TBS educates 6,597 in six districts on standards

ARUSHA: THE Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has recently completed an extensive education campaign on standards, reaching 6,597 individuals, including 97 entrepreneurs, across six districts in the Arusha Region.

The districts covered were Karatu, Ngorongoro, Loliondo, Monduli, Longido and Arusha.

Gladness Kaseka, TBS Public Relations and Marketing Manager, shared this information yesterday.

She explained that the campaigns aimed to enhance awareness and compliance with standards among local businesses.

“These campaigns tackled various issues related to standards to boost awareness and ensure adherence,” Ms Kaseka said.

The education sessions were held in open areas such as markets and bus stands, where large gatherings are common.

Ms Kaseka highlighted that the goal was to inform citizens about the importance of using certified quality products, how to report substandard goods and the significance of checking expiration dates.

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She emphasised the collective responsibility of fighting against substandard products and urged citizens to carefully read product packaging before purchasing.

If they encounter substandard, expired, or suspicious products, they should contact TBS through the free customer service hotline.

The campaign also focused on educating entrepreneurs about the procedures for certifying their products before they reach the market.

Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, the government is currently covering all certification costs for entrepreneurs.

Ms Kaseka encouraged entrepreneurs to seize this opportunity. She explained that the certification process begins as soon as they present an introduction letter from the Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO) to TBS.

For entrepreneurs aiming to compete effectively in local and international markets, certification and the Bureau’s quality mark are crucial.

This mark assures consumers of the product’s safety and quality, facilitating its sale beyond Tanzania’s borders.

“We have decided to reach out to entrepreneurs and citizens at the district level to provide clear procedures for obtaining the quality mark and to prevent any potential inconveniences,” Ms Kaseka said.

To date, TBS has conducted similar educational campaigns in approximately 97 districts across the country, with plans for continued outreach.

Entrepreneurs who participated in the campaign praised TBS’s efforts.

Anna Swai, an entrepreneur, commented, “Now that I know my products can have the quality mark, I feel confident selling them anywhere without obstacles.

Buyers will trust them because they are certified by TBS.”