Africa: Fake goods destroyed in Tanzania
DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA - Counterfeit imports worth US$12,000 were destroyed in Dar es Salaam last week.
They were destroyed by the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) at Kinyamwezi rubbish dump after being intercepted at Dar es Salaam Port.
The imports comprised extension cables, radios, oil and air filters and mobile phone accessories. They had been imported by three firms: King Crown Import and Export Limited, Mwanza Iward and Habas Magreth, and Haji Mwajuma Ibrahim.
The destruction was overseen by FCC staff, the police and media personnel.
The FCC Legal Officer, Laiton Mhesa, who supervised the torching of the imports said the three importers were also fined TShs5 million (around $4600) and paid for the cost of destruction in accordance with the Merchant Marks Act of 1963. The importers lost their goods after they had paid import duty as well.
He said the fake imports which originated from China and United Arab Emirates were discovered by the Dar es Salaam Port customs officials who reported the matter to FCC.
He said FCC depends on the Tanzania Revenue Authority and the general public for information that leads to impounding and destruction of fake imports that threaten not only business competitiveness but lives as well.
Mhesa said: “The FCC would like to reiterate its call to merchandise importers to desist from trading in counterfeit products as they stand to face stern legal actions including imprisonment, fine and destruction of their merchandise at their own cost.”
The legal officer said if an importer declines to pay the fine, he is prosecuted and if found guilty is fined between TShs5 million and TShs50 million ($46,000), or a jail term or both.
Mhesa said guilty importers of counterfeits have been fined over TShs300 million ($295,000) todate.
(busiweek.com)
Tags: Tanzania