By Veronica Mrema
The protection of the health of the end consumer [buyer] and their overall safety and environment regarding the products they purchase for use continues to be closely monitored, especially in these times of rapid digital growth.
The Fair Competition Commission (FCC) in Tanzania has further expanded the scope of robust monitoring, strengthening both its digital and legal systems.
The FCC also recognizes the power and value of journalists’ pens in enhancing these efforts, as this sensitive sector reaches a wider consumer audience, while promoting investigative reporting that brings hidden issues to light.
“Citizens learn a lot through the work of journalists, and therefore, the FCC is committed to working closely and providing all necessary cooperation for the benefit of Tanzanians,”
.., said Acting Director of the FCC, Khadija Ngasongwa, while opening a one-day seminar for business and economic journalists in Dar es Salaam.
She added, “Amendments to the law made by Parliament last year have expanded the FCC’s responsibilities, including the authority to record product marks to protect consumers.
Alongside these improvements, we are also strengthening our digital systems to monitor product and market trends.
For example… many products are registered with BRELA, but it is important for the FCC to record and identify the entire value chain of these products to enhance monitoring and accountability.
“Recording a product means you know it; when you know the manufacturer, the main distributor, the minor distributor, and the agent, it simplifies tracking when a problem arises,” she emphasized.
She explained, “The implementation of the repair, replace, and refund policy ensures that a consumer who purchases a defective product receives their rights without hassle.
For instance, if you buy a laptop with a warranty and it stops working after a day or two, you go to complain at the store and are ignored, but when you come to us, we write to the responsible party.
“Upon receiving our letter, they address your issue. The FCC has also established legal systems that enable preliminary resolution of disputes between consumers and traders.”
Ngasongwa further stated that product regulation plays a major role in national safety, particularly for sensitive products such as medicines, pesticides, electrical equipment, and construction materials.
“These products must be closely monitored because if left unchecked, they can affect the health, property, and workforce of the nation.
Through the TAMOGA system, linked with customs under TRA and institutions such as TBS and TMDA, the FCC has the capacity to track products entering the country,” she said.
This measure also reduces bureaucracy and unnecessary costs for both traders and consumers. 
She urged journalists to strengthen investigative reporting to help uncover flaws and unfair practices in the market.
The information they reveal can serve as a critical tool for the FCC to take action and reinforce fair competition.
The Deputy Chairperson of the Dar es Salaam Journalists Club [DAR-PC], Mary Mashina, said the seminar has been highly beneficial to journalists.
“It has provided us with deep insights into changes in competition laws and product marking, and we thank the Acting Director for confirming that similar seminars will be offered to our members, who number over 180.
“Because through one well-informed journalist, you have the ability to reach a much larger public.
"Consider a journalist with a blog followed by 4,000 people; giving them this knowledge means those citizens have been reached accurately,” she emphasized.
She added, “When journalists are well-informed, the entire community benefits by receiving accurate and timely information.
“Alongside this, I urge the FCC to continue opening doors and providing cooperation whenever journalists need clarification.
She highlighted, ‘When a journalist seeks clarification and is denied cooperation, it may lead to information being published without sufficient details.’
“Take the laptop example: there are citizens who are wronged without knowing they can file complaints with the FCC and receive assistance.
"It is the responsibility of journalists to relay this knowledge to the public. When we are provided with accurate information, we pass it on to citizens as it should be,” she said.
She stated that DAR-PC is ready to collaborate closely with the FCC in promoting public education nationwide.
Chapisha Maoni