LAST SAY TO TBS FROM AVOID BEING HIT (DODGY) IMPORTERS

INDUSTRY, Trade and Investments Minister Charles Mwijage yesterday issued a four-day ultimatum to importers who dodged Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS)’s inspections to surrender themselves to the standards watchdog.

Besides the ultimatum, Mr Mwijage warned the clearing and forwarding agents involved in deceitful deals, threatening to report the matter to Finance and Planning Minister, Dr Philip Mpango.

Addressing reporters in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Mr Mwijage said his decision follows information he has about 100 containers, which were reportedly cleared at the Dar es Salaam Port without going through inspection for a period of 45 days.

“I call upon these people to surrender themselves to TBS and undergo inspections or else serious measures will be taken against them,” charged Mr Mwijage, mentioning 15 per cent penalties and other charges as some of the disciplinary measures.

“Certificates will not be granted to those whose goods have not gone through proper TBS and Fair Competition Commission’s (FCC) examinations ... tomorrow (today) and Saturday are off days but we are going to allocate a desk which will deal particularly with the issue,” he said.

The inspection was earlier conducted by TBS but recently the imported goods undergo FCC’s inspection as well. The minister said some dishonest businesspeople were importing goods but dodged inspections by the country’s standard watchdog, endangering consumers and the country’s business environment.

“The role of the ministry is to promote the country’s industries and ensure that they perform their roles in competitive environment, with TBS ensuring the standard of goods,” he explained.

All imported goods have to be inspected at their respective points of origin or upon their arrival in the country with 15 per cent penalty and other charges for samples.

“If the imported goods do not exceed 5,000 US dollars, inspection is conducted without any form of penalty,” added the minister.