The role of sanitary and phytosanitary standards in promoting non-traditional export for Tanzania

The export-led strategy adopted by Tanzania in the national trade policy is rational and probably the best option available for Tanzania to cope with the globalization tide. The strategy has worked successfully elsewhere, especially in the fast growing economies of South East Asia and in some countries of South America. However, the efficacy of the strategy in Tanzania faces many obstacles including: heavy dependence on few traditional agricultural commodities which, over the past decade have exhibited a secular declining trend in value and volume and a host of other behind-the-border supply constraints. Tanzania has made concerted efforts to diversify and broaden its export base by encouraging the export of non-traditional agricultural food products, the global demand of which has been observed to be growing. These initiatives are also being hampered by the stringent sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements of the export markets, especially in the high-income industrialized countries. Compliance with international standards, especially those relating to agricultural food safety and health is necessary for the strategy to work successfully. Analysis of data and information obtained from field studies and interviews has revealed that if they are effectively managed and proactive strategies put in place SPS can be used as a powerful vehicle for propelling exports of non-traditional agricultural products. Indeed, successful implementation of the SPS management system calla for sensitization of stakeholders and unreserved commitment of the government to support those institutions vested with the responsibility of managing the system and instituting the necessary policy changes ta support it.