The Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) and the Zanzibar Bureau of Standards (ZBS) have signed a five-year cooperation agreement to strengthen standards management, facilitate the free movement of goods, and protect consumer safety across the United Republic of Tanzania.
The new agreement, which will run from 2025 to 2030, marks the third partnership between the two institutions.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Acting Director General of TBS, David Ndibalema, said the collaboration has continued to grow, yielding significant results for trade and consumer protection.
“TBS has been serving the nation for 50 years, while ZBS, established in 2011, is a younger institution. Working together allows us to share experience and capacity, especially in laboratories and standards management,” Ndibalema said.
He noted that harmonized standards are essential for smooth trade, ensuring that products moving across regions are widely accepted and safe for consumers.
“This partnership will also support economic and social development while improving the health and wellbeing of Tanzanians,” he added.
ZBS Director General, Yusuph Majid Nassor, said the cooperation has been a key driver for progress, particularly in strengthening laboratory services and technical capacity.
“TBS has a 50-year history, and ZBS has 15 years. This collaboration lays a strong foundation for our future growth,” Nassor said.
He highlighted that, previously, products from one side often faced barriers entering the other.
“Today, any product certified by TBS or ZBS can cross borders without restrictions. Mainland-produced water can reach Zanzibar, and goods from Zanzibar move freely to the mainland,” Nassor added.
The agreement is expected to further ease trade, boost consumer confidence, and contribute to Tanzania’s economic growth over the next five years.