Fair Competition Commission seizes counterfeit goods

THE Fair Competition Commission (FCC) has seized counterfeit products worth 39.3m/- in an operation in Mwanza city between May 29, 2016 and June 2, 2016.


Speaking here yesterday, the FCC Senior Communication and Public Relations Officer, Mr Frank Mdimi, said that FCC introduced an immediate operation conducted between May 29 and June 2, this year, where nine business people from 20 shops were netted.

Mr Mdimi said the products were seized during regular inspections last week and it was swift to make sure FCC fulfils its objective. “The operation was conducted according to the goods trade mark Act of 1963 that was enacted, which bans trade of counterfeit goods and the involvement of counterfeit trade is a felony case,” said Mr Mdimi.

The goods impounded in the operation are fake Samsung mobile phones worth 31.2 m/-, fake Admet mobile phones worth 2.1m/- shoe shine products worth 780,000/-, razor blades worth 1.7m/-, and different mobile phones accessories worth 3.4m/-. He said that the operation exercise was conducted in collaboration with FCC, the Mwanza police force, Samsung representatives and the Anti-Illicit Trade Agency Ltd from Nairobi Kenya.

The inspection was done in the streets of Liberty, Rwagasore, Lumumba and all areas of Mwanza central market. FCC warned the business community to take heed on the fake and inferior goods as the inspection is a continuous exercise.

He said that FCC is set to ensure that the Tanzanian market is not turned into a dumping ground for counterfeit and inferior goods and urged all traders to desist from dealing in such illegal goods.

He also called upon importers to avoid importing counterfeit goods and consumers to refrain from purchasing such products from unreliable shops.

The Fair Competition Commission (FCC) is a Public Institution established by virtue of section 62(1) of the Fair Competition Act, No.8 of 2003 (FCA) with the aim of promoting and protecting effective competition in trade and commerce and protecting consumers from unfair and misleading market conduct.

The ultimate goal is to increase efficiency in the production, distribution and supply of goods and services. Establishment of FCC is a significant step in Tanzania’s effort to establish a market economy.

The Director General of FCC has also been appointed by the Minister responsible for Trade as the Chief Inspector of the Merchandise Marks Act 9 (No. 20 of 1963), as amended, the legal framework for spearheading the fight against trade in Counterfeit Goods.

Aisee

Just thinking. , these businessmen paid tax for these products , before these products get allowed to enter in Tz, TBS and all other authorities were involved in inspection. Now another authority has come to seize these products. Why the government is doing these stuffs to its citizen..!? Why can't the government establish a certain standard of goods to be imported .