MANUFACTURERS, both large and small, have been advised to certify their quality management systems with the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) to enhance access to national and international markets.

Nasra Yusuf, manager of the Quality Management Systems Verification Unit at TBS made the call in Dar es Salaam yesterday by during a news conference.

She emphasised that certifying their systems would boost producers' credibility, ensuring that their products meet global safety and quality standards.

“If producers, both large and small, certify their quality systems, it will build trust in various markets, both locally and internationally,” Yusuf said.

She added: “The responsibility for quality verification lies with all producers, and this certification will help prevent losses by ensuring they follow proven quality systems.”

Yusuf highlighted that TBS provides quality assurance services based on international standards, such as ISO 9001, for the private sector, industries, and other producers. 

She also noted the importance of certifying other key systems, such as food safety and environmental management systems.

“Food safety systems are crucial for food producers and distributors, while the environmental management system is important due to the environmental impact caused by many industries during production,” Yusuf said. 

She added that another key system to certify is workplace safety, which involves all companies, as workplace safety is critical.

The official further explained the benefits of certification, noting that manufacturers who have certified systems gain stability in their operations, ensuring consistent quality and trust from customers.

 Certification also guarantees access to both domestic and international markets, where products will be recognized for their proven quality.

Yusuf urged manufacturers to take advantage of the opportunity to comply with the law by certifying their systems with TBS.

Habakuki Kalebo, the business and real estate registration manager at TBS, said that the bureau has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 184 local councils across the country to register places that provide food services.

The partnership aims to bring services closer to communities, enabling local businesses to register their premises and access other TBS services more conveniently.

Kalebo also highlighted TBS’s efforts in monitoring the quality of products entering Tanzania, stating that the bureau regularly conducts inspections to ensure imported goods meet quality standards. 

He warned consumers against purchasing products, particularly cosmetics that may contain harmful ingredients. TBS updates its website monthly with a list of banned products to help the public make informed purchasing decisions.

“Before buying products, we encourage people to check our website to see if they are allowed for sale in Tanzania,” Kalebo said.