UNBS destroys substandard goods worth sh300m

 

KAMPALA - The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has intensified the fight against substandard products, with the destruction of goods worth sh300m at Luweero Industries in Nakasongola.

 

The goods destroyed included: non-complying building materials (cement); farm implements (pangas); Chemical and consumable products (cosmetics, mattresses, etc.); assorted electricals; food and food products; assorted paper products; tires, and assorted textiles among others.

 

Building materials and farm implements registered the highest number of non-compliance to standards followed by assorted electrical and chemical/consumable products.

 

The destruction of products follows countrywide seizures of non-conforming products carried out by the UNBS import inspection department in the last financial year 2018/19. The destroyed products were tested in the UNBS laboratories and found not to comply with standard specifications. The destruction is also meant to send a strong message in the fight against the influx of substandard goods into the country.

 

According to UNBS, Such products are not only dangerous to the health and safety of consumers and the environment but are also a threat to the economic development of the country, as a result of unfair competition they introduce to the detriment of complying local industry.

 

The goods were seized at various border points and bonded warehouses and destruction of this nature will be undertaken on a regular basis by UNBS.

 

Barbara Kamusiime, the UNBS Senior Public Relations Officer said fighting substandard products requires a concerted effort involving UNBS working together with manufacturers, traders, consumers, and other government agencies. She urged the public to report cases of substandard products on the market on the toll-free line: 0800133133.