BUREAU OF STANDARDS BILL 2006 ON THE CARDS
	The Minister of Trade and Industry, Cooperatives and Marketing Mr. Mpho Malie on Thursday tabled the Bureau of Standards Bill 2006 for debate in the National Assembly. He proposed that the Bill be enacted as the law so as to control the quality of goods and protect consumers as well as trade in Lesotho. Mr. Malie said the enactment of law in this regard is long over due as Lesotho has been depending on the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) from time immemorial. Furthermore, he said when in operation the Act will prevent goods from other countries which to do not meet the required standards not to be used in Lesotho whilst also will rid the country of expired tin stuffs in supermarkets and stale food. He also stated that it would control faked goods 'fongkongs' which are being traded in the country. However he pointed out that the problem of 'imitations' and fake commodities is not facing Lesotho alone but is a worldwide challenge that is still to be overcome. The Minister said the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) states have their own Bureau of Standards but Lesotho and four other countries like Namibia and Swaziland have not yet established their own agencies. The debate continues.
	Source: LENA