Weights and Measures Agency

The history of Weights and Measures is traced back since the early human civilisation. Measurement System is undoubtedly one of man’s greatest and most important inventions that cannot be left aside in the history of evolution of civilisation. Every human being on our planet is affected by measurements in one way or another. Imagine, from the moment we are born and throughout our daily lives, the act of weighing or measuring is an important and often vital part of our existence. Our bodies, the food we eat and all the products we use as an integral part of modern living have all been weighed and measured at some stage or another in their development. It is almost impossible to describe anything without referring to weights and measures. Therefore, weighing or measuring is natural and vital part of our everyday life.

Economies in the world depend on reliable measurements that are trusted and accepted internationally. This facilitates trade and reduces transaction costs.

The use of weights and measures in the country is believed to be introduced even before the First World War, during the German era. While the German introduced the Metric System of measurement, the British, introduced the Imperial System of measurement. The execution of weights and measures duties was done by Weights and Measures Inspectors under the control of the Commissioner of Police according to Cap.221 of the laws. It was the duty of Governor to procure the Imperial Weights and Measures Standards and to appoint and revoke the appointments of the Weights and Measures Inspectors.

In 1960, the Weights and Measures Ordinance, Cap.221 was repealed by enactment of the Weights and Measures Ordinance, Cap.426 of 1960 which placed the role of the Weights and Measures under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. According to the Weights and Measures Ordinance, Cap.426, authority to procure standards was still under the Governor although powers to appoint heads of Weights and Measures Bureau, which was then a unit in the department of Commerce in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, was vested in the Minister. It was from this time when the Weights and Measures Unit became known as “The National Bureau of Standards” in

the Ministry of Commerce and Industry until 1964 when it was put under the Ministry of Commerce and Co-operatives.

The Weights and Measures Unit was again moved to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 1967. In 1968, by the act of parliament No. 46 Tanzania along with the rest of East African community member states adopted the use of Metric System. In 1976, Weights and Measures Unit was placed under the Ministry of Trade until 1984, before being moved to the Ministry of Industry and Trade in 1985 until 2005.Thereafter as an Agency was transferred to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Marketing and then moved back to the Ministry of Industry and Trade in 2011 up to date.

The establishment of the Tanzania Bureau of Standards in 1975, made the name of the unit to be changed from “The National Bureau of Standards” to “The Weights and Measures Bureau”. In 1982, the Parliament enacted a law known as the “Weights and Measures Act No.20 of 1982”. The new law introduced the International System of Measurements repealing the Weights and Measures Ordinance of 1960. However, the Regulations made under the Ordinance were retained. The new Act vested the appointment of the head of the Weights and Measures, the Commissioner, with the President while the Minister appointed the Assistant Commissioners and Assizers. The Minister also procured copies of the National Standards. The National Standards remain the prototype copies of the International Standards of the kilogram and meter.

Throughout its history the Bureau has gone through numerous process of change to respond to a dynamic environment. In 2002 the Bureau was transformed into an Agency under the Executive Agency establishment order No. 194 in pursuance of the Executive Agency Act No. 30 of 1997. The move was part of the Public Sector Reform Programme (PSRP) which was aimed at improving effectiveness and efficiency of public service delivery.

The Weights and Measures Bureau became an Executive Agency and borne a new title the “Weights and Measures Agency" (WMA). The Agency performs its functions in pursuance of the Weights and Measures Act Cap.340 (R.E. 2002) together with its cognate Regulations.

In its activities, WMA strives to meet the state and public expectations in protecting consumers and providing a level playing field for business competition.

Our Service
Comprehensive verification and certification services to ensure accuracy and compliance.