KAMPALA – The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has warned traders dealing in grain that failure to adhere to standards set up by East Africa Grain Council (EAGC) will not be tolerated.

“Regulation is going to force everyone trading in grains to certify before any sales are made,” Patricia Ejalu, the deputy executive director for standards at UNBS, said.

He was addressing participants who included grain farmers, traders in grain sector, processors and members of the East African Community.

This was during the launch of cereals and pulses standards at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala recently. The event was organised by East Africa Grain Council (EAGC) and supported by USAID East Africa Trade Investment Hub.

“It is not right to put goods in the market and then certify later. It is not going to be business as usual,” Ejalu said.

The East Africa standards of cereals and pulses includes staple food such as soya beans, dry beans, millet flour, sorghum flour, maize grains, milled maize, wheat grains and wheat flour.

Gerald Masila, the executive director of EAGC emphasised the importance of East African standards, saying safety and quality standards are critical for more trade, which is profitable.

He informed participants that EAC partner states are supposed to ensure that standards are implemented.

“We want trade to happen and more trade in terms of volume and frequency which has got less cost of transaction and less barriers,” Masila said.

Yohannes Assefa, the director agriculture and agribusiness USAIF East Africa Trade and Investment Hub, said trade is an important element for building food security.

The assistant commissioner of EAC Integration Annet Namara supported UNBS on not tolerating traders who fail to adhere to regulations.

Source: New Vision

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