Counterfeits must be dealt with decisively
Mar 01, 2011
DEALERS in counterfeit products risk 20 years in jail once the Anti-Counterfeiting Goods Bill becomes law. The purpose of the Bill is to protect producers, suppliers and consumers against counterfeit products and protecting the reputation of manufacturers.
DEALERS in counterfeit products risk 20 years in jail once the Anti-Counterfeiting Goods Bill becomes law. The purpose of the Bill is to protect producers, suppliers and consumers against counterfeit products and protecting the reputation of manufacturers.
Producers and manufacturers will be penalised if caught with counterfeits.
The move is long overdue and the Bill should be passed as soon as the 9th Parliament comes into force.
The Ugandan market is awash with counterfeit goods due to unscrupulous traders’ practices who sometimes connive with some corrupt tax officials or with security personnel at border posts. The counterfeits include electrical appliances, vehicle spare parts, household items, clothes, name it.
It is particularly alarming that some of the counterfeits include foods and medicines. This means the health of unsuspecting consumers is at grave risk.
For example, Daily Fry vegetable cooking oil imported from Kenya has been banned by the trade ministry with immediate effect because it is unfit for human consumption. URA estimates that the Government loses over sh20b in unpaid taxes due to the fake oil.
It is of paramount importance that the mandate of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards is not limited to substandard goods but stretches to cover counterfeits as well.
According to UNBS, the penalty for substandard goods is so weak that it is not prohibitive. This must change if the vice has to be conclusively addressed. This also means the UNBS must be facilitated to handle its additional assignment.
Not only do counterfeits suffocate our young industries because they are sold cheaply but generally undermine the national economy.
With new markets opening up in the East African Community and South Sudan, it is imperative that our market is protected if we hope to compete effectively.
Producers and manufacturers will be penalised if caught with counterfeits.
The move is long overdue and the Bill should be passed as soon as the 9th Parliament comes into force.
The Ugandan market is awash with counterfeit goods due to unscrupulous traders’ practices who sometimes connive with some corrupt tax officials or with security personnel at border posts. The counterfeits include electrical appliances, vehicle spare parts, household items, clothes, name it.
It is particularly alarming that some of the counterfeits include foods and medicines. This means the health of unsuspecting consumers is at grave risk.
For example, Daily Fry vegetable cooking oil imported from Kenya has been banned by the trade ministry with immediate effect because it is unfit for human consumption. URA estimates that the Government loses over sh20b in unpaid taxes due to the fake oil.
It is of paramount importance that the mandate of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards is not limited to substandard goods but stretches to cover counterfeits as well.
According to UNBS, the penalty for substandard goods is so weak that it is not prohibitive. This must change if the vice has to be conclusively addressed. This also means the UNBS must be facilitated to handle its additional assignment.
Not only do counterfeits suffocate our young industries because they are sold cheaply but generally undermine the national economy.
With new markets opening up in the East African Community and South Sudan, it is imperative that our market is protected if we hope to compete effectively.