Notorious importers of used cars from UK to face music, warns the Standards body.

anzania Bureau of Standards (TBS).

 Importers of second hand motor vehicles from the UK have been reminded to inspect their cars before they are shipped to Tanzania in order to avoid disturbances including hefty legal measures.

 

Already the government through the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has appointed Serengeti Global Services Limited to inspect all UK used cars exported to Tanzania.

 

According to the Standards body, it started to inspect used motor vehicles in 2002, and since then international tenders are advertised to look for qualified agents/ companies to conduct the job on behalf of TBS.  

 

The former tender expired in 2014 hence TBS re-advertised international tender for inspection of used motor vehicles from the United Kingdom.

 

Since mid last month, the company started inspecting used vehicles on behalf of Tanzania Bureau of Standards at USD200 (without VAT) as fixed inspection fee. 

 

“Therefore we remind all importers of used motor vehicles from the UK that, it is a must to inspect all used motor vehicles before they are shipped to Tanzania.

 

Legal action will be taken against whoever contravenes the directives,” said a statement issued by TBS.

 

Some of the measures to be taken against the culprits include a 30 percent penalty of CIF value plus inspection fee at destination point of USD200.

 

The firm started its official work in March 16, this year, in a move that will enable the country to comply with Pre-shipment Verification of Conformity (PVoC).

 

This is the continuation of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s move to fight against turning Tanzania into a dumping area of unroadworthy vehicles.

 

PVoC started inspecting the imported vehicles since 2002; since then the tenders have been announced to get the competent and qualified companies for the work.

 

The exercise has faced some challenges, with some official leaders taken to the court over the misuse of office.