The Executive Director of Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) Dr. Ben Manyindo has revealed that the body has embarked on issuing distinctive Mark to various products before they are allowed on the market.
He said the move is in line with the use of Distinctive Mark Regulation that came into force on January 1, 2019 asserting that all products covered by compulsory standards must be certified by the standard’s body.
In a statement released by the standard’s body, some products must be certified before they are allowed on the market and covered by compulsory standards include foods, drinks, electronics, cosmetics, steel products and cement, confectionaries (bread and biscuits), apiary and mattresses, among others.
“The new regulation is part of our consumer protection efforts to ensure that locally manufactured products comply with quality standards. This will further enhance the competitiveness and increase access for locally manufactured products to regional and international markets,” he said.
Under the new regulations, UNBS has also revised the annual permit fees for each product for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from Shs000 to Shs350,000 to encourage certification of more SMEs.
To-date UNBS has developed over 3,000 standards of which about 1,300 are compulsory standards covered by the new regulation.
Certified products undergo conformity assessments that include product testing, and auditing production systems to ensure that they meet standards for good hygienic and manufacturing practices. All complying products are issued with UNBS Distinctive Mark.
To be certified, companies must fulfil the following procedures where the company should register with UNBS. Then apply online at: https://cims.unbs.go.ug or at UNBS regional offices in Mbarara, Mbale, Gulu, Head Office at Bweyogerere, Industrial Park.
The company will need to pay applicable fees for product testing, auditing and submit evidence of payment to UNBS.
UNBS auditors will carry out certification audits and pick samples for laboratory analysis and testing. A product will be issued with a UNBS Distinctive Mark once it has been found to meet the requirements of a particular standard.