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UNBS Destroys Substandard Goods worth shs. 300M

  19th August , 2019 ,       Hits: 404

Kampala, 19th August 2019- The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has intensified the fight against substandard products with destruction of goods worth Shs300 million 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; tyres, and assorted textiles among others.

Building materials and farm implements registered the highest number of non-compliance to standards contributing 57% followed by assorted electrical at 22% and chemical/consumable products at 11%.

The destruction of products follows country wide 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.

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 on unfair competition they introduce to the detriment of complying local industry.

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

Fighting substandard products requires a concerted effort involving UNBS working together with manufacturers, traders, consumers, and other government agencies. We would like to urge the public to report cases of substandard products on the market on our toll free line: 0800133133.

About UNBS

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a statutory body responsible for developing and promoting standards and quality of products and services to facilitate fair trade, promote local industries and protect consumers.

For more information, please contact:

Barbara Kamusiime

Senior Public Relations Officer

Uganda National Bureau of Standards

Plot 2 - 12, By Pass Link, Bweyogerere Industrial Park,

P.O Box 6329 Kampala, Uganda

Tel: 0752 300 077, E-mail: barbara.kamusiime@unbs.go.ug