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

2. 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

3. EABC Roles on Harmonisation EAS: through EASP
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’’.

4. EASP Activities towards EAS harmonisation
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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Certification Marks in the region
Partner State
Certification Marks
Burundi
BBN Standardization Mark
Kenya
KEBS Standardization Mark
International Standardization Mark
KEBS Diamond Mark of Quality
Rwanda
RBS Standardization Mark
RBS Mark of Excellence
Tanzania
TBS Standardization Mark
Uganda
UNBS Standardization Mark
UNBS Quality Mark

8. 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.

9. 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

10. Other Activities by EASP/EABC
Sensitization workshop on ISO 9001, 14001, & 27001
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

11. 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.

12. The challenges Faced by Private Sector
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;

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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)

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