Amidst traders’ concerns over Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) resource limitations, the standards’ authority body has announced plans to open zonal offices across the country but fell short of specifying any planned dates or locations.
The TBS Standards Officer Zena Issa told reporters over the weekend that the auxiliary centres will increase service accessibility as well as serve as launch pads for community awareness initiatives to increase public knowledge over the dangers of fake and substandard goods.
He explained that the goal is to argument the fight against these harmful and illegal products from the demand side of the issue.
He said with increased public awareness then more reports will be submitted against unscrupulous traders allowing the authorities to take appropriate action.
Further, he said as demand reduces of these products then so will supply owing to reduced returns a move he says has worked elsewhere in the world where customs engage in what he termed as conscious shopping aware of standards and how to identify certified products.
Zena went on to reveal that along with the introduction of the zonal centres, small and medium sived producers and manufacturers will also be trained on how to modernise their production chains, packaging and marketing.
She said small traders who buy commodities at wholesale outlets would be trained on the need to ensure that all items they purchase are branded with TBS logos as a sure confirmation of their standards and safety adherence
He also advised consumers to be cautious of their purchases and to also ensure that anything they buy is TBS certified and to also report to the authorities any irregularities they come across.
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