WIPE OUT FAKE GOODS
What you need to know:
Recently, an opposition MP vowed to block the endorsement of the budget of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment unless he was given a plausible explanation on how to tackle fakes. Although his point was shot down in acclamation, the truth remains that counterfeit and substandard products plague the country. Such products threaten the lives of customers and distort the market. That was why the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) received 24 complaints from customers, some of them sought compensation last year.
Tanzania is awash with counterfeit and substandard products.
Recently, an opposition MP vowed to block the endorsement of the budget of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment unless he was given a plausible explanation on how to tackle fakes. Although his point was shot down in acclamation, the truth remains that counterfeit and substandard products plague the country. Such products threaten the lives of customers and distort the market. That was why the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) received 24 complaints from customers, some of them sought compensation last year.
The Confederation of Tanzania Industries has repeatedly accused fake product dealers of creating unfair competition and denying the government revenue. The Tanzania Human Rights reported that during the financial year 2015/16, the Tanzania Food and Drugs Authority destroyed 226.8 tonnes of counterfeit and substandard products worth Sh1.983 billion.
The products destroyed included 145.37 tonnes of food, 66.8 tonnes of cosmetics, 14.48 tonnes of medicines and 0.15 tonne of medical equipment. Moreover, the report has established the country $343-566 million losses annually due to the flooding of counterfeit and substandard products. We are aware that FCC is finalising regulations of the National Policy on Consumer Protection.
Let’s rid Tanzania of fake goods – imported or locally produced. Ours is not a dumpsite.
