The Weekly Pulse | 7th February 2020

KAM engages KEBS MD on standardization challenges facing manufacturers 

KAM, led by the CEO, Ms Phyllis Wakiaga and Tax Committee (TTC) Chair, Mr Bharat Shah, engaged Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Managing Director, Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Bernard Njiraini to discuss trade-related standardization challenges.

Below is a brief of the key issues discussed and agreed upon during the meeting:

1. Re-introduction of Destination Inspection (DI) under legal notice 183 
   KEBS informed KAM that destination inspection was re-introduced due to an outcry by consolidators on delays experienced in the inspection of the goods in the country of supply.

KEBS assured KAM that this is aimed at facilitating compliant trade and they will not allow non- compliant traders to import under DI.

KEBS shall develop a list of products for consideration under DI and will involve KAM in the generation of the technical committee list. The technical committee shall come up with the list of products to be imported under DI.

2. Delays in the issuance of Standardization Mark(S-Mark)
   Industry has persistently experienced delays in the issuance of the S-Mark, thus causing delays in manufacturing and delivery of goods.

KEBS informed KAM that they are putting in place measures to improve efficiency in the issuance of S-Marks including:

• Making proposals on policy change.
• Plans are underway to work with accredited competent laboratories that can provide them with reliable results.
• Manufacturers shall now submit samples of their products with compliant results from accredited laboratories.

3. Lack of implementation of the 3-year S-Mark Certification Processes
   KEBS has introduced a two-year S-Mark permit to replace the three-year (3) one. This is for purposes of monitoring and maintaining the Diamond Mark (D Mark) of Quality at Three Years (3). KEBS informed that the two-year permit is already in place and urged manufacturers to consider applying for it when renewing their permits.
4. Denial of PVoC exemption
   KEBS committed to fast track the renewal of Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) exemptions based on product compliance.
5. Delays in inspection and issuance of local CoC
   KEBS has revised their agents’ zones. The agents can now operate anywhere in the world without restriction. The process of approval is still ongoing at the Attorney General’s Office.
6. Fortification
   KEBS raised concerns on manufacturers’ products compliance to fortification requirements i.e edible oil, flour among others. They notified the Association that they will conduct surveillance and take action on non-compliant products which may include withdrawal of products from the market. Therefore, manufacturers are required to ensure products compliance with fortification requirements and labelling.
7. KEBS market surveillance
   KEBS expressed interest to work closely with KAM to create a level playing field on compliance. Additionally, KEBS asked KAM to share intelligence on non-compliant products in the market for their urgent action and interception.
8. Clarification on exemption from the requirement of PVoC on imported medicaments
   Medicament importers have been granted a waiver of three more months from the requirements of the PVoC effective 16th January 2020.

We wish to thank you for sharing standardization issues affecting your businesses. This has enabled us to continuously engage KEBS in enhancing compliance and trade facilitation.

Manufacturing Academy Goes Global

The Manufacturing Academy facilitated two training sessions on Good Manufacturing Practices for the Confederation of Tanzania Industry and the Burundi Association of Manufacturers in Tanzania and Burundi, respectively.

GMP is a system that ensures products are consistently produced and controlled as per quality standards. It is designed to minimize the risks involved in any production that cannot be eliminated through testing the final product.

The training aimed to:

• Raise awareness among the responsible people about the benefits of following GMP
• Understanding basic quality system concepts and system regulations
• Overview of key GMP regulations
• Basic elements of sanitary equipment design
• Effective cleaning and sanitation programs
• Cross-contamination risk within the manufacturing environment

For more information, please contact info@kam.co.ke