RWANDA BUREAU OF STANDARDS Newsletter - EAC...

1October - December 2010 / Newsletter

Quarterly Newsletter Issue 9 October-December 2010

P.O Box 7099 Kigali-Rwanda Tel:+250 586 1003 Fax: +250 583 305 Website:www.rwanda-standards.org

NewsletterRWANDA BUREAU OF STANDARDS

77 new Rwanda Standards Approved!

RBS Calls the Public to Benefit from Quality Marks Launched

FOREWORD 3Relevancy of 4Quality Management Systems Certification 4Social Responsibility Standard Launched! 6ISO Regional Course on Referencing and Adopting International Standards 7Newly Approved Standards 8Codex Alimentarius Commission 12Quality policy 14Policy statement on impartiality 15Policy to safeguard confidentiality 16RBS AND GIZ TARGET EXPORT PROMOTION : 17MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS 18SAFETY AND QUALITY, 18PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED IMPORTS 20GOODS REJECTED REPORT OF THE 4th TRIMESTER 22RBS Hosted a National Consultative Meeting on the Draft EAC Metrology Bill 23Quality Inspection for Food Commodities: Cereals and Pulses 24Rwanda Hosted the 275th Regional Steering Committee Meeting of EAC/UNIDO/NORAD Project 27TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE 28THROUGH STANDARDS 28The Role of Legal Metrology 30in National and International Trade 30All-Natural Choices avoid Synthetic Additives and Refined Sugar 33

Table of Contents

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FOREWORD

Dear Readers,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 9th issue of the Quarterly Newsletter of Rwanda Bureau of Standards. This issue contains useful information on activities that marked the Standardization

areas from October to December 2010. Major questions asked always relate to the safety of products on our market; do they meet quality standards, and how far are we going to enable our products’ competitiveness globally?

This issue brings the last of the series of articles on the relevancy of Quality Management System (QMS ISO 9001) and information on standards requirements on building a socially responsible society. I hope the series of articles helped readers, Managers and various workplaces assess their work practices, improve and strengthen their businesses accordingly while aiming at provision of quality products and services. During the quarter, RBS launched new Quality Marks (Standardization Marks) and celebrated the World Standards Day. RBS and German International Cooperation (GIZ) also launched a training campaign aimed at Certification of Rwandan products in order to increase their market access. The first phase of the campaign targeted the product sectors of tea, cement, milk and milk products, maize flour and juice where some of the stakeholders were trained on Food Safety Management System (FSMS ISO 22000) and others on QMS, ISO 9001.

In this issue, we report 77 new approved Rwanda Standards covering a whole range of priority sectors of our economy. We are grateful to all stakeholders who contribute technical input in developing and approving Standards. We also bring to our readers’ attention the list of prohibited and restricted goods for imports facilitation and awareness in Rwanda in order to avoid dumping, injury to consumers and financial losses to the traders.

RBS continues to provide services that promote fair trade and consumer protection through applicability of accurate measurements. This issue reports the National Consultative Meeting on Draft EAC Metrology Bill as well as the role of Legal Metrology in national and regional economic growth. This issue also contains information on tackling climate change through standards and provides consumer‘s health safety information.

Please enjoy reading this issue and know more of what is done in the standardization sector in the quest for doing business, public safety and protection of the environment.

Dr. Mark Cyubahiro BagabeDirector General


Relevancy of Quality Management Systems Certification

This is the last of the articles that have been running in the previous RBS newsletter issues on why a Business entity needs to make quality implementation its priority.

Due to globalization, multinational and national strong companies are fighting to be the dominant forces in the world market. While prices used to be known as the selling factor of most commodities, the trend has changed and quality is the most selling preposition; this is

evidenced by the rate at which companies are rushing to be ISO standards certified. According to ISO survey 2008, slightly above 708,070 companies were ISO 9001 certified, however, after just one year, i.e. in 2009; ISO Survey statistics show that by the end of the year 2009, 1,064,785 companies were certified(Source: ISO database www.iso.org/survey).

In issues 6 and 7, we noted that a Business entity’s success depends mostly on its clients

and therefore every possibility should be exploited to ensure they are satisfied. We also saw that top Leadership’s focus as well as valuing the organisation’s employees are important and that a Business entity should be viewed as a system with interrelated processes of which once one is neglected, the whole system is negatively affected. Hence, continual improvement must always be in every employee’s mind otherwise the system risks

4 Rwanda Bureau of Standards

S/N ISO standards Certificates issued up end December 2009

1 ISO 9001:2000 and 2008: Quality management systems- requirements

1 064 785

2 ISO 14000: Environmental Management requirements with guidance for use

223 149

3 ISO/TS 16949:2002 (2002 and 2009 editions): Quality management systems-Particular requirements for the application of ISO 9001 for automotive production and relevant service part organizations

41 240

4 ISO 13485:2003: Medical devices-Quality management systems –Requirements for regulatory purpose

16 424

5 ISO/IEC 27001:2005:Information technology security tech-niques-Information security Management System-require-ments

12 934

6 ISO 22000:2005: Food Safety management systems –requirements for any Organization in the food chain

13 881

withering off.In this piece, we are going

to see the last two reasons why implementing a Quality Management System is essential in every serious Business entity; Factual Approach to decision making and mutually beneficial supplier relationships.

Every successful business makes effective decisions based on the analysis of data and information.” Decisions concerning Promotion, Demotion, Material rewards etc. should be made depending on facts arrived at by analyzing performance records otherwise the morale of employees may be weakened and thus paralyze the business entity. Once the employees don’t find out clearly why certain decisions in a Business entity were arrived at,

the Business entity starts to fall into jeopardy.

At Rwanda Bureau of Standards, benefits of making decisions based on analysis of data (records) and information include making informed decisions on internal promotions, office rotations, trainings, re-training, and material rewards.

As well as Clients and Business entity staff, Suppliers are critical to the performance of any business.

It is a fact that a business entity and its suppliers are interdependent; hence a mutually beneficial relationship enhances the ability of both to create value and maxmise on clients’ satisfaction levels.

There are a number of merits in ensuring mutually

beneficial supplier relationship and they include; Clear and open communication, sharing information and future plans, establishing joint development and improvement activities, inspiring, encouraging and recognizing improvements and achievements by suppliers and; last but not least, establishing relationships that balance short-term gains with long-term considerations.

These benefits and many others not mentioned have resulted in multinational organizations rushing for ISO certifications (see table below) and hence unfortunately dominating emerging Local Small and Medium Enterprises.


Many people had and have always been questioning the concept of “Social Responsibility”, its meaning and the way it directly impacts on daily real life. Social Responsibility can generally be understood as an ethical ideology or theory that an entity, be it an organization or individual, has an obligation to act to benefit society at large. This responsibility can be passive, hence avoiding to engage in socially harmful acts; or active while performing activities that directly advance social goals with the overall aim of attaining sustainable development.

Over the past decades sustainable development has been defined as “Development

Social Responsibility Standard Launched!

that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs”. Since then it has been a long journey to put in place proper mechanisms to guide the whole world in making sustainable development real as the growing concern with environmental issues, human and labor rights, pressure imposed by consumer and financial scandals have been warning everybody about the impact of the business operations which are not socially responsible. Several specific answers have been popping up – from local practices, which preserves rights and set duties among the interested parties to international treaties of great legitimacy until

2001, when came the idea of having a world consensus on international standard (ISO 26000: Social Responsibility) to guide all of us towards the ideal world; the world of justice and fair practices, free from environmental degradation.

The new guidance standard on Social Responsibility, ISO 26000, was launched on 1st November 2010. This Standard is in line with and complementary to the above initiatives and tools, also respecting various international instruments and agreements related to the same issues. It shows how to integrate them in a coherent way, thus enabling effective influence to the organizational practice and, at the same time, respecting well assimilated practices and the authority of representative and legitimate institutions.

Regardless of the type of organization, size and location, this standard provides guidelines on:

Clause 6

Clause 7

Social responsibility core subjects

Practices for integrating social

responsibility thoughout an organization

Reviewing and improving an organization’s actions and practices

related to social responsibility

Communication on social responsibility

The relationship of an organization’s characteristics to social responsibility

Understanding the social responsibility of the organization

Voluntary initiatives for social responsibility

Enhancing credibility regarding social

responsibility

Clause 5

Recognizing social responsibility

Stakeholder identification and engagement

Two fundamental practices of social responsibility

Annex: Examples of voluntary initiatives and tools for social responsibility

Bibliography: Authoritative sources and additional guidance

Organizational governance

Related actions and expectations

Consumer issues

Community involvement

and development Human rights Labour

practices The environment Fair operating practices

Integrating social responsibility throughout an organization

Maxim

izing an organization’s contribution to

Sustainable development

Clause 1ScopeGuidance to all types of organizations, regardless of their size or location

Clause 2

Terms and definitionsDefinition of key terms

Clause 3Understanding social responsibilityHistory and characteristics; relationship between social responsibility and sustainable development

Clause 4

Principles of social responsibility

Accountability•

Transparency•

Ethical behaviour•

Respect for stakeholder interests•

Respect for the rule of law•

Respect for international norms •of behaviour

Respect for human rights•

S C H E M AT I C O V E R V I E W O F I S O 2 6 0 0 0

Operating in a socially responsible manner is no longer an option. It is becoming a requirement of society worldwide: maximize your organization’s contribution to Sustainable Development.


ISO Regional Course on Referencing and Adopting International Standards

A Regional Training Course on Adopting and Referencing International Standards was organized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) within the framework of the ISO Action Plan for Developing Countries 2005-2010 and hosted by Rwanda through Rwanda Bureau of Standards from 24th – 26th November 2010 at Lemigo Hotel in Kigali.

This training course was attended by 23 participants from Eastern and Southern Africa respectively (Botswana, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Nigeria, Seychelles, South Africa, Sudan Swaziland, and Tanzania). The training was conducted by Mr. Graham Holloway, Standardization Expert and ISO Lead trainer in cooperation with Mr. Oswald Chinyamakobvu co-trainer.

The course aimed at demonstrating the advantages of using International Standards and best ways to refer to them while developing technical regulations hence avoiding unnecessary trade barriers. In addition, it was an opportunity to voice that International Standards can be used by Governments to support good regulatory practice.

During the three days of the training course, participants were lectured on:

• Benefits of adopting International Standards (IS) as regional or national standards.

• National obligations under the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO/TBT) with regard to the use of IS as a basis for Technical Regulations.

• WTO/TBT compliant model of a Technical Regulatory System that uses adopted IS.

• Methods for adopting IS and other international deliverables as regional or national standards or other deliverables, in accordance with ISO/IEC Guide 21.

• Guidance on the policies and practices that National Standards Bodies should establish over the use, adoption and referencing of IS.Practicals enabled participants to discuss and

share experiences. The course was, for RBS, a way to continue

fine-tuning procedures related to the adoption of regional and international standards and the development of a framework of using Rwanda standards in the technical regulations set by various regulators to boost Rwandan business through national and international standards.

• Concepts, terms and definitions related to social responsibility;

• The background, trends and characteristics of social responsibility;

• Principles and practices relating to social responsibility;

• The core subjects and issues of social responsibility;

• Integrating, implementing and promoting socially responsible behavior throughout the organization and, through its policies and practices, within its sphere of influence;

• Identifying and engaging with stakeholders; and

• Communicating commitments, performance and other information related to social responsibility.ISO 26000 is a powerful

Social Responsibility tool to

assist organizations to move from good intentions to good actions.

Relevance of Social Responsibility

The objective of Social Responsibility is to contribute to sustainable development. Hence, public/private organization, and their stakeholders should be aware of the need for and benefits of socially responsible behavior as sustainable business for organizations does not merely mean providing products and services that satisfy the customer, doing so without jeopardizing the environment, but also operating in a socially responsible manner.

What benefits can be achieved by implementing ISO 26000?

The perception and reality of an organization’s performance on social responsibility can influence, among other things: • Competitive advantage • Reputation• Ability to attract and retain

workers or members, customers, clients or users

• Maintenance of employees’ morale, commitment and productivity

• View of investors, owners, donors, sponsors and the financial community

• Relationship with companies, governments, the media, suppliers, peers, customers and the community in which it operates

Operating in a responsible manner today, is the only way of leaving healthy at the same time preparing a better future for our descendent ;start now !!


Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) primary mandate is to develop National Standards to meet industry, governmental, and other customer needs in a bid to promote competitiveness of Rwandan products and services, to protect health and safety of consumers as well as the environment.

It is in this regard that following a list of Draft Standards in progress published in the issue Number 8, RBS is pleased to inform the readers about recently approved standards. In fact, as standards development procedure was described in our last issue, the Draft Standards were discussed and approved by Technical Committees, circulated to the general public for comments and finally were are approved as national Standards (Rwanda Standards, RS) by the RBS Board of Directors before they are made available for use by Industries, Regulatory Bodies, Traders, Academia and any other interested party.

The list below comprises standards approved by the Board of Directors in their meeting held on 4th January 2011. It includes standards on different types of Sugars, Fresh Cassava, Fresh Potato and their products; Tolerances Limits of Emissions to the air by Cement Factories and Guidelines for Controlling and Monitoring of those Emissions, Air Quality in general, Distilled Water and Methods of Test of Drinking Waters. It comprises also standards on Structural Designs, Design of Facilities for People with Disabilities; Implementation of Quality Management Systems and Information Security Management Systems, Networking and Cabling of Consumer Premises as well as Electrical Installations.

For further information on the standards, please contact the RBS Information Resource Centre on toll free 3250.

Newly Approved Standards

List of Approved Standards by area

Area Reference number Title of the Standard Sugars and Sugar Products

RS 531:2011EAS 8:2010

Raw Cane Sugar – Specification

RS 530:2011EAS 749:2010

Brown Sugar – Specification

RS 549:2011EAS 5:2009

Refined White Sugar – Specification

RS 550:2011EAS 16:2009

Plantation (mill) White Sugar – Specification

Roots and Tubers

RS 532:2011EAS 738:2010

Sweet Cassava – Specification

RS 533:2011EAS 739:2010

Dried Cassava Chips – Specification

RS 534:2011EAS 740:2010

Cassava Flour – Specification

RS 535:2011EAS 741:2010

Cassava-Wheat Flour Composite – Specification

RS 536:2011EAS 742:2010

Food-Grade Cassava Starch – Specification

RS 537:2011EAS 743:2010

Cassava Crisps- Specification

RS 538:2011EAS 744:2010

Cassava and Cassava Products – Determination of Total Cyanogens – Enzymatic Assay Method

RS 539:2011EAS 745:2010

Potato Crisps – Specification

RS 540:2011EAS 746:2010

Frozen Potato Chips – Specification

RS 541:2011EAS 747:2011

Fried Potato Chips – Specification

RS 551:2011EAS 748:2010

Fresh Potato (Ware Potato) Specification


Environment, Health and Safety

RS 542:2011EAS 750:2010

Air Quality – Emissions to the Air by Cement Factories – Guidelines

RS 543:2011EAS 751:2010

Air Quality – Specification

RS 544:2011EAS 752:2010

Air Quality – Tolerance Limits of Emission Discharged to the Air by Factories.

RS 545:2011EAS 123:2010

Distilled Water – Specification

RS 546-1:2011EAS 15-1:2010

Methods of Test for Drinking Water – Part 1: Physical Methods of Test for the Quality of Drinking Water.

RS 546-2:2011

EAS 15-2:2010

Method of Test for Drinking Water – Part 2: Biological and Microbiological Methods.

RS 546-3:2011EAS 15-3:2010

Methods of Test for Drinking Water – Part 3: Determination of Metal Contaminants.

RS 546-4:2011EAS 15-4:2010

Methods of Test for Drinking Water – Part 4: Determination of Salts, Cations and Anions

RS 546-5:2011

EAS 15-5:2010

Method of Test for Drinking Water – Part 5: Determination of Gases, Organic Compounds and Radioactivity

Textiles and Leather

RS 548-1:2011EAS 255-1:2009

Textiles – Quantitative Chemical Analysis – Part 1: General Principles of Testing

RS 548-2:2011

EAS 255-2: 2009

Textiles – Quantitative Chemical Analysis – Part 2 : Ternary Fibre Mixtures

RS 548-3:2011

EAS 255-3: 2009

Textiles – Quantitative Chemical Analysis – Part 3: Mixtures of Acetate and Certain other Fibres (method using acetone).

RS 548-4:2011

EAS 255-4: 2009

Textiles – Quantitative Chemical Analysis – Part 4: Mixtures of Certain other Fibres (method using hypochlorite)

RS 548-5:2011

EAS 255-5: 2009

Textiles – Quantitative Chemical Analysis – Part 5 : Mixtures of Viscose, Cupro or Modal and Cotton Fibres (method using Sodium Zincate).

RS 548-6:2011

EAS 255-6: 2009

Textile – Quantitative Chemical Analysis (Part 6: Mixtures of Viscose or Certain Types of Cupro or Modal or Lyocell and Cotton Fibres (method using Formic Acid and Zinc Chloride).

RS 548-7:2011

EAS 255-7: 2009

Textiles – Quantitative Chemical Analysis – Part 7: Mixtures of Polyamide and Certain other Fibres (Method using Formic Acid).

RS 548-8:2011

EAS 255-8: 2009

Textiles – Quantitative Chemical Analysis – Part 8: Mixtures of Acetate and Triacetate Fibres (Method using Acetone).

RS 548-9:2011EAS 255-9: 2009

Textiles – Quantitative Chemical Analysis – Part 9: Mixtures of Acetate and Triacetate Fibres (Method using Benzyl Alcohol).

RS 548-10:2011

EAS 255-10: 2009

Textiles – Quantitative Chemical Analysis – Part 10: Mixtures or Polylactide and Certain other Fibres (Method using Dichloromethane).

RS 547-11:2011

EAS 255-11: 2009

Textiles – Quantitative Chemical Analysis – Part 11: Mixtures of Cellulose and Polyester Fibres (Method using Sulfuric Acid).

RS 548-12:2011EAS 255-12: 2009

Textiles – Quantitative Chemical Analysis – Part 12: Mixtures of Acrylic, Certain Modacrylics, Certain Chlorofibres, Certain Elastanes and Certain other Fibres (Method using Dimethylformamide).


RS 548-13:2011

EAS 255-13: 2009

Textiles – Quantitative Chemical Analysis – Part 13: Mixtures of Certain Chlorofibres and Certain other Fibres (Method using Carbon Disulfide/Acetone

RS 548-14:2011

EAS 255-14: 2009

Textiles – Quantitative Chemical Analysis – Part 14: Mixtures of Acetate and Certain Chloro Fibres (Method using Acetic Acid).

RS 548-15:2011

EAS 255-15: 2009

Textiles – Quantitative Chemical Analysis – Part 15: Mixtures of Jute and Certain Animal Fibres (Method by determining Nitrogen Content)

RS 548-16:2011

EAS 255-16: 2009

Textiles – Quantitative Chemical Analysis – Part 16 : Mixtures of Polypropylene Fibres and Certain other Fibres (Method using Xylene).

RS 548-17:2011EAS 255-17: 2009

Textile – Quantitative Chemical Analysis – Part 17: Mixtures of Chlorofibres (Homopolymers of Vinyl Chloride) and Certain other Fibres (Method using Sulfuric Acid).

RS 548-18:2011

EAS 255-18: 2009

Textiles – Quantitative Chemical Analysis – Part 18: Mixtures of Silk and Wool or Hair (Method using Sulfuric Acid).

RS 548-19:2011

EAS 255-19: 2009

Textiles – Quantitative Chemical Analysis – Part 19: Mixtures of Cellulose Fibres and Asbestos (Method by Heating).

RS 548-21:2011

EAS 255-21: 2009

Textiles – Quantitative Chemical Analysis- Part 21: Mixtures of Chlorofibres, Certain Modacylics, Certain Elastanes, Acetates and Certain other Fibres (Method using Cyclohexanone.

Building and Civil Engineering

RS 470-1:2011 Structural Performance − Part 1: Serviceability for StructuresRS 470-2:2011 Structural Performance− Part 2: Principles on Reliability for

StructuresRS 471:2011 Basis of Structural DesignRS 472:2011 Geotechnical Design−General RulesRS 473-1:2011 Geotechnical Investigation and Testing —

Identification and Classification of Soil — Part 1: Identification and Description

RS 473-2:2011 Geotechnical Investigation and Testing — Identification and Classification of Soil — Part 2: Principles for a Classification

RS 491-1:2011 Structural Design −Part 1: Actions on Structures− Densities, Self-weight, Imposed Loads for Buildings

RS 491-2:2011 Actions on Structures − Wind ActionsRS 491-3:2011 Structural Design − Part 3: Actions on Structures − Thermal Actions

on BuildingsRS 492:2011 Building Construction− Design of Facilities for People with

Disabilities − Code of PracticeQuality Assurance and Quality Management

RS 552:2011ISO 9000

Quality Management Systems- Fundamentals and Vocabulary

RS 553:2011ISO 9001

Quality Management Systems-Requirements

RS 554:2011ISO 9004

Managing for the Sustained Success of an Organization- A Quality Management Approach

RS 555:2011ISO 19011

Guidelines for Quality and/or Environmental Management Systems Auditing

RS 556:2011RS 10013

Guidelines for Quality Management system Documentation

RS 557:2011RS 17025

General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories


IT and Multimedia

RS 558:2011

ISO/IEC 27001

Information Technology — Security Techniques — Information Security Management Systems — Requirements

RS 559:2011ISO/IEC 27002

Information Technology — Security Techniques — Code of Practice for Information Security Management

RS 560:2011ISO/IEC 11801

Information Technology – Generic Cabling for Customer Premises

RS 561-1:2011ISO/IEC 20000-1

Information Technology — Service Management — Part 1: Specification

RS 561-2:2011ISO/IEC 20000-2

Information Technology — Service Management — Part 2: Code of Practice

RS 562:2011ISO/IEC TR 9294

Information Technology — Guidelines for the Management of Software Documentation

RS 563-3:2011ISO/IEC 8802-3

Information Technology—Telecommunications and Information Exchange between Systems—Local and Metropolitan Area Networks—Specific Requirements— Part 3: Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) Access Method and Physical Layer Specifications

RS 564-1:2011ISO/IEC 15802-1

Information Technology -Telecommunications and Information Exchange between Systems - Local and Metropolitan Area Networks – Common Specifications - Part 1: Medium Access Control (MAC) Service Definition

Electrical Engineering

RS 474-1:2011IEC 61936-1:2011

Power Installation Exceeding 1kV a.c. – Part 1:Common Rules

RS 273-7-701:2011IEC 60364 – 7 – 701:2006

Low-voltage Electrical Installations – Part 7- 701:Requirements for Special Installations or Locations – Location Containing a Bath or Shower

RS 273-7-704:2011IEC 60364 – 7 – 704:2005

Low-voltage Electrical Installations – Part 7- 704:Requirements for special installations or locations – Construction and Demolition Site Installations

RS 273-7-712:2011IEC 60364 – 7 – 712:2002

Electrical Installations – Part 7- 712:Requirements for Special Installations or Locations – Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Supply Systems

RS 490-1IEC60269-1

Low-voltage Fuses - Part 1: General Requirements

RS 493-2-18IEC 60598-2-18

Luminaires - Part2:Particular Requirements- Section18:Luminaires for Swimming Pools and Similar Applications

RS 493-2-25:2011IEC 60598-2-25

Luminaires - Part2:Particular Requirements- Section25:Luminaires for Use in Clinical Areas of Hospitals and Health Care Building

RS 494-1-1:2011IEC 60811-1-1

Common Test Methods for Insulating and Sheathing Materials of Electric Cables and Optical Cables – Part 1-1:Methods for General Application-Measurement of Thickness and Overall Dimensions-Tests for Determining the Mechanical Properties

RS 494-1-2:2011IEC 60811-1-2

Common Test Methods for Insulating and Sheathing Materials of Electric Cables –Part1:Methods for General Application-Section 2:Thermal Ageing Methods


The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) was established by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in food trade. The Commission first met in 1963 and today embodies 180 member Governments, including Rwanda and the European Community comes as a member organization. Codex is funded by FAO and WHO.

The Codex Alimentarius (Latin for “Food Code”) is the result of the work of the Commission and encompasses around 20 Technical Committees which develop a collection of internationally adopted Food Standards, Guidelines and Codes of Practice.

The following is the list of CAC Committees:[1] Ad hoc Codex Intergovernmental Task Force

on Antimicrobial Resistance[2] Codex Alimentarius Commission[3] Codex Committee on Contaminants in Foods[4] Codex Committee on Fats and Oils[5] Codex Committee on Fish and Fishery

Products[6] Codex Committee on Food Additives[7] Codex Committee on Food Hygiene[8] Codex Committee on Food Import and

Export Inspection and Certification Systems[9] Codex Committee on Food Labelling[10] Codex Committee on Fresh Fruits and

Vegetables[11] Codex Committee on General Principles[12] Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis

and Sampling[13] Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods

for Special Dietary Uses[14] Codex Committee on Pesticide Residues[15] Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and

Vegetables[16] Codex Committee on Residues of Veterinary

Drugs in Foods[17] Executive Committee of the Codex

Alimentarius Commission[18] FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for

Africa[19] FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Asia[20] FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for

Europe

Codex Standards are adopted in most cases by consensus and are based on the best scientific and technical knowledge. Codex is the only International Forum bringing together Scientists, Technical Experts, Government Regulators, as well as International Consumer and Industry Organizations. In many countries, public meetings are held to receive comments on Codex drafts and to prepare national positions. Codex’ work is mentioned amongst “60 Ways the United Nations Makes a Difference” (http://www.un.org/un60/60ways/health.html).

Purpose of Codex Alimentarius?Codex Alimentarius purpose is based on

the principle that consumers have rights to be supplied with quality and safe food suitable for consumption. In this regard, the safety and essential quality of internationally traded food is of paramount importance. Codex has set a number of Standards and Codes on foods for vulnerable groups such as infants and young children, to provide adequate nutrition while protecting them from foodborne risks and to reduce infant mortality and morbidity worldwide. Codex also aims at protecting consumers against deceptive practices. Codex work in food labelling contributes to providing consumers with accurate and useful information to guide their choice of foods.Codex assists in harmonization of National Food Legislation and regulation of countries which want to use Codex texts as benchmark. International harmonisation of Standards facilitates food trade and sustainable economic development. Codex plays an important role particularly for developing countries that may lack necessary infrastructure and expertise to put in place adequate Standards, Food Safety Controls and Management Systems.

Who established Codex?The FAO Conference and the World Health

Assembly jointly decided to establish Codex in 1961 and in 1963 respectively. The need for Harmonized Food Standards to better protect consumers and remove unnecessary trade barriers was however being felt in the international community since long before. The establishment of Codex evolved from earlier attempts to develop Codex Alimentarius Europaeus. In Austria, the National Food Standards are still called Codex Alimentarius Austriacus.

Codex Alimentarius CommissionCodex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is committed to develop Food Standards


Who makes decisions in Codex? Do industries have a strong say?

A wide range of International Non-Governmental Organizations, representing Consumers, Universities and Scientists, industries etc, can take part in Codex work and voice their views. Over 160 International non-Governmental Organizations representing consumers or industry can participate as observers, together with over 60 United Nations Organizations and other inter-governmental organizations. They contribute expert views and technical knowledge in their specialised fields. However, final decisions are made by members’ delegations. Delegations are nominated by Governments’ Higher Authorities. The Codex Alimentarius Commission is an Intergovernmental Body operating within the United Nations.

Codex Representation The Codex Alimentarius Commission elects its Chairperson from national delegates at its meetings in July (annually), who will serve until the next meeting. The Codex Secretariat is run by staff designated by FAO and WHO. Each Member Country has a Focal Point in Codex. Rwanda focal point is Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS).

Can I trust Codex? Codex bases its standards on the best available scientific knowledge at the time, and updates them as necessary. This is because science develops continuously and Codex decisions have to be reviewed in light of new events and discoveries. This is what the whole Codex procedure is about - to offer a neutral international forum for discussion and decision. Developing a Codex Standard is a long and thorough process. In case of doubts it is likely that Codex will not develop a standard or take a longer time to build consensus especially when there are very different opinions among member Governments.

Are Codex Standards mandatory? Codex texts are voluntary and non-binding. In international trade disputes, Codex standards and guidelines may be cited as reference texts at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). By introducing legislation and regulation that is consistent with Codex standards and guidelines governments may reduce the risk of being brought before a WTO Disputes Panel. A Government can adopt its own level of protection, e.g. go beyond or stop short of Codex. If any Government chooses a higher level of protection, and in the event of a trade dispute, it may be required to justify the sanitary measure corresponding to its chosen level of protection on scientific, health, or other legitimate grounds. In many countries, most food legislation is already consistent with Codex.

What happens if the government of my country does not implement a Codex standard or guideline? Could we be sanctioned by the United Nations?

Codex standards are voluntary and non-binding recommendations and their implementation is not controlled but many Governments implement them because they see the benefits for their consumers and trade.

Simply stated, the Codex Alimentarius is a Collection of Standards, Codes of Practice, Guidelines and other Recommendations. Some of these texts are general while others are specific. Some deal with detailed requirements related to a food or group of foods; others deal with the operation and management of production processes or the operation of Government Regulatory Systems for food safety and consumer protection.

Watch out in the next issues on how the national codex Committee was established, its composition and their functions in the Codex Alimentarius Commission Activities at the international and national levels.


Quality policyRwanda Bureau of Standards offers its certification services in an impartial and non discriminatory manner to all applicants whose activities fall into our field of operation by strict adhesion to scheme rules regardless of the status of the potential sponsor of the certification.

The top management of Rwanda Bureau of Standards takes full responsibility for all decisions related to granting, maintaining and withdrawing certification.

Through the management system, certification services effectively manage the processes and services in compliance to ISO/IEC Guide 65 and ISO/IEC 17021 requirements. The top management of RBS is committed to continual improvement of the certification management system.

The quality policy shall be used to establish and review quality objectives for continued suitability.

We endeavor to meet and exceed customer expectations.

The quality policy shall be communicated, understood, implemented and maintained in Rwanda Bureau of Standards certification services.

Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe

Director General

RBS introduces its Certification Services Policies

Rwanda Bureau of standards (RBS) is committed to offering quality services to clients. In this regard, RBS is pleased to inform the public of its Quality Policy, Policy on Impartiality and Policy to safeguard Confidentiality. These policies are set up to ensure compliance to ISO/IEC Guide 65 and ISO/IEC 17021 requirements.


Policy statement on impartiality The Top Management of Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) is committed to and upholds impartiality in carrying out its certification activities for both product and systems in accordance to standards requirements. RBS has identified, analyzed and documented possibilities for conflict of interests arising from provision of certification services including any conflicts arising from its relationships. RBS manages these conflicts and ensures that the certification decision is based on objective evidence obtained.

When a relationship poses an unacceptable threat to impartiality, then RBS does not provide certification.

RBS does not certify any other certification body for its management systems activities.

RBS does not offer or provide management system consultancy.

RBS does not offer or provide internal audits to its certified clients and does not certify a management system on which it provided internal audits within two years following the end of the internal audit.

RBS does not certify a management system on which a client has received management system consultancy or internal audits, where the relationship between the consultancy organization and RBS poses an unacceptable threat to the impartiality of the certification services.

RBS does not outsource audits to management system consultancy organizations but may contract individuals as auditors or technical experts

RBS certification activities are not marketed or offered as linked with the activities of an organization that provides management system consultancy.

To ensure that there is no conflict of interests, personnel who have provided management system consultancy, including those acting in a managerial capacity, are not used to take part in an audit or other certification activities if they have been involved in management system consultancy towards the client in question within two years following the end of the consultancy.

RBS takes action to respond to any threats to its impartiality arising from the actions of other persons, bodies or organizations.

All RBS personnel, either internal or external, or committees, who could influence the certification activities, act impartially and not allow commercial, financial or other pressures to compromise impartiality.

RBS requires personnel, internal and external, to reveal any situation known to them that may present them or the certification service with a conflict of interests and this information is evaluated to identify threats to impartiality.


Director General


Policy to safeguard confidentiality The management of Rwanda Bureau of Standards have put in place adequate arrangements consistent with LAW N° 22/2002 of 09/07/2002 on GENERAL STATUTES FOR RWANDA PUBLIC SERVICE.

The information obtained or created during the performance of certification activities at all levels of RBS structure including committees, contractors and external bodies or individuals’ acting on its behalf is considered confidential, except for the information that is made publically accessible by the client.

RBS informs the client in advance, of any information it intends to put in public domain.

Information about a particular client or individual is only disclosed with the written consent of the client or individual concerned. Where RBS is required by law to release the information to a third, the client or individual concerned is notified in advance of the information provided.

The information about the client from sources other than the client (e.g. complaint, regulators) is treated as confidential.

The Management of RBS ensures that equipment and facilities that ensure the secure handling of confidential information are available.

When RBS makes available confidential information to other bodies (e.g. accreditation body, agreement group of peer assessment scheme), the client is informed.

All involved personnel, including RBS auditors, technical experts, subcontracted/external auditors, committee members fill and sign a confidential form committing them to comply with the confidentiality requirements.


Director General


RBS AND GIZ TARGET EXPORT PROMOTION : RWANDA MOUNTAIN TEA AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS TRAINED ON ISO 22000:2005 ANTECEDENT TO CERTIFICATION

Rwanda is at a crossroads in its economic development and export promotion. Over the past few years the Government and the other key economic actors made notable progress in establishing key sectors for building a competitive economy. The County’s Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS) aims to fast-track and boost economic revolutions and targets the key export sectors: Coffee, Tea and tourism. Though the listed sectors are making it to the market, tremendous value potential lost in low yields, quality and profitability persists.

Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS), in collaboration with German International Cooperation (GIZ) has set a Certification and Export Promotion Initiative that attracts attention of Government, Private Sector and the Civil Society. All developmental partners strive to make the initiatives goals come true. The initiative technically supports Stakeholders to comply with Standards requirements through training and advisory sessions. This work is considered the cornerstone to produce safe and quality products liable for domestic, regional and international market competitiveness. However, Rwanda’s export growth objectives cannot be solely achieved through increases in volumes but more importantly through value addition which embraces quality and safety issues of these exports and this concept undoubtedly will lead to new competitive export

opportunities for new value-added quality products and services.

Throughout the second Quarter (October-December 2010), RBS and GIZ identified some of the key industry Sectors and trained them on Food Safety Management System (FSMS) and Quality Management System (QMS) for certification. The race kicked off with four industries of the Food Sector and two other Companies were trained until the end of December 2010. Industries that were trained in the Food Sector include: Rwanda Mountain Tea Factories, Inyange Industry Milk Department, MINIMEX (Maize Flour Processing Industry) and Urwibutso Enterprise Juice Department. CIMERWA and Intersec Security Company were trained on Quality Management System.

As aforementioned, Rwanda Mountain Tea was one of the training beneficiaries. Staff from different Tea Factories were trained on ISO 22000:2005, the Implementation of Food Safety Management System. Trainees were Tea Makers, Tea Production Managers and other staff involved in Tea Quality Control from Kitabi, Rubaya, Nyabihu, Mata and Gisakura Tea factories. The training aimed at enabling tea processors while providing them with skills in food safety regulations and standards, understand ISO22000:2005-Food Safety Management System Requirements, Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) Principles and their applications, appreciate the benefits of

implementing ISO22000:2005 and way forward to certification.

Through various presentations, exercises and open discussion tea processors were able to capture the importance of implementing ISO 22000:2005 which will also enable them to improve their documentation system, have better planning and less post-process verification, more efficient and dynamic food safety hazard control, systematic management of Pre-Requisite Programs, increased confidence in food supply and resource optimization.

In the aftermath of effective implementation of ISO22000:2005, Rwanda Mountain Tea as well as other industries trained will look forward to acquiring certification which is a tool to justify the safety and quality of processed tea and other products to clients. Certification also increases competitiveness and opportunities to access the international market.

Besides, certified products have special recognition in the region and at global arena during cross-border trade regarding quality inspections since their quality and safety are attested by authorized Bodies. Implementation of IS0 2000:2005 is a primordial step towards certification, which adds significant and reliable value to support Rwandan products to withstand competition on international market and increase consumer confidence.


MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS SAFETY AND QUALITY, A KEY ELEMENT IN THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE DAIRY SECTOR

Milk and milk products have ever since marked an important business aspect in the Rwandan Community. Several counts in the history of Rwanda stress the importance of milk in the Rwanda society! Milk has got an important role in nutrition, socio-cultural activities such as wedding ceremonies and is considered the best gift to beloved ones in the Rwanda Culture. Moreover, milk products such as ghee served cooking purpose as edible fat and as a cosmetic (Ikimuri).

Despite the above mentioned use, milk is in today’s business an important source for income generation and most importantly one of the products rich in nutrients (Proteins, Vitamins, Fat, Lactose and Minerals). However, with the aim to get safe and quality products competitive on local, regional as well international markets, standards have been developed and their enforcement is ensured through inspections, testing, and training for milk and milk products stakeholders.

Requirements of the above mentioned standards have been discussed by stakeholders and draft standards were developed basing on the requirements highlighted during discussions conducted.

To implement all those standards, RBS refers to different strategies like:

Train Stakeholders on Standards requirements to develop Milk and Milk Products

business sectorProvide stakeholders with

technical assistance (technical visits and advice, industry inspections)

Carry out market surveillance inspections to ensure safe and quality products are traded on the market.

RBS Technically Supports Stakeholders

Milk and milk products are regularly sampled from the market and submitted for testing. Samples that pass the testing parameters are allowed to be traded on the local market, while those failing to comply to standards requirements are seized and concluded to either disposal or re-export in case of imported products. If the failing products are locally manufactured, RBS industry inspection taskforce

conducts series of inspection to identify root causes of failures and technically advise the manufacturer for improvement.

In that case, RBS offers training to stakeholders to raise awareness on Standards requirements help them trigger their business growth and further facilitate competitive business for regional and international market access with standards compliant products.

As we tackle the milk and milk products sector, it is worth exploring the milk chain in Rwanda.

Dairy Farm Equipment and ensuring quality of milk at farm level

The dairy farm equipment is very important for a better yield in milk and ensuring safe animal rearing. A good number of farmers have non modern

Milk and milk products standards

Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) is mandated to develop standards and follow up their implementation.In this framework, Standards for milk and milk products that have been developed include:RS 61-2:2007 Gouda cheese specificationRS 137:2007 Dairy ice cream and milk ice-specificationRS 42:2004 Pasteurized Liquid Milk – SpecificationRS 41: 2004 Unprocessed Whole Milk - SpecificationRS 43:2004 Fermented (Cultured) Milks- SpecificationRS 44:2004 UHT Milk – SpecificationRS 45: 2004 Milk powders and Cream powders–SpecificationRS 60:2005 Yoghurt -SpecificationStandards Methods of microbiological as well physico- chemical examination for milk and milk products:


cattle sheds, equipment such as grass choppers, stainless steel milk cans, transport facilities for animal feeds supply and for milk supply. However, the sector confesses remarkable improvements as some farmers have acquired milking equipment and veterinaries closely monitor the cattle’s health care and provide medicines where necessary.

In response to farming challenges and technically assist farmers, RBS has developed the following standards on Cattle feeds:

RS 8:2009 CAC/RCP 54—2004 Code of Practice on Good Animal Feeding

RS 425:2009 Specification for Maize bran as livestock feed

RS 427:2009 EAS 75:2000 Dairy cattle feed supplements — Specificationand

RS 41: 2004 Unprocessed Whole Milk - Specification

Process Integration and Plant Supply

Whereas a “CODE OF HYGIENIC PRACTICE FOR MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS

CAC/RCP 57–2004.” standard specifies the hygienic requirements for milk and milk products; hygiene for locally processed milk and milk products still poses problems as dairies and milk product processing plants get milk from different suppliers. To remedy the situation, Milk Collection Centers around the country have been constructed by the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI) and supervised by Rwanda Animal Resources Development Authority (RARDA) to help farmers properly keep milk. Even though transport of milk still needs to be improved, some of the major dairies have got refrigerated trucks used in the supply of unprocessed milk.

Liquid Milk processingRBS has developed a number

of standards for Liquid Milk and calls the Public for using:

RS 42:2004 Pasteurized Liquid Milk – Specification

RS 41: 2004 Unprocessed Whole Milk - Specification

RS 43:2004 Fermented (Cultured) Milks- Specification

RS 44:2004 UHT Milk – Specification

Learn about Dairy Technology in Rwanda

In Rwanda, the dairy technology has seen remarkable progress. RBS in partnership with other stakeholders such as European Union, German Technical cooperation (GIZ) and Japanese International Cooperation Agency organize trainings for milk and milk products processors. Besides training, stakeholders also participate in meetings and workshops organized by MINAGRI, USAID-Land O’Lakes and other partners.

Several Cheese Processing Units are mainly located in the Western Province (20 Cheese

Processing Units) and few others are scattered in other parts of the Country: 2 in Nyanza District and 2 in Gasabo District (Masaka and Shyorongi). Milk and Milk Products Non Tariff Barriers

Non Tariff Barriers that are incurred by the Milk and Milk Products sector include insufficiency of staff and equipment quality control of milk and milk products, cross border sales of milk and milk products without quality control, trading of uncertified milk and milk products. RBS target stakeholders’ business improvement through availability of quality products and consumer protection. In an aim to respond to our internal business operators’ requirements through technical assistance, the Milk and Milk Products sector has been identified as a target sector to focus on since September 2010. From then on, stakeholders have been technically empowered and some of them are at the point requesting certification.

The milk Chain

Rwanda dairy industry at present:INDUSTRY NAME MILK PRODUCTINYANGE INDUSTRIES Pasteurized fresh milk, UHT Milk, YoghurtNYANZA DAIRY Fermented milk (sour milk), yoghurtEASTERN SAVANNAH Pasteurized fresh milk, Fermented milk

(sour milk) RUBILIZI DAIRY Pasteurized fresh milk, Fermented milk

(sour milk)MASAKA FARMS Yoghurt & Cheese

(Mozarella, Gouda, Montazio, Ricotta)


Prohibited goods are the goods that cannot be imported into Rwanda.

1. Hazardous wastes and their disposal as provided for under the Basel conventions.

2. Distilled beverages containing essential oils or chemical products, which are injurious to health, including thijone, star arise, benzoic aldehyde, salicylic esters, hyssop and absinthe. Provided that nothing in this paragraph contained shall apply to “Anise and Anisette” liqueurs containing not more than 0.1 per centum of oil of anise and distillates from either pimpinella anisum or the star arise allicium verum.

3. Crocidolite4. Tetraethyl Lead5. Tetramethyl Lead6. Polychlorinated Biephenyls (PCB)7. Plybrominated biphenyls (PBB)8. Polychlorinated Terphenyls (PCT)9. Mercury Compounds 10. Ethylene Dichloride11. Aldrin, Chlordane and Heptachlor12. HCH13. Hexachlorobenzene (ISO) and DDT (ISO)14. 1, 2-Dibromoethane (EDB)15. Dinitro-Ortho-Cresol (DNOC) and its salts

(such as Ammonium Salt, Potassium Salt and Sodium Salt)

16. Pentachlorophenol17. Dieldrin18. Endrine 19. Dinoseb, and its salts and esters20. Binapacryl21. Chlorobenzilate22. Chlorobenzilate23. 2,4,5-T24. Tris (2.3 dibromopropyl) Phosphate25. Parathion & Methyl - Parathion26. Fluoroacetamide27. Monocrolophs (certain formulations)

Monocrotophos28. Phospharmidon29. Chlordimeform30. Captafol & Methamidophos31. Narcotic drugs under international control.32. Cosmetics containing substances listed in EAS

377-2:2005 list of substances which must not form part of any cosmetic products

33. Cosmetics containing Hydroquinone34. Matches in the manufacture of which White

Phosphorous has been employed35. Mirex

36. Lindone37. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), whether or

not containing hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), perflurocarbons (PFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

38. Methyl Bromide 39. Containing oxirane (Ethylene Oxide)40. LDPE41. Polythene Bags42. Used tyres for Light Commercial Vehicles and

Passenger Cars.43. False Money and counterfeit currency notes

and coins and any money not being of the established standard in weight or fineness.

44. Pornographic materials in all kinds of media, indecent or obscene printed paintings, books, cards, lithographs or other engravings, and any other indecent or obscene articles.

45. Tiger Head Primary Batteries46. Prohibited Chemicals in the Convention de

Rotterdam47. Prohibited Ingredients by FDA48. Any article made without proper authority

with the Armorial Ensigns or Court of Arms of a partner state (in EAC) or having such Ensigns or Arms so closely resembling them as to be calculated to deceive.

RESTRICTED IMPORTSRestricted goods are those which must meet

certain conditions before clearance through Customs.

1. Ossein and bones treated with acid.2. Other bones and horn - cores, unworked

defatted, simply prepared (but not cut to shape) degelatinized, powder and waste of these products.

3. Ivory, elephant unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape.

4. Teeth, hippopotamus, unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape.

5. Horn, rhinoceros, unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape.

6. Other ivory unworked or simply prepared but cut to shape.

7. Ivory powder and waste.8. Tortoise shell, whalebone and whalebone

hair, horns, antlers, hooves, nail, claws and beaks, unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape, powder and waste of these products.

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED IMPORTS


9. Coral and similar materials, unworked or simply prepared but not otherwise worked shells of molasses, crustaceans or echinoderms and cattle-bone, unworked or simply prepared but not cut to shape powder and waste thereof.

10. Natural sponges of animal origin.11. Non-indigenous species of fish or egg of

progeny.12. Spent (irradiated) fuel elements (cartridges)

of nuclear reactors.13. Ozone Depleting Substances under the

Montreal Protocol (1987) and the Vienna Convention (1985).

14. Propellant powders.15. Prepared explosives, other than propellant

powders.16. Safety fuses; detonating fuses.17. Other igniters and electric detonators,

percussion or detonating caps.18. Very (light) flares and railway signals.19. Rain rockets and cartridges; distress and life-

saving rockets.20. Other pyrotechnic articles.21. Commercial casings (Second hand tyres).22. Unwrought precious stones 23. Unwrought precious metals24. Traps capable of killing or capturing any game

animal25. Nuclear reactors.26. Fuel elements (cartridges), non-irradiated,

for nuclear reactors.27. Parts of nuclear reactors.28. Postal franking machines29. Motor vehicles with left hand drive30. Tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles,

motorized, whether or not fitted with weapons, and parts of such vehicles.

31. Warships.32. Military weapons, other than revolvers,

pistols and arms of heading no.: 93.07 33. Revolvers and pistols, other than those of

heading No: 93.03 or 93.0434. Muzzle-loading firearms.35. Other arms ( for example, spring, air or gas

guns and pistols, truncheons), excluding those of heading 93.07

36. Parts of revolvers or pistols.37. Shotgun barrels.38. Other parts of shotguns or riffles.39. Other parts of firearms other than revolver,

pistol, shot guns or rifles. 40. Cartridges for riveting or similar tools or

for captive-bolt humane killers and parts thereof.

41. Shotgun cartridges.42. Parts of shotgun cartridges or air gun pellets

for sporting, hunting, or target shooting.43. Other cartridges and parts thereof.44. Bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines, missiles

& similar of war & parts thereof for sporting, hunting, or target shooting

45. Swords, cutlasses, bayonets, lances and similar arms and parts thereof and scabbards

and sheaths thereof.46. Worked ivory and articles of ivory.47. Bone, tortoise shell, horn, antlers, coral,

mother-of pearl and other animal carving material, and articles of these materials (including articles obtained by moulding).

48. Historical artefacts.49. Dustable Powder Formulations containing a

combination of :• Benomyl at or above 7% • Carbofurane at or above 10 % • Thiram at or above % 50. Used electronic equipments51. Genetically modified products.52. Endangered Species of World Flora and Fauna

and their products in accordance with CITES, March 1973 and amendments thereof.

PROHIBITED EXPORTS

All goods the exportation of which is prohibited under any written law for the time being in force in the EAC Partner States.

RESTRICTED EXPORTSAll goods the exportation of which is regulated

under any law for the time being in force in the EAC Partner States including:

1. Waste and scrap of ferrous cast iron.2. Timber from any wood grown in the Partner

States.3. Fresh Unprocessed Fish (Nile Perch and

Tilapia).4. Wood Charcoal.

TRANSPORT RESTRICTIONS

The following goods shall not be exported in vessels of less than two hundred and fifty tons register-

1. Warehoused Goods;2. Goods under Duty Drawback;3. Transshipped goods.

Rwanda Bureau of Standards informs the public that this list is not exhaustive and can be updated anytime.


PRODUCT QUANTITY REASON REMARKSAC Adaptors 20 Pieces Electronics waste Re-exported

Medicines 1 Carton+5 pieces (50 pieces of Doxycyclines

Banned by MINISANTE Pending for destruction

6 cartons with 50 pieces each of Sik 2/0 3 Metric

The remaining shelf life is not enough based on MINISANTE regulations

Hard disc 20 Pieces Electronic waste Re-exported

AC Adaptors 60 Pieces

Assorted medicines and medical materials

5 cartons Expired Destroyed

4 cartons Labeled in an unofficial language

Waiting for re-labeling

Empty bags 225 pieces Not allowed to be imported because they are fully labeled

Pending

Margarine “gold band”

15 cartons Very short shelf life (remaining days are 18)

Waiting for destruction

Maize Flour 253 Bags of 25 KGS each

No shelf life is written on bags

Re-exported

Single core electrical cables(1,5&2,5 mm2

310 Pieces (ROLLS)

Sub-standards cables(made in aluminum) coated

Waiting for re-export

Wheat Flour 400 Bags of 25 KGS each

Those bags were damaged by water due to rain

Re-exported

CPU 30 Units Electronic waste Re-exportedToothpaste (Colgate)

5 Cartons expired in December 2010

Re-exported

Computers 11 CPU & 2 Monitors

Used electronics considered as waste

Waiting for re-export

List of rejected goods from September to November 2010Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) is pleased to publish the list of rejected goods from September to

November 2010


On 9th December, 2010, Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS), under PTB sponsorship, hosted a Stakeholders’ workshop to discuss the draft East African Community (EAC) Metrology Bill. The workshop was held pursuant to the directive of the Sectoral Council on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment that met in July 2010. The workshop was attended by key officials from the EAC Secretariat, and a number of participants from the Rwandan Private and Public sectors.

When the Metrology Bill is enacted it will become the East African Community (EAC) Metrology Act, a law that will handle measurements activities in the region.

Stakeholders in each Partner State get engaged in the preparation or discussion of such important regional documents to ensure that the commitments and obligations agreed upon are to the satisfaction and do reflect the needs of each state. The stakeholder’s workshop therefore is an occasion to more exhaustively and comprehensively collect and incorporate the views from each

Partner State.The enactment of a regional

Metrology (Measurements) Law will see the EAC Partner States accrue a number of advantages:

A harmonized regional Metrology system that complies with international best practices will facilitate recognition of measurement results from each Partner State. This will enhance involvement in regional and international trade as it obviates the need for multiple testing for conformance assessment – quality tests carried out in the exporting country are accepted without re-testing in the importing country. Consequently there will be removal of Technical Barriers to Trade (TBTs) in line with WTO – TBT Agreement.

Mr. Peter Kiguta, the EAC Director of Customs and Trade, emphasized that Metrology issues are gaining prominence in trade both regionally and internationally. On the regional level he emphasized that development of Metrology legislation was vital in implementation of the Common Market Protocol. He further elaborated that a case in point

of a need to have common laws was to create uniform calibration and administration regimes of Weigh Bridges in the region to facilitate movement of goods across corridors.

The Metrology Act will also enhance the reliability of measurements used in trade, health and safety, environment and law enforcement in order to facilitate regional economic and social development, and consumer protection. This class of measurements falls under legal metrology and enforced as mandatory statutory requirements.

As a result, there will be increased consumer confidence and value for customer money. For instance, accurate fuel pump dispensers or weighing balances at retail shops guarantees real value for money to the customer.

With the current trend of globalization of markets, there is a need to build a measurements infrastructure that meets the global requirements. Traceability in measurements between the relatively less accurate and the highly accurate ones is to be emphasized.

RBS Hosted a National Consultative Meeting on the Draft EAC Metrology Bill


Quality Inspection for Food Commodities: Cereals and Pulses

Food Commodities imported, exported or processed within the Country must be of good quality, safe for human consumption and meet requirements stipulated by official laws, regulations and standards. They can be:• National Standards

specifications,• Regional Standards (East

African Community, COMESA…)

• International Standards (Codex Alimentarius Standards, ISO,... )

Relevance of food commodity standard specification?

A specification is a written description of a food commodity, and it includes the specific requirements that the producer, importer or exporter must follow and fulfill to meet the required and accepted quality and safety for a product to be delivered to the consumer.

The information contained in food commodity standard specification relate to quality, appearance and delivery of the product, conditions under which it is to be grown or produced, packed, stored and transported; explicit descriptions regarding some parameters like its size, weight, color and nutrient content; details for sampling and inspection processes as well as specific packaging and labeling requirements and sometimes the disposal of packaging material.

Specifications relating to cereals and pulses are to be easily understood simply by considering mere definitions. Cereals are,on the one hand, annual plants generally of the gramineous family, yielding grains used for food, feed, seed and industrial purposes,

e.g., ethanol. They exclude legumes, such as pulses, but include rice, canary seed, buckwheat and triticale. Codex has recommended that the denomination “cereal crops” be limited to crops harvested for dry grain only, excluding, therefore, crops harvested green for forage, silage, grazing, etc.; and, in the case of maize, harvested green, also for food. These include, for example, wheat,rice,maize,millets,sorghums,rye,oats,barley,fonio,teff,wild rice and spelt.

Pulses, on the other hand, are annual leguminous crops yielding grains or seeds used for food, feed and sowing purposes. The denomination “pulses” should be limited to crops harvested for dry grain only, excluding therefore crops harvested green for forage, used for grazing or as green manure, and also crops harvested green for food (green beans, green peas, etc.), which are considered vegetables. They also exclude those used mainly for extraction of oil, e.g., soybeans. Also excluded from this group should be those leguminous crops whose seeds are used exclusively for sowing purposes, such as alfalfa and clover.

For example: Beans, lentils, soybeans etc

The general quality of cereals and pulses is radically reflected by :

Color: Cereal grains and pulses are pigmented and range through the color spectrum from very light tan or almost white, to black. Where extractive milling is required, highly-pigmented varieties may give low yields of white flour.

Composition: For example: protein, carbohydrate, lipids and their breakdown products,

qualitatively influences product acceptability, by affecting texture and taste. Quality changes evolve slowly in stored grains and pulses. Some grain components, for example husk, are inedible and quantitatively influence product yield and gross nutrient available to the consumer.

Bulk Density: Each type or variety of grain when in optimum health, fully mature, etc. has a characteristic bulk density. This is defined as the weight per standard volume measured in a standard manner. The same characteristic is variously known as ‘test weight’, ‘bushel weight’ or ‘specific weight’. If the bulk density varies the trend is usually downwards and indicative of reduced overall quality of the grain. Hence it is often measured in the grain trade.

The following factors commonly affect bulk density:

insect infestation, excessive foreign matter and High percentage moisture

contentOdor, aroma: Most grain

types, when fresh, have a distinctive natural odor or aroma. This is generally accepted as an indicator of good quality, although some people prefer grain which smells ‘old’ or even fermented.

Size, shape: Rice, as a whole-grain food for example, is classified by size (length) and shape (length: breadth ratio). Other grains and pulses also have size considered in their standard specification.

Age: During the post-harvest phase, grains and pulses undergo complex biochemical changes termed ‘aging’. e.g: In rice changes to carbohydrate, lipids


and protein fractions result in firming of texture on cooking, and increased gas-retention capability in wheat flour.

Broken grain: Grain is marketed normally in whole grain form and is considered to be of inferior quality if broken. Breakage may occur from fissures as a result of excessive drying/weathering conditions in the field or during handling. Breakage reduces quality by reducing acceptability and by increasing susceptibility to infestation during storage. This affects milling yield by contributing to weight loss.

Chalky or immature grain: Empty grains result from sterility and pre-harvest infections and insect attack (pests or diseases). Chalkiness is caused by incompletely filled starchy endosperm which disrupts light transmission, causing opaque regions. In most cereals, chalky areas have lower mechanical strength on crush tests and may break during handling. The broken portion is more easily invaded by certain storage pests.

Foreign matter: Dilution of the prime product by foreign matter reduces the value, and also may affect handling and processing. Foreign matter may be sub classified as:

animal origin - insects and their products, rodent excrete, etc;

vegetable origin - straw, weeds, seeds, dust, micro-organisms/toxins;

Mineral origin - stones, mud, dust, glass, metals, oil products, pesticide residues.

Elements from all three subclasses may render the grains and pulses unfit for consumption.

The probable potential greatest threat to health is from micro-contamination with the bacterial products of poor sanitation, and with toxins and chemical pesticide residues.

Infested, infected grain or

pulsesGrain and pulse mass, and

therefore yield, is reduced by infestation (insect infestation). Contamination not only has direct food hygiene implications but also indirect ones, as invading micro-organisms may produce toxins under certain conditions which may lead to acute or chronic illness (microbial infection).

Mixed varieties: A mixture is an indication of poor pre- and post-harvest management and supervision, e.g. seed selection, lot segregation and treatment, contamination, etc. Grains differing in size and other characteristics affect processing potential. Preference for a particular variety may be influential nationally or regionally, mostly internationally-traded grain is recognized usually by grain type rather than by variety e.g. yellow or white maize though some exceptions do occur.

Moisture content: Moisture content (Mc) of grain plays a crucial role in post-harvest processing and is associated with most of the induced characteristics.’ Hot spots’ may occur at a site of increased respiration (caused by sprouting, infestation or microbial activity), and condensation may occur on cold grain or containers. Grains that contain a higher level of moisture deteriorate more quickly because the enzymes in the grain are still active and the moisture supports mould growth and insect damage during storage.

Preparation, Processing, Packaging, Transportation and Storage

Like other all food, cereals and pulses should be prepared, processed, packaged, transported and stored in such a manner that it complies with RS Codex Stan, 1.1969,Rev.4:2003 , Code of practice for hygiene in the food and drink

manufacturing industry and other relevant Standards.

Shelf life Shelf life specifies the period

of time which a product can be stored, under specified conditions, and remain in optimum condition and suitable for consumption.

A product’s shelf life or safe storage time of a product is affected by a number of variables, including intrinsic parameters, such as pH and moisture content, and extrinsic parameters, such as environmental factors.

Quality inspection:To evaluate quality of grains

and pulses, inspection is done by taking a sample from the batch. Most often the grain and pulses are delivered in sacks and a sample is taken from the sacks using a ‘Thief Sampler’. The sample is carefully examined for the following quality characteristics: • Correct type of grain and

pulses.• Presence/amount of

other seeds.• Presence/amount and

type of contaminants such as chaff, soil, dust, insects, rat hairs or excrete etc.

• Damaged grains (cracked grains or insect damage).

• Moisture content.• Colour of the grains/any

discolouration.• Maturity • Visible mould.• Presence of insects(flour

mites,wheevils etc)

Phyto-sanitary CertificateMany countries will require

imports to be accompanied by a phytosanitary

Certificate, which guarantees that the commodity is free of live insects, contains only a minimum of foreign matter and has chemical residues below specified limits. If these


conditions are not adhered to the consignment may be rejected or the exporters may be forced to fumigate the consignment at their own expense. It is essential, therefore, that commodities designated for export remain free from all contamination.

Oilseeds and Microbial Growth.

Common types include coconut, palm, sunflower, groundnut, mustard seeds, etc. A major risk to consumers can arise

from toxins that are produced by moulds that attack oilseeds in store. These are known as mycotoxins and are produced by micro-organisms to which the Aspergillus flavus species belong. Aflatoxin producing moulds can grow on oil seeds that have been inadequately dried or have absorbed moisture in storage. It is particularly associated with groundnuts although it has been detected in other products. Although chemical tests for aflatoxins are commonly

used, the equipment and skills required are beyond the capacity of most oil processors.

Fortunately the presence of aflatoxin producing moulds is usually evident due to the presence of stained, darkened and discolored seeds.

The Quality assurance of oil seeds is to make sure that inspected incoming raw material has been properly dried and shows no sign of mould growth, thus minimizing consumer hazard.

Standards specification of some cereals:

SNO COMMODITY STANDARD01 Rice(Milled Rice) RS 27:2004, Milled Rice-Specification. It specifies requirements,classificati

on,grading and Methods of test for Milled Rice02 Maize RS 25:2004, Maize Grains-Specification. Applies to maize (Corn) for

direct human consumption, i.e. ready for its intended use as human food, presented in packaged form or sold loose from the package to the consumer. It specifies requirements for whole shelled dent maize and/or shelled frint maize or their hybrids.

03 Sorghum RS24:2004,Sorghum Grains-Secification.Applies to sorghum bicolor(L)Moench,intended for direct human consumption,i.e ready for its intended use as human food,presented in packaged form or sold loose from the package directly to the consumer.

Standards specification of certain pulses:

SNO COMMODITY STANDARD01 Pulses CODEX STAN 171-1989 (Rev. 1-1995), CODEX STANDARD FOR CERTAIN

PULSES. It applies to the whole, shelled or split pulses defined below which are intended for direct human consumption. The Standard does not apply to pulses intended for factory grading and packaging, industrial processing, or to those pulses intended for use in the feeding of animals. It does not apply to fragmented pulses when sold as such, or to other legumes for which separate standards may be elaborated.

Insect pestsThe type of commodity will

determine which insect pests are likely to be present. Flour beetles

such as Tribolium castaneum, the red flour beetle, infest flour and grain products.

Pulses, beans, cowpea, gram, lentils etc. are attacked by a group of insects known as bruchids.

Some common tropical and sub-tropical storage insect pests of grain and grain products

Acanthoscelides obtectusbean beetle

Callosobruchus maculatusCowpea beetle

Sitophilus sp. weevils Trogoderma granariumKhapra beetle, larva and adult

Tribolium castaneumred flour beetle


Rwanda Hosted the 5th Regional Steering Committee Meeting of EAC/UNIDO/NORAD Project on Trade Capacity Building Project

The Trade Capacity Building Project for Agro-Industry Products for the Establishment and Proof of Compliance with International Market Requirements is a three year initiative funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development (NORAD). The program was launched in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania by the EAC Secretary General in December 2006. After Rwanda and Burundi joined the EAC in July 2007, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) was requested to extend its technical assistance to these two countries to integrate them in regional trade. The implementation of this project consequently was initiated in Rwanda and Burundi in November 2008.

The main objective of the project is to enhance the capacity of EAC Partner States as a whole to participate in international trade especially through:• Enhancing enterprises capacity to produce,

according to standards, regulations and international market requirements;

• Strengthening export oriented services normally related to conformity assessment (certification, testing and inspection);

• Enhancing the institutional capacity to implement the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) as well as S

• Harmonizing food safety framework and enhancing the protection of safety and health of consumers of traded foods.

The project is managed by UNIDO through EAC Secretariat which hosts the Regional Project Manager; a Regional Steering Committee (RSC) with member drawn from Partner States and National Steering Committees (NSCs) at the national level. The NSC is tasked to approve the Work Plans and to follow up on the implementation of the project. The Regional Steering Committee meets twice a year and its 4th meeting was hosted by the Republic of Burundi.

Rwanda hosted the next meeting from 28th to 29 October in Kigali. The main objective of the meeting was to discuss the achievements and constraints till present, and to review and approve national and regional workplans for the coming six months.

More specific again, the meeting aimed to discuss the progress of the project implementation at national and regional level. Besides this, participants shared and exchanged views about the current developments in the region and how they impact on the project deliverables with the aim to address issues that could affect project performance.

The Meeting also reviewed and approved the work plans for the next six months period basing on the developments and discussed the strategies to improve the Project performance.

All in all, the meeting was an opportunity for the Project Managers, the Chief Technical Advisor and Project Coordinators to meet and discuss the project administration, coordination and governance issues.

At the closure of the meeting, the members of Regional Steering Committee visited and hailed development realized in two companies among others that underwent Food Safety Management Certification Program based on ISO 22000 standard financed by this project. The two industries that were visited include Sina Gerard/Enterprise Urwibutso and Inyange Industries.


TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE THROUGH STANDARDS

Nowadays the world is affected by climate change and this situation calls for severe environmental protection measures. Global warming has occurred over the past century and has been increasing the average world temperature by 0.3 - 0.6°C. Increased concentrations of CO2 and other Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and their enhancement of the greenhouse effect have been measured and are not in dispute. The atmospheric concentration of CO2 has risen to 379 parts per million (ppm) in March 2004 from 280 ppm in pre-industrial times (1750).

Climate change refers to any significant change in measures of climate (such as temperature, precipitation, or wind) lasting for an extended period (decades or longer). Climate change may result from:• Natural factors, such

as changes in the sun’s intensity or slow changes in the Earth’s orbit around the sun;

• Natural processes within the climate system (e.g. changes in ocean circulation);

• Human activities that change the atmosphere’s composition (e.g. through burning fossil fuels) and the land surface (e.g. deforestation, reforestation, urbanization, desertification, etc.)

For example in Eastern Africa where Rwanda is located, due to more human activities in the world, desertification is causing problems in agricultural

production, human health and ecological imbalance. Thus, early warning to avoid those disasters like drought and desertification is paramount.

Some countries refer to the Kyoto Agreement and put in place and enforce the Environmental Policy. In this regard a number of measures aimed at biodiversity protection have been adopted. Environment degradation is more often caused by dry spell and heavy rains causing erosion and deforestation. Moreover, the reduction of biodiversity and ecosystem has caused disappearance of some species of animals, birds and vegetation. Unequal distribution of rainfall in this region had caused drought in some areas like in Bugesera District in South East of Rwanda, hence causing the enormous damage.

In countries like Kenya, southern Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda many animals are killed by poachers in natural forest which served as dwelling for a lot of animals like buffaloes, lions, zebras, and in the National Parks of Kenya, Tanzania, Akagera Parkin Rwanda and more deplorably Volcanoes Park the home of mountain gorillas.

This challenge of climate change also resulted into a deficit of water for some lakes and rivers like Nakuru lake in Western Kenya and Cyohoha North in Rwanda. This is the consequence.

In its groundbreaking report published in 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) cited Technical Standards, like those

published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as weapons of mitigating climate change now, while offering the potential to reduce its effects in the future as new technologies are being developed and mature.

A portfolio of adaptation and mitigation actions is required to reduce the risks of climate change. International standards are tools to address this challenge.

The three global organizations are coordinating their efforts to ensure that Governments, busineses and societies are provided with necessary tools to help combat global climate change and to support the reduction in Greenhouse gases emissions by increasing energy efficiency, while facilitating sustainable development.”

All economic sectors, each and every consumer, politician, al of us are concerned by acting with big or small actions to fight climate change. “The IEC, ISO and ITU offer a system of standardization whose output includes standards for the following aspects of the fight against climate change:

Monitoring and measurement of greenhouse gas emissions (e.g: ISO 14064,…)

Measuring the Carbon Footprint of networks and products (e.g: ISO 14067, ISO 14040,ISO 14044,…)

Designing and building energy efficient homes and workplaces (e.g: ISO 50001,…)

Benchmarking for good practices including environmental and energy efficiency labeling


Promoting good practice for environmental management and design, and for energy management (RS ISO 14001, ISO/TR 14062,…)

Disseminating innovative technologies that promise to help reduce the effects of climate change (e.g:ISO/TR 14047, ISO/TR 14049,…)

Fostering the introduction of new energy-efficient technologies and services (e.g: ISO/Guide 64, ISO 14020, 14021,…)

These International Standards from the IEC, ISO and ITU offer the world’s governments and industries the best possible benchmarks to be referenced in any policy making decisions or future climate treaties. In addition, the use of standards by industries could possibly reduce or eliminate the anthropogenic activities that change the atmosphere’s composition. The role of Rwanda Bureau of Standards and any other Standards developer or enforcement agency is to

encourage and assist industries in the effective implementation and continued use of standards developed and assure active participation in development of these international standards.

Important to note is that international standards can only be developed with input from experts in the field along with all interested Member States. Currently, International Standards on Carbon Footprint of products are being developed and Rwanda is represented to the Technical Commitee.

The recent trend worldwide is to develop standards incorporating the need to protect the environment, industrial efficiency and both consumer and industry satisfaction in that consumers are exultant for quality products while companies are pleased knowing that a satisfied customer is a loyal customer. Environmental agreements are also playing a role in standard setting.

The world is becoming more conscious of the effects that waste created by human activities are having on our environment. It is due to this consciousness that we are making conscious efforts to minimize the use of our exhaustible natural resources and the amount of stress upon Mother Earth by the waste we create, so that future generations can have a habitable Earth to call home.

Rwanda Bureau of Standards hereby encourages industry and consumer to use standards in their everyday lives; industry in the production of any goods, services or practices and consumers in using environmental labels for traceability and green purposes. We encourage consumers to go farther and inquire from their producers which standard was used in the production of their goods, services or practices.


The Role of Legal Metrology in National and International Trade

Metrology, a science of measurements, encompasses three main fields: Scientific Metrology, Industrial Metrology and Legal Metrology.

The first metrological field, Scientific Metrology, is that part of metrology which deals with problems common to all metrological questions irrespective of the quantity measured. It covers general theoretical and practical problems concerning units of measurement, including their realization and dissemination through scientific methods, the problems of errors and uncertainties in measurement and the problems of metrological properties of measuring instruments.

Secondly, Industrial Metrology deals with measurements in production and quality control. It covers calibration procedures, calibration intervals, control of measurement processes and

management of measuring instruments in industry to ensure that they are in a state of compliance with requirements for their intended use.

The third metrological field, subject of our aim, concerns Legal Metrology. It is that part of Metrology which is subject to legal/regulatory control. It is defined in the International Vocabulary of Legal Metrology as that part of Metrology relating to activities which result from statutory requirements and concern measurement, units of measurement, measuring instruments and methods of measurement which are performed by competent bodies.

The present trend of globalization of trade is the strongest thrust boosting the current importance of Metrology and its rapid development. However, it is also the most important challenge to Legal Metrology as far as trade agreements based on elimination

of Technical Barriers to Trade (TBTs) and mutual recognition agreements of conformity assessment is concerned. Legal Metrology is by its regulatory nature, particularly sensitive to the elimination of Technical Barriers to Trade. Government regulations are without exception real and potential technical barriers to trade, unless regionally and ultimately internationally harmonized. The harmonization of metrological requirements as well as of conformity assessment and verification procedures is therefore becoming most urgent and an important challenge to legal metrology.

Application of Legal MetrologyThe scope of Legal Metrology

depends on national regulations and may differ from country to country. In general, most countries have legislation to control trade measurements. A few countries also regulate


measurements in the following areas: public health and human safety (e.g. in the medical field and road safety) and environmental protection and pollution monitoring. Measurements are practically involved into all commercial transactions.

In ordinary commercial transactions, Legal Metrology ensures that during the sale of any commodity in loose form, the actual delivery to the purchaser is not less than the quantity contracted and paid for. In the case of prepackaged goods, the primary requirement is that the packages intended for retail sale should be marked with the correct statement of net quantity and the name of the packer in such style and form as to be readily seen by the purchaser. In addition, the packing of certain commodities may be in rationalized standard quantities to facilitate quantity and price comparison. For example, net content inspection of prepackages carried out by the RBS Legal Metrology Officers protects consumers who cannot verify the net quantity of contents. Legal Metrology therefore ensures fair trade practices and maintains a competitive marketplace. It also encourages manufacturers, distributors and retailers to follow good manufacturing and distribution practices.

Legal control on the measurements involving public health and human safety is equally important from the consumer protection viewpoint. For example, a clinical thermometer or a blood pressure instrument which is not properly verified may lead to wrong diagnosis and incorrect medication.

In addition, the field of environmental protection and pollution monitoring is heavily regulated and is one of the

most important measurement activities of modern Legal Metrology.

Relavance of Legal Metrology in Export Promotion

The importance of Legal Metrology in export promotion is reached by controlling prepackaged commodities and measuring instruments:

Control of prepackaged commodities: In recent decades, the off-take of prepackaged commodities has received considerable impetus because of the ease and convenience with which they can be transported and marketed. Weighing and measuring in the presence of the purchaser is now tending to be

gradually reduced and is expected to be limited to a few selected items in the near future. Requirements for the sale of prepackaged goods are part of national legislation in many countries and they usually provide for the following:

Labelling requirementsEvery package intended

for retail sale has to bear the following main information:

the identity of the product (common or generic name of the commodity contained in the

package);the name and place of

business of the manufacturer, packer, distributor, importer or retailer and;

the net quantity of the product.

The information has to be conspicuously, legibly and unambiguously displayed on the “principal display panel”, that is the part of the package or of its label which is likely to be shown or examined by the customer under normal conditions of sale. There is a minimum size of letters normally prescribed for the declaration of the net quantity established in relationship to either the area of the principal display panel. The way of declaring the net quantity, including the symbols for units and the number of decimal places to be used, is usually also regulated.

Standardization of pack sizes

To facilitate price comparison and to prevent unfair competition, many countries have provided for prescribed standard pack sizes for certain essential commodities. It can be argued that standardization of pack sizes serves no purpose if


the package has the necessary label giving information on the net quantity. This view could only be accepted if all consumers were alerted and good in mental arithmetic. Most people would find it much more difficult to compare packages of net quantity 500ml sold at 250 RwF with 560 ml packages sold at 300 RwF.

Control for prepackaged products

In order to ensure the accuracy of the net content of packages, i.e. the quantity of the commodity without the package material, the law may provide for the checking at any level of distribution including the point-of-pack, import, distribution and wholesale transactions, and sale (e.g. where prepackages are offered or exposed for sale or where they are sold).

Metrological control of measuring instruments

In a type or pattern approval scheme, one or more instruments of the same pattern are subjected to rigorous tests prescribed under the law. The objective of all such tests is to ensure that the instruments of the pattern concerned comply with the relevant statutory requirements and are suitable for use in the regulated area in such a way that they are expected to

provide reliable measurement results over a defined period of time and under varied conditions of use.

Initial verification: initial verification means the verification of a measuring instrument which has not been verified previously. Under the law, every such item to be used in regulated areas has to be verified and stamped before being released for use or even sold to the user. Generally, the accuracy requirements for initial verification are more stringent than those for subsequent verification or inspection.

Subsequent verification: subsequent verification means any verification of a measuring instrument after an initial verification.

Inspection or supervision: inspection or supervision is the control exercised in respect of the manufacture, import, installation, use, maintenance and repair of measuring instruments, performed in order to check whether the metrology law and regulations are properly complied with.

Legal Metrology Services offered by RBS

RBS, while emphasizing conformity assessment and

fair trade offers the following services:

Prepackaged commodities control: since end of the year 2009, RBS offers services of controlling prepackaged commodities where industries are visited and their product are tested to meet international requirements. This service will help to promote the export of Rwandan products and increase of consumer confidence.

Verification of measuring instruments (balances,..) to ensure that all equipment used are meeting international requirement for ensuring exact measures.

Carry out Inspections: this is done either while measuring instruments or pre-packaged commodities.

Sensitization: awareness sessions for Rwandan industrialist are conducted to help them understand the importance of measurements domestic, regional and global trade.

Measurements are essential to nearly all aspects of human activity ranging from production control, measurement of environmental quality, health and safety assessment, conformity assessment of products to consumer protection and fair trade assurance.


What do you reach for, when all you want is a healthy drink?

The important thing is getting the nutrition you need, and many of today’s offerings leave it out. Many “fruit drinks” reveal on their labels that they actually contain 10% or less real juice. The basic definitions are these: A “pure fruit juice” contains 100% fruit juice, a “nectar” contains between 99% - 20% fruit juice, and a “fruit drink” contains a minimum of 6% fruit juice. The labels do make a difference.

All-natural juices that are sold commercially are a good bet for obtaining vitamins and other important nutrients. Although they are pasteurized and bottled, it is the next best thing to make fresh-squeezed juice. But conscientious consumers may want to check the labels to avoid added sugars, concentrates and preservatives.

According to Martin Pamensky “A one-half to three-quarter cup of pure fruit juice is equivalent to a single fruit and its rich in natural fruit sugars, fructose and glucose, and above all caffeine-free. But getting pure fruit juice has become problematic because most drinks and nectars cramming retailers’ shelves contain less than half real fruit juice.” Also be wary of serving sizes, since many seemingly small bottles contain two to three servings.

Get Your VitaminsVitamins such as potassium, vitamin C, vitamin

A, folate, thiamin, iron, zinc, niacin, malic acid and other important necessary elements such as fiber and sugars are all present in fruits and fruit juices. Oranges, with the highest amount of vitamins of any fruit, pack the most punch. “Compared to other juices, orange juice is higher in protein, vitamin A, B-vitamins, vitamin C (it contains more than 10 times as much vitamin C as apple juice), calcium, iron and potassium, making it a heavyweight among fruit juices,” says Dr. William Scars of Askdrsears.com. “

However, juices are much lower in fiber than fruit with the skin intact, cautions dietician Lynn Grieger. “If your diet is low in fiber, choose

fresh fruit over juice,” Because natural sugars in juice do add calories, and may create a problem for diabetics and people on diets. According to Grieger, “If calories are your primary concern, choose fresh fruit over juice and quench your thirst with water.” Vegetable juice is lower in sugar than fruit juice.

A Fresh OptionIf you make your own juice shakes or blends,

you’ll know what went into them, and there’s no bottling or pasteurization process to remove the enzymes naturally found in raw foods. “The nutritional value of store-bought bottled juice is dramatically reduced because enzymes are destroyed in the processing needed to bring it to the shelf,” writes the Canadian Living Magazine. “The closer you can stay too fresh, the greater the vitamin and mineral content remain intact.”

Also, some alternative health practitioners argue that the water within fruits and vegetables is exceptionally pure, having been filtered through the plant. Some worry that the water added to juices made from concentrates may not be as healthful. Making your own juices can also provide an alternative to a humdrum breakfast. Additives can include protein powder, ginger and wheatgrass, an excellent source of energy and nutrients. Depending on the ingredients, fresh juices can be refrigerated and kept for up to 48 hours.

Chemical additives in fruit juice cause disorders

Convenient store beverages are loaded with artificial sweeteners and chemicals...

Is it healthy?Too many people are quick to trust that ‘all

natural’ or ‘pure and natural’ mean it is safe and good for you. Surprisingly not! When making the switch from conventional, chemical products to organic and natural products, just one rule of thumb can help you get started: If you can’t pronounce it, you shouldn’t eat it. Long words like monosodiumglutamate (MSG) are only one

All-Natural Choices avoid Synthetic Additives and Refined Sugar


more way to confuse you. Ingredients such as this are easily identified as chemicals, additives and preservatives, which means you should not put them in your body. Stick to what you can pronounce, and look for ingredients that you understand, such as flour, sugar and whole grains.

Confusion of fruit juiceSo many labels give instant information about

the health benefits, but are they true? Fruit juices are the single most confusing products because we assume that they are made from 100% fruit and can only be healthy. Turn the bottle around and look at the ingredients. First of all, if it’s not organic, it likely has high fructose corn syrup, which is NEVER healthy! This nasty little invention is known to stick to artery walls for long periods of time and eventually creates heart disease or worse. An overly processed sugar, it is the most popular sweetener in not only fruit juice but most other conventional products. When a beverage says ‘sugarless’, we assume it is healthier because it has no sugar, or in this case, corn syrup. Truthfully, it means it instead has artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame or saccharin, both proven to contain carcinogens, which are cancer causing chemicals.

Effects of chemical sweetenersBesides being extremely addictive, these

chemicals are not easily digested and have adverse effects on health. Because they are chemicals made by humans and not by nature, they are not accepted easily by your body. In children, the amount of chemical sweeteners put in these juices causes irritability, insomnia and confusion. They also are related to the diagnosis of attention

deficit disorder and hyperactivity. When children ingest these chemical sweeteners, which are found in almost ALL food fed to children, their bodies can’t process it and they don’t feel well, causing crankiness, hyperactivity and a pile of other issues that leave parents wondering if it’s time for a visit to the pediatrician. Eliminate the chemicals before you sentence your child to a label of hyperactivity. It’s likely not a condition, but a chemical that is causing such behavior.

What should you do?Besides being in control of what you put in

your body, you will also be ridding yourself of a bad habit. Spend your money wisely on a juice machine and organic, local fruits and vegetables to completely overhall your immune system and improve your health. You can make juice enough for the entire week and re-use old juice bottles by filling and keeping in the refrigerator. Talk about convenience- doing this not only eliminates a daily trip to the store but is cheaper and healthier. Not only will your children sleep better but they will be happier and healthier just by eliminating these three chemicals from their daily routine. Life is stressful enough without forcing your body to process cancer causing chemicals that were not meant to be eaten. Try eliminating these chemicals for one week, and enjoy the peace. Not only will your family be more well adjusted, more alert, have more brain activity, sleep better and function better, but your digestive system will begin to reverse the effects of the chemicals and live in peace as well.



FOR MARKET ACCESS AND FAIR TRADE

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