URSB, UNBS Strengthen Ties in Fight Against Counterfeit Goods
The Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) has paid a benchmarking visit to the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) as a step aimed at strengthening collaboration on product compliance and consumer protection.
The visit took place at the UNBS Head Office- Bweyogerere, where our team took notes on how UNBS enforces standards and handles compliance issues, particularly substandard and counterfeit goods circulating in the Ugandan market. Discussions focused on the management of seized items, limited storage space, and clarifying responsibilities over storage costs to streamline operations.
Both agencies emphasized the importance of proper documentation and supervision during the destruction of non-compliant products, as well as strengthening inspection procedures and raising awareness among manufacturers and importers about their responsibilities.
Intelligence gathering and surveillance were identified as vital strategies in eliminating counterfeit products that pose risks to consumer safety. To boost effectiveness, participants stressed the need for continuous inspector training and considered outsourcing some operations to address resource constraints.
The two institutions further agreed on the importance of public campaigns to educate consumers on the dangers of substandard goods and the value of adhering to product standards.
“Effective intelligence is critical in our fight against non-conforming products,” noted Assistant Commissioner Yvonne A. Mwesige.
Both URSB and UNBS agreed to regular engagements and sharing best practices, with the joint goal of ensuring that all products on the market meet high standards of quality and safety.
