What You Need to Know
Tanzania’s Minister for Industry and Trade, Judith Kapinga, has mandated the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) and the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) to finalize systems for enforcing product standards and consumer safety. This initiative aims to improve product quality control and consumer protection, emphasizing the importance of consumer rights in national economic growth.
Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Minister for Industry and Trade, Judith Kapinga, has issued directives to the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) and the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) to strengthen and finalize enforcement systems related to product standards, safety, and accurate consumer information in line with competition law. The primary objective is to enhance product quality control and strengthen consumer protection across the country.
Speaking on April 2, 2026, in Dar es Salaam during the climax of World Consumer Rights Day 2026, Kapinga also instructed the FCC to establish robust mechanisms for receiving and resolving consumer complaints. This, she noted, is essential for improving transparency, operational efficiency, and protection of end-users of goods and services.
Kapinga emphasized that consumers are a central pillar of national economic growth, and that the FCC has a critical mandate to ensure their protection and the timely resolution of grievances. She highlighted that the government has already granted the FCC legal authority to protect consumers—a responsibility that was previously handled by the courts.
She further called on the commission to make future commemorations more inclusive by actively involving consumers and other stakeholders, aiming to enhance public awareness and strengthen institutional collaboration. She added that product safety is a fundamental component of societal well-being, urging consumers to remain vigilant and ask questions to promote a transparent and accountable marketplace.
For his part, FCC Chairman Aggrey Mlimuka stated that the commission holds legal authority to handle consumer complaints and ensure access to safe products. He stressed the importance of coordination between the commission, the ministry, and other regulatory bodies to improve enforcement effectiveness.
Meanwhile, Acting Director General of the FCC, Khadija Ngasongwa, noted that low awareness of consumer rights remains a significant challenge among citizens. She said the commission continues to conduct public education initiatives to help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing goods and services.
Additionally, the FCC has carried out awareness campaigns in Dar es Salaam and Njombe Region as part of a broader strategy to expand public understanding of consumer rights and fair market competition nationwide.
Consumer rights have gained prominence globally, with many countries establishing regulatory bodies to protect consumers. In Tanzania, the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) was created to ensure fair market practices and protect consumer interests. The recent directives from the Minister for Industry and Trade highlight the government’s commitment to enhancing consumer safety and product standards, reflecting a growing recognition of the role consumers play in economic development. This initiative is part of broader efforts to improve transparency and accountability in the marketplace, ensuring that consumers are well-informed and protected.
