By AGENCIES
REGIONAL private sector body wants customs standards in the East African Community (EAC) harmonised to ease movement of goods in the region.
“Lack of standards is one of the major hindrances to a borderless trade within the region. That is why we continue to emphasise that standards should be harmonised within the region,” Agatha Nderitu, CEO, East African Business Council said.
Despite their proven benefits, the uptake of ISO standards, and specifically the use of ISO 9001, 14001, 22000 and 27001 standards in the EAC is very low compared to other world regions, and even African countries like South Africa.
“There are many organisations out there that have no idea what the benefits of private standards and certification are, and what impact they can have on their businesses,” Ms Nderitu said during a workshop organised by the EABC to sensitise the public on ISO Standards and Private Standards.
“We want to urge them to discuss with ISO Standards and accreditation bodies in their home countries to increase their uptake since traders might be contributing to the trade deficit by simply not meeting the international standards.”
While more than 600 East African Standards (EAS) have been harmonised, conformity assessment procedures are yet to be harmonised.
Moreover, while EAC partner states recognise others state quality marks, development of the quality infrastructure in the partner states is taking off at different speeds, which means it is difficult to harmonise quality.
“The availability of accredited laboratories is limited and that is why we urge private sector members to come together for purposes of accessing the few ones as one group,” Nderitu said.
She said products manufactured in the EAC must meet international standards if they are to be competitive on the global market.
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