Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has taken swift enforcement action following a viral social media complaint concerning the sale of undersized tarpaulins in the Ugandan market. The prompt investigation led to the sealing off of two companies found to be producing and selling substandard products.
The two companies; Modern Agro Investments Limited and Namanve Tarpaulin Weaving Limited, were found in violation of the Uganda Standard US EAS 1073:2022, which outlines strict requirements for tarpaulin dimensions and labelling.
The inspection revealed that the tarpaulins produced and sold by the companies were undersized and poorly labelled, in direct contravention of national standards and the UNBS Act Cap 210.
As a result, UNBS sealed off the premises of both companies, effectively halting the production and distribution of the non-compliant products.
The action aligns with the Bureau’s legal mandate under Section 2, Subsection (1)(f) of the UNBS Act Cap 210, which empowers the body to enforce standards to protect the public from harmful, dangerous, and substandard goods.
Additionally, Section 20 of the Act prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of any product that fails to meet compulsory Uganda standards, reinforcing the legal basis for UNBS’s intervention.
Under the US EAS 1073:2022 standard, tarpaulins must not vary more than ±1% from the dimensions stated on their label, as verified through ISO 22198 measurement protocols.
UNBS has commended the public for its vigilance and urges continued collaboration in the fight against substandard products. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious goods via the Bureau’s social media platforms or through its toll-free lines 0800133133 or 0800233233.
“Public safety is our top priority. We will not hesitate to take action against companies that flout national standards and put consumers at risk,” said a UNBS spokesperson.
The Bureau continues to monitor the market and will maintain regular inspections to uphold the quality and safety of goods in Uganda.
