FCC Commended for Strengthening the Fight Against Counterfeit Products

The Government has called for intensified efforts to combat counterfeit products in the country, saying such goods continue to endanger public health, undermine legitimate businesses, and negatively impact the national economy.

Speaking during the National Commemoration of World Anti-Counterfeiting Day in Dar es Salaam, Temeke District Commissioner Sixtus Mapunda, who represented the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, said the fight against counterfeit products cannot be left to a single institution.

"The effects of counterfeit products are enormous on society, the economy, and the health of our citizens. We need the collective efforts of everyone to eliminate counterfeit goods," Mapunda said.

This year's commemoration was held under the theme: "Protect Lives and Markets from Counterfeit Alcoholic Beverages, Lubricants, and Cigarettes."

Mapunda said the Government has directed the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) to continue adopting modern technologies in the investigation, monitoring, and control of counterfeit products, particularly in digital marketplaces and at the country's borders.

"The Commission should continue expanding the use of advanced technologies in investigations, surveillance, and enforcement to identify and close loopholes exploited by economic offenders," he said.

He also instructed the Commission to intensify public awareness campaigns on the dangers of counterfeit products while strengthening collaboration among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, the private sector, and the public.

Speaking at the event, FCC Commissioner Said Tunda said the Commission has achieved significant progress in promoting fair competition, protecting consumers, and combating counterfeit products across the country.

He noted that the FCC's new five-year Strategic Plan has elevated counterfeit product control into one of its key strategic priorities.

"The fight against counterfeit products has now been designated as a specific strategic objective, reflecting the seriousness of the challenge and the need to give it special attention," Tunda said.

Acting Director General Khadija Ngasongwa said this year's commemoration aims to raise public awareness about the dangers posed by counterfeit alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and lubricants, which continue to threaten consumers and the national economy.

"The fight against counterfeit products is everyone's responsibility. We need strong cooperation between the Government, the private sector, traders, and the public to ensure only safe products reach the market," Ngasongwa said.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Fair Competition Tribunal, Justice Rose Ibrahim, said counterfeit products continue to pose serious threats to public health while disrupting the legitimate business environment.

"Counterfeit products not only reduce government revenue but also endanger people's lives and discourage legitimate investment in the country," she said.

Justice Ibrahim urged the public to remain vigilant when purchasing goods and to report any suspected counterfeit products to the relevant authorities.

This year's event brought together stakeholders from government institutions, the private sector, security agencies, and the business community to discuss joint strategies for combating counterfeit products and safeguarding Tanzania's markets.