Dar es Salaam, 30th April 2021: Today, the Ministry of Industry and Trade through Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) launched a system that automates the standardisation and quality control of products and services provided by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS), the National Standards body. The system is named the “Integrated Standards, Quality Assurance, Metrology and Testing” (iSQMT) system. At the same time, TBS unveiled an online system for conducting trainings to stakeholders, named the e-Learning Portal. The two systems were developed by TBS and TradeMark Africa (TMA).
Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, Ireland, and Norway funded the development of these systems with a contribution of US$600,000 for the iSQMT portal and US$350,000 for the e-learning platform.
Through iSQMT, TBS has automated the following core processes: standards development, product certification, system certification, import inspection, metrology and testing. iSQMT has been integrated to the eGovernment payment gateway platforms which guarantees fully automated processes from application, payment and acquisition of the final product (certificate/permit).
Some of the expected benefits are a reduction in time and transaction costs as stakeholders will no longer need to visit TBS offices for services related to standards and quality control, training, collection of permits and certificates. TBS predicts to significantly reduce incidences of loss and duplication of records since all the information required to process requests from stakeholders will be hosted within one system. The data collected via the system will inform better decision making in the regulation and administration of TBS processes.
E-Learning Portal
Part of TBS mandate, is to train the public and business community in the areas of business, standards and quality control. In the past, TBS and other institutions have undertaken these trainings physically. The e-learning portal will now house these trainings online. The portal will host courses related to business management, international trade, system standards and standard requirements for selected products, among others.
The event was graced by the TBS Director General, Dr. Athuman Y. Ngenya and TMA Tanzania Country Director, Mr. John Ulanga.
Speaking at the event, Director General of TBS Dr. Athuman Y. Ngenya acknowledged the support and reiterated TBSs’ commitment to ensure the health, safety and general welfare of citizens is kept through standardization and quality control of goods produced in and imported into the republic of Tanzania.
“Provision of automated services has largely reduced waiting and processing times and costs for TBS’ stakeholders to secure various services. Stakeholders would travel long distances, print documents and submit paper works, the process which was dominated by delays, errors, and costs”
Making his remarks before the launch of the systems, TMA Country Director Mr. John Ulanga said that use of automated systems in provision of government services has catalyzed trade growth by providing efficient market linkages and enhancing business operations. Digitalization has reduced trade costs and time, providing a strong avenue for industrialization and economic development to be realized in Tanzania. TMA will continue supporting government’s efforts to create jobs and reduce poverty.
The system shall be integrated to the Tanzania Electronic Single Window. / Ends
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