The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has introduced new regulations aimed at sugar packers across the country.
Responding to concerns about sugar quality and the need for better monitoring, AFA has issued a directive requiring all sugar packers in the country to register.
Further, they have been directed to provide detailed information about their operations.
The move is expected to enhance traceability and monitoring of sugar quality at various retail shelves.
“Pursuant to the Provisions of the Crops Act No. 16 of 2013, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) intends to register all sugar packers for purposes of enhancing traceability and monitoring of sugar quality at the retail shelves,” the authority indicated in a statement.
Also Read: Govt to Stop Importation of Sugar From Select Countries
Registration Process for Sugar Packers
Beginning October 10, 2024, all sugar packers must submit an official application for registration.
The process involves filling out Form (9), officially known as the “Application for Registration of Sugar Repackaging.”
Further, the Authority noted that the form is available on the AFA website and is designed to collect crucial details from the sugar packers, including information about their packaging processes and quality control measures.
“All sugar packers are therefore required to provide their details by filling in Form (9) (Application for Registration of Sugar Repackaging) which is available on the AFA website and submit the same to AFA – Sugar Directorate with effect from October 10, 2024,” the statement added.
In addition, packers are required to submit their Trademark Registration Certificate, a Sample of the Brand, and a Certificate of Incorporation or Business name.
Also, a Valid Tax Compliance Certificate, an ID or Passport of Directors, Weight to be repackaged (Kgs or grams) and a KEBS approval and Compliance to other labelling requirements should accompany the form.
The new initiative by AFA seeks to bring order to the sugar industry, ensuring that consumers can trust the quality of the sugar they purchase.
Also Read: KRA Goes After Sugarcane Farmers in New Tax Laws After Avocado Uproar
Govt on importation of Sugar
On September 10, the Ministry of Agriculture announced that it would stop the importation of sugar from regions that are outside the East African Community (EAC) and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
Agriculture CS Andrew Karanja stated that the average annual consumption of table sugar in Kenya is approximately 950,000 metric tons, and the shortfall was met through imports from COMESA and EAC countries under existing trade protocols.
However. the imports are facilitated by sugar safeguards, which are set to expire in February 2025.
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