EABC ENGAGING ON THE SPS/TBT ISSUES IN EAC REGION Presented by Mr. Adrian Njau Head of Policy & Advocacy -EABC 21 st -22 nd March 2016 Nairobi, Kenya

Presentation Outline: EABC Roles on Development and Harmonisation of Standards Adoption of EAS Certification marks in the region Challenges faced by Private Sector on EAS Recommendations

The East African Standards Platform (EASP) was established as a structure within the EABC in response to the challenges (NTBs/TBTs) faced by suppliers in intra-regional trade due to differences in standards and Technical Regulations amongst EAC Partner States. EASP aimed at advocating for full implementation of EAC Customs Union Protocol on the free movement of goods in the EAC region. Vision: ‘’One standard, one test, one mark, accepted everywhere’’. EABC Roles on Harmonisation EAS: through EASP

EASP conducted a study to identify most traded goods in the region where top 20 most traded goods were identified:  79 standards for most traded goods have been harmonised under TMEA support & EASC commitment.  They include standards for iron & steel products, sugar & confectionery, alcoholic drinks, cosmetics, surface active agents etc EASP Activities towards EAS harmonisation

Adoption of standards in EAC EASP also conducted a study to assess the implementation of the East African Standards and the effectiveness of the certification schemes in the region:  60% of East African Standards were variably adopted across the region  Only 5% standards were commonly adopted across the region

Adoption of standards in EAC Of the 120 standards (inclusive of the 79 supported by TMEA) gazetted in Dec 2013 & Sept. 2014:  Rwanda and Uganda have adopted 100%  The other Partner States are at 65%, the difference being work in progress to be completed Dec 2014

Certification Marks in the region Partner StateCertification Marks BurundiBBN Standardization Mark KenyaKEBS Standardization Mark International Standardization Mark KEBS Diamond Mark of Quality RwandaRBS Standardization Mark RBS Mark of Excellence TanzaniaTBS Standardization Mark UgandaUNBS Standardization Mark UNBS Quality Mark

Certification schemes in EAC There are multiple Certification Marks (CMs) in the EAC and some Partner States consider some CMs, as not approximated to their own marks due to unharmonised conformity assessment infrastructure in the region This has affected the effectiveness of the use of CMs. Some CMs are therefore not readily accepted in some Partner States.

Certification schemes in EAC The certification schemes in the EAC can be made more effective if the certification administrative provisions across the EAC Partner States are harmonised and approximated to ensure uniformity in awarding Certification Marks to foster mutual recognition and acceptance of the product certification marks by all the stakeholders

Other Activities by EASP/EABC Sensitization workshop on ISO 9001, 14001, & Public Private Dialogue on age limit for the importation of used motor vehicle into the EAC Sensitization workshops on EAS for the 3 sectors Alcoholic Beverages, Steel & Iron products and Surface Active Agents Sensitization workshops on Interplay of Standards and Technical Regulation

Other Activities by EASP/EABC Advocate for removal of Standards related NTBs- existence of different technical regulations in the region e.g. foods Participate and facilitate participation of private sector (Manufacturers) in the EASC Meetings Participate in the EAC Regional Forum on NTBs Advocate for regional technical regulations framework, ratification of SPS Protocol and finalization of the SACA Bill.

● Low level participation of private sector in the all processes of the SQMT Activities ● Lack of supremacy of the Product certification marks issued by NSBs vis a vis other regulatory authorities ● Slow/none adoption of EAS by NSBs Low publicity and awareness of the programme for harmonization of standards within EAC; The challenges Faced by Private Sector

Low publicity and awareness of the harmonized standards Insufficient funding for the SQMT activities – both by public sector and private sector Limited capacity at NSBs to develop and enforce standards Emergency of sub-standards, and counterfeits Lack of effective regional fourum/avenue to address SPS issues

Recommendations Active participation of private sector in the development of EAS EAC to promote peer assessment to improve mutual recognition of quality marks A monitoring mechanism for adoption and implementation of EAS should be put in place by EAC Encourage accreditation of conformity assessment services to promote mutual recognition of the services in the region.

Recommendations Harmonise the certification processes in EAC Operationalize the EASC sub-committee on Technical Regulations to:  develop a regional Technical Regulations Framework  address standards related issues emanating from Regulatory Authorities Establish regional Forum to handle SPS issues after ratification of SPS Protocol (Private-Public involvement)

East African Business Council (EABC) Olorien House Along Old Moshi Road Arusha, Tanzania Tel: / Fax: Website: CONTACT US