RSB Issues Warning to Traders Over Non-Compliance with Accurate Measurements in Trade Transactions

By Elias Hakizimana.

In response to recent incidents involving the distribution of fake and substandard weighing scales to food commodity traders across the country by fraudulent suppliers, Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) has issued a stern warning to traders who fail to adhere to the accurate measurements in trade transactions , particularly regarding the use of standardized weighing instruments in local markets.

The warning comes after reports from traders in markets such as Gisenyi market in Rubavu district, who have fallen victim to fraudulent suppliers supplying substandard weighing scales, disguising in the RSB brands.

Saidati Niyitegeka, a small fish vendor in Gisenyi market, shared her experience, expressing frustration over the expensive yet dysfunctional scales provided by these suppliers.

“We were encouraged to buy these weighing scales by people who were dressing in the RSB’s brands at Rwf 60,000, which is also expensive following our capital. Only in five months, the scales were not functioning,” Niyitegeka laments.

Afisa Nikuze, another trader, echoes similar sentiments, emphasizing the deceitful tactics used by suppliers who falsely represent themselves as RSB-approved Officials.

Shella Uwineza voices concern over the high cost of standardized weighing scales, which are essential but financially burdensome for many traders.

“We are being told to pay Rwf100,000 to get standardized weighing scales, which is not in the financial capacity of every trader in this market,” Uwineza points out.

Joselyne Muhawenimana highlights the challenges posed by fake weighing scales supplied to traders, emphasizing the financial strain of acquiring RSB-approved instruments.

The law No. 070/2019 of 10/01/2020, governing Metrology in Rwanda was established to ensure compliance with legal metrology requirements across all locally-made products.

This law enters into force alongside the Ministerial Order 002/MINICOM/2023 where RSB oversees metrological controls to ensure compliance with technical requirements for weighing instruments used in various trade activities.

Lionel Mafrebo, Director of the Legal Metrology Unit at RSB, clarifies that RSB does not engage in trade or supply of instruments.

He warns fraudulent suppliers against misusing the RSB brands and emphasizes the importance of traders verifying the authenticity of weighing instruments before purchase.

Mafrebo emphasizes that weighing scales used for trade purposes must undergo testing for standard requirements and receive the RSB mark to prove compliance with standard weights.

RSB continues to monitor compliance with standard and weighing requirements for inspected and marked scales in markets across Rwanda.

The continuous inspection of weighing scales at the markets will go along with special training for traders on the role of metrology to ensure compliance with accurate measurements in trade transactions.

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