Counterfeit goods hurt economy - FCC

IDDY MWEMA

TANZANIA Fair Competition (FCC) has warned dishonest traders to refrain from importing substandard goods and ensure they stick to business ethics.

The commission’s Communication and Public Relations Officer, Mr Frank Mdimi, said this when destroying counterfeit goods seized during various operations conducted by the government watchdog.

Speaking during the exercise, Mr Mdimi said the commission will have more special operations to support the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Charles Mwijage’s statement of making sure there are no fake goods in the market.

“Now the war against fake and counterfeit goods is cemented. We will go round and net all those who store fake goods,” stressed Mr Mdimi, adding that no stone will left unturned. FCC, acting in conformity with the Merchandise Mark Act (1963), as amended, has destroyed a number of counterfeit goods valued at over 60m/-.

According to him, the destroyed inferior-goods were seized in various regular inspections at Dar es Salaam Port and its Inland Container Depots (ICD) as well as search operations conducted in Dar es Salaam points of sale.

The destroyed and impounded goods were made or sold under another’s brand name without the brand owner’s authorization. “All seized goods have been verified by their respective brand owners that are counterfeit and thereby infringe both the intellectual property and rights of the IP holder,” he noted.

Mdimi stated that the products included 12 tonnes of table salt (MALINDI) worth 11m/-; 7,215 pieces of piston rings (PS) valued 36m/-; 3,500 pieces of mobile phone accessories worth 12m/-; 18 pieces of electric iron (PHILIPS) worth 360,000/- and 18 pieces of motorcycle tires (Vee Rubber) valued 450,000/-.

He, however, called upon the general public to refrain from purchasing fake products because of their side effects which touch both the government and consumers. “Most of the counterfeits are said to enter the market through illegal routes, a situation that makes it difficult to catch them during their arrival.

“Therefore we would like to ask the general public for support. People should inform relevant authorities on counterfeit goods in order to ensure that they are removed from the market,” he recommended