Govt tracks cross-border counterfeits trade claims

TANZANIA: MINISTRY for Industry and Trade, Deputy Minister Mr Exaud Kagahe has said the government is closely following up allegations that some neighbouring nationals are penetrating counterfeit goods into the country to sabotage local industries and discourage investors.

Mr Kigahe was speaking at the climax of the World AntiCounterfeiting Week organised nationally by the Fair Competition Commission (FCC).

“This move intends to create negative impression to investors that Tanzania allows counterfeits and lacks effective control to counterfeit goods,” he said, noting that this would ultimately discourage existing and new investors initiate new business.

He added, “Let me assure inventors and business people that Tanzania is not a damping place for counterfeits,” He also guaranteed international companies that their agents import genuine products into the country.

Mr Kagahe said the government through the Ministry of Industry and Trade and its institutions is firm in controlling counterfeits produced within or imported.

He said the ministry is in line with the government’s efforts in promoting the economy and protecting investors and existing industries to fulfill the CCM 2020/2025 manifesto.

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Furthermore, he called domestic and global investors to gab investment opportunities in Tanzania because there is strong protection against counterfeit goods.

He said the locally produced goods are genuine and of global standards so traders should not hesitate to get various products especially at the Kariakoo international market.

“We want to assure SADC countries and others that Tanzania is home for genuine products,” he said adding that Tanzanians should avoid buying cheap things because they are mostly fake.

“Tanzanians with all the challenges there is a problem of loving cheap prices… cheap is costful. Genuine products are a little expensive but they durable,” Mr Kagahe insisted.

He said some traders also use the loophole of counterfeit products to avoid taxes and deprive the government of necessary revenue for development.

“Let’s be patriotic and do justice. We have no reason to say this is fake and the price is low… and…..there is no need to tell customers that you are selling counterfeit and original.

“All stakeholders should make sure to fight against counterfeit products because the EAC, SADC countries depend on our market. Take into account that we are the gateway to trade, the gateway to all products used in Africa,” he noted.

The FCC said it has increased the scope of control of fake products in the country by establishing regional offices responsible for controlling regional and border markets, (one stop border) where offices are based in the Southern Highlands, Northern Zone and Lake zone.

Recently the FCC Director General, Mr William Erio revealed that between 2.5 per cent and 3.5 per cent of goods traded in the country’s markets are counterfeit and the commission would intensify efforts to eradicate them to ensure consumers receive value for their money while protecting their health.