Watchdog destroys fake goods worth sh483b

Jun 24, 2007

THE Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has in the past four years destroyed fake goods worth $300m (about sh483b).

By David Muwanga

THE Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has in the past four years destroyed fake goods worth $300m (about sh483b).

Some of the goods were either rejected or re-exported, Deus Mubangizi, the head of quality assurance said over the weekend.
But he was worried that some of the rejected products could still be on the market.

The products include rice, biscuits, engine oil, generators, electric cables, juices and cosmetics, tooth brushes, batteries, petroleum jelly and skin creams.

Others include shoe polish, body lotions, pens and bulbs.
“We found that cosmetic products contained restricted compounds like mercury and hydroquinone that destroy the skin,” Mubangizi explained.

“Members of the public must take serious precautions when buying some of these items especially cosmetic products and body lotions that contain mercury and hydroquinone that are dangerous to our skins,” he said in a statement.

Mubangizi disclosed that most of the products originate from China, the Middle East, while the majority come from Dubai.

“We appeal to suppliers and those in the tendering business to ensure that UNBS inspects the goods before to avoid transporting and re-exporting goods back to their countries of origin,” he said.
He said the East African Community was working out modalities for the harmonisation of regional standards.

“We want to have the same standards such that goods from Kenya are tested in Uganda using the same standards,” he added.
UNBS is overwhelmed by the number of cases of fake products.
The watchdog recently warned shoppers to avoid products with labels such as ‘Made in Europe, Asia and America’ because they are not genuine most often.

It also advised consumers to ask for a receipt where possible and take note of the place where they purchased the products and services.

“Preferably, buy from a healthy, clean and establishment environment to which you can refer in case of a problem.”
“Look for the mattress grade which by requirement shall be stamped on the mattress as well as the mattress cover.”

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