substandard.

“When TBS was continuing with the procedures of destroying them, about 2,176 iron sheets were found missing,” he said adding that TBS stepped in writing a letter to the company demanding explanations of whereabouts of the low quality iron sheets.

He said after the iron sheets consignment was found to be of low quality, the importer was legally obliged to send back the cargo or destroy them at own costs. The company accepted that the poor quality iron sheets to be destroyed.

He said currently, TBS is making close follow-up to make sure the low quality iron sheets are seized and destroyed.

On his part, the TBS Acting Director General, David Ndibalema urged business people including importers to adhere to the permit conditions to avoid incurring losses for bringing substandard goods into the country.

He said when the imported goods are undergoing inspections by the TBS, business people are not allowed to distribute, sell or use them.

He insisted that TBS will continue to take stern measures against business people who will not abide by the conditions stipulated in their import permits.

The Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, Director of Business Development, Christopher Mramba warned importers to stop violating their import permits lest stern measures will be taken against them.

He urged importers to adhere to the laws and conditions laid down on goods qualities to avoid turning the country into a dumping place.

“We continue to collaborate with various government institutions to closely monitor goods imported illegally into the country and take legal measures against all the culprits,” he emphasized.