The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) has officially marked 50 years of operations, with Secretary General of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Dr. Hashil Abdallah, urging the agency to use the milestone to highlight and promote its services.
The launch was held on September 18, 2025 at TBS headquarters in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam whereby Dr. Abdallah praised TBS for its critical role in ensuring compliance with product quality standards and promoting safety across goods and services in Tanzania.
“The theme of this year’s celebrations, which will conclude in December, is ‘Promoting Quality and Safety for Better Living.’ It will help raise public awareness on the importance of adhering to quality standards and strengthening the production of standard-compliant goods and services,” Dr. Abdallah said.
He added that over the past five decades, TBS has expanded its service delivery, improved access to citizens, and strengthened electronic systems to enhance efficiency.
“Over its 50 years, TBS has built significant international recognition through exemplary performance. The bureau has received awards including Best Regulator in Africa, achieved the highest rating from the World Health Organization (WHO), became the first in SADC to receive international quality certification, and obtained global certification for its food management system,” Dr. Abdallah said.
The TBS Director General, Dr. Ashura Katunzi, said the anniversary celebrations will feature multiple initiatives aimed at both raising awareness and engaging stakeholders.
Key highlights include the development of standards for the Marathon and a business forum designed to foster collaboration between industry players.
“The event will also include the launch of a TBS history book and trade exhibitions. We expect the celebrations to create a significant platform for stakeholders to engage and understand the value of standards in industry and commerce,” Dr. Katunzi said.
The anniversary, according to the attendees, provides an opportunity for TBS to further reinforce its mandate in promoting quality, safety, and consumer protection. By showcasing standards for everyday products and services, the bureau aims to strengthen public trust and encourage compliance among businesses.
Over the past 50 years, TBS has been instrumental in shaping Tanzania’s industrial landscape. Its certification programs, quality inspections, and standard-setting initiatives have not only safeguarded consumers but also enhanced the competitiveness of Tanzanian products in regional and international markets.
The bureau’s success in obtaining international recognition has positioned Tanzania as a leader in standards compliance within the SADC region. Awards from global institutions and certifications, including those from WHO, have validated TBS’s rigorous quality management systems and its ability to meet international benchmarks.
Dr. Abdallah emphasized that the celebrations are more than a ceremonial milestone; they are a call to action for TBS to increase public engagement and visibility.
“TBS should use this occasion to communicate its services, educate the public, and showcase the benefits of adhering to standards,” he said.
The anniversary brought stakeholders from industry, trade, and quality management sectors, both locally and internationally, strengthening collaboration, foster knowledge exchange, and highlight the economic benefits of compliance with standards.
For ordinary Tanzanians, the anniversary underlines the importance of quality and safety in daily life—from the food they consume to the products they purchase and the services they use. By promoting awareness and adherence to standards, TBS contributes to safer, healthier, and more reliable goods and services in the market.
The 50th anniversary celebrations of TBS therefore mark not only a historical milestone but also a strategic platform to enhance the bureau’s visibility, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and continue building trust in Tanzania’s quality assurance systems.