Tanzania bans import and sale of second-hand innerwear

15 Jun '13

2 min read

The Government of Tanzania has banned import and sale of second-hand innerwear, called ‘mitumba’ locally, citing concern about people’s health and the necessity to protect the environment.

In a statement, the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) said it has noted with concern that innerwear is sold in various parts of the country contrary to TZS 758:2003 requirements on compulsory standards for inspection and acceptance criteria for used textile products.

“We would like to remind all people involved in the business of used garments that all used undergarments are not allowed to be imported and sold in the country due to health and safety reasons,” it added.

The Tanzanian Government has issued one-month notice to all dealers, importers and sellers of ‘mitumba’ to remove all second-hand innerwear such as socks, brassieres, vests, night dresses, camisoles and briefs from the local market.

TBS said it will carryout a nation-wide inspection and all defaulters will be charged under the law.

There are 48 major importers of second-hand garments in Tanzania, who then distribute the same to retailers, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Between 2005 and 2011, Tanzania imported an estimated 452,350 tons of second-hand clothing valued at approx. US$ 284,000.

Nearly 2,990 licenses were issued by Tanzanian authorities to traders and dealers of second-hand garments between 2009 and 2011.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India