Background of the Zanzibar Bureau of Standards

For many years Zanzibar has been recognized as a commercial center in East and even Central Africa. Through decades of her history though many businesses were conducted within the islands including industrial products, Zanzibar did not introduce an authority to deal with standards and standardization of goods and quality assurance. In 1980s the revolutionary government of Zanzibar introduced trade liberalization policy which provided opportunity for private sector to engage in trade as well as manufacturing services. Since then manufacturing subsector has been fluctuating in terms of number of industries and factories as well as volume of production. Imports have been increasing overtime with slow rate of manufacturing for local consumption and export. This phenomenon has caused many substandard and counterfeit goods flooded in Zanzibar market.

That trend has not been very conducive for manufacturing and trade competition in the country. This is one of the hindrances for Zanzibar economic growth as well as contributing to challenges in terms of safety and health problems. The counter actions are well addressed in both Zanzibar Development Vision (ZDV) 2020 and Zanzibar Strategy for Growth and Poverty Reduction (MKUZA II). The Zanzibar Trade Policy (2006) also elaborated the need of standardization and quality assurance. To meet that purpose, the House of Representative enacted the Zanzibar Standard Act No.1 of 2011 to establish Zanzibar Bureau of Standards (ZBS). Towards the end of 2012, the ZBS established and now is in operation

Zanzibar Bureau of Standard has put forward the following vision and mission statement:

Vision:

To be among the global leaders in providing highly respected standardization, quality assurance and metrology services.

Mission:

To develop and promote product standards, certification, quality management and conducting highly technical and professional testing of products using state of the art laboratory equipments and devices that will promote and build confidence to manufacturers, traders and consumers while strengthening Zanzibar’s economy and community health and safety.

Role of the Zanzibar Bureau of Standards

One of the key roles of the Bureau is ensuring that the products whether produced in Zanzibar or imported to Zanzibar market comply with the developed Zanzibar standards or other national recognized standards or international standards.

Hence ZBS has to develop, promote and enforce standards in order to ensure health and safety of the consumers as well as protecting environment while promoting favorable manufacturing and trade based on quality of goods and services. In so doing ZBS builds confidence to manufactures and traders for their goods and services in the markets. This in turn supports economic and social development of the country.

Services to be offered by ZBS

ZBS support market access for agricultural, manufactured commodities and services through the following services:-

1. Setting and publishing Zanzibar Standards
2. Quality assurances
3. Certification
4. Certification
5. Metrology
6. Laboratory testing and calibration
7. Inspection
8. Training and consultation

In order to ensure sustainable improvement of such services, ZBS accords maximum cooperation with national, regional and international organizations in all matters related to standardization and quality assurance.

ZBS After one year

1. 1. ZBS being new institution in Zanzibar established in late 2012 started to build foundation through institutional and legal framework where some regulations drafted to support its law during operation; these include:-
      • The Zanzibar Standard (Certification) Regulation,2013
      • The Zanzibar Standard (Tested Products) Regulations,2013
      • Some more regulations will be drafted soon.

1. ZBS developed its five years Strategic Plan which will guide its operation. The Strategic Plan indicates the needs to put in place the building infrastructure for office and laboratories with state of the art equipments. Also the capacity building for the staff so that they can perform their works based on modern techniques and professionalism. The strategic Plan requires about TZS 19.5 billion in the coming five years to implement the planned targets and activities.
2. On the other hand, the Bureau has recruited 11 technical staff and acquires 9 supporting staff transferred from other government departments. During the financial year 2013/2014, the Bureau expects to recruit another batch of 15 technical staff.
3. ZBS has started to implement training programme to build capacity to her all staff. The training programme has short, medium to long term plans.
4. ZBS made major rehabilitation of the building provided by Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) at Amani Industrial Park. Some working facilities supplied in the building. It is therefore, ZBS currently located at Amani Industrial Park with its plan to develop its permanent offices and laboratories at Maruhubi area.
5. ZBS website developed and updated with related information. This is one of planned communication and information sharing tool kit with stakeholders. Also ZBS Local Area network (LAN) installed and operationalised.
6. ZBS has been introduced to various local, national, regional and international organizations. This is very significant in terms of knowledge and experience sharing.

Implementation of ZBS Strategic Plan

ZBS commits to implement her Strategic Plan through prioritizing its targets and activities. Amongst the prioritized activities include:

• Construction of office and laboratories
• Supply of Office and laboratories state of the art equipments and devices
• Building capacity to staff (short and long term training, seminars and workshops)
• Developing standards (adoption, harmonizing and setting new Zanzibar Standards)
• Implements quality assurance programme (testing, certification, inspection, training and calibration)