The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), on Friday, May 26, cautioned Kenyans over goods without standardisation marks.
In a notice, the government agency noted that some traders were contravening market rules by sneaking in the market goods which have not been approved.
Importers, manufacturers, retailers, stockists and other traders were among the merchants warned for violating Kenya standards and the Standards Act, Cap 496 requirements.
“Following consistent market surveillance and testing, it has been established that there still exist some products in the market without Standardization Marks and therefore do not comply with the requirement of Kenya standards and the Standards Act, Cap 496, Laws of Kenya,” KEBS stated.
A photo collage of KEBS offices in Nairobi taken on June 11, 2019 (left) and a stock image of white and brown sugar (right).
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KEBS / istock
Following the proliferation of unapproved goods in the market, KEBS clarified that it would not take responsibility for any goods bought without standardisation. It thus advised Kenyans to check for the authenticity of any product before purchasing.
“The public is hereby advised that the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) cannot vouch for the quality and safety of products without appropriate packaging, labelling information, and verifiable Standardisation Marks,” the agency cautioned.
To address the surge of unapproved goods, KEBS launched a nationwide crackdown. In the operation, the agency insisted that any unapproved goods would be seized and destroyed. Further actions would also be prescribed to the traders found guilty.
The standardisation mark is essential for all buyers as it displays a certification scheme for locally manufactured goods.
According to KEBS, locally produced goods with the mark meet quality requirements in the country.
In the notice, KEBS informed traders that a standardisation mark on a product is issued after factory inspection and sample testing.
The certified manufacturer is then required to adhere to the certification scheme of supervision throughout a validity period of two years.
KEBS also undertakes surveillance and testing of the products offered for sale in the marketplace to ensure that manufacturers comply after they are granted a permit.
Other quality marks printed on goods include a Diamond Mark of Quality, a Fortification Mark of Quality and an Import Standardisation Mark of Quality.
Photo collage of different marks of quality approved by the Kenya Bureau of Standards.
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KEBS
