Shielding You from Harm: Why Consumer Protection Comes First
- The BBN has stopped the sale of some high alcohol drinks, such as Sapor Wine, Hana Wine, Tagata, Anavino, etc., due to their harmful effects on public health.
- The government of Burundi has always ensured consumer protection and supervision of the emerging industry in Burundi, according to Marie Chantal Nijimbere, Minister of Trade, Transport, Industry and...
- Although these drinks are subject to evaluations before being put on the market, it happens that during market surveillance by collecting samples, the BBN finds non-conformities.
Concerns Over Losses Suffered by Traders After BBN Withdraws High Alcohol Drinks
The BBN has stopped the sale of some high alcohol drinks, such as Sapor Wine, Hana Wine, Tagata, Anavino, etc., due to their harmful effects on public health.
The government of Burundi has always ensured consumer protection and supervision of the emerging industry in Burundi, according to Marie Chantal Nijimbere, Minister of Trade, Transport, Industry and Tourism. Measures have been gradually taken to reduce the accessibility of these products in communities, especially the surcharge on these drinks, the increase in bottling volume as well as limiting their access.
Although these drinks are subject to evaluations before being put on the market, it happens that during market surveillance by collecting samples, the BBN finds non-conformities. These can relate to alcohol level, the presence of additional alcohol, the use of artificial flavors or colours, or even products that have not been evaluated by the BBN before being marketed.
A Measure Taken Late
Many traders (wholesalers, semi-wholesalers and retailers) suffered losses following the measure to stop the sale of some high alcohol drinks. The Senators asked what mechanisms were put in place to manage the significant losses of wholesalers and retailers. Minister Nijimbere said wholesalers and retailers are linked to suppliers through agreements. These set out the arrangements for reconciling customers in such circumstances.
In the case of a non-compliant product, the producer is always responsible. Producers have been told how to recover their produce. However, in view of this gap in accountability, the ministry responsible for trade intends to review the legal framework relating to economic activity, in order to include the responsibility of companies for the recovery of non-compliant products and waste produced by their activities.
Sanctions should also be imposed on producers who fail to meet compliance standards. Law No. 1/03 of January 4, 2011 on the National System of Standardization, Metrology, Quality Assurance and Testing provides for a number of sanctions, including suspension of certificates for already certified companies, withdrawal and destruction of uncertified or non-compliant goods as well as a fine of up to three times the value of the seized goods.