Laws of Tanzania ActiveThe Meat Industry Act
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©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.521 CHAPTER 421 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION] Arrangement of Sections Section Title PART I PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS 1. Short title. 2. Application. 3. Interpretation. PART II ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ANNUAL COUNCIL 4. Establishment of Annual Council. 5. Composition of Annual Council. 6. Tenure of office, meetings and proceedings of Annual Council. 7. Functions of Annual Council. PART III ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TANZANIA MEAT BOARD 8. Establishment of Tanzania Meat Board. 9. Composition of Board. 10. Functions of Board. 11. Delegation of functions. 12. Tenure of office, meetings and proceedings of Board. 13. Seal of Board. 14. Staff of Board. 15. Establishment of zonal offices. 16. Appointment of inspectors and graders. 17. Indemnity for bona fide acts. PART IV PROVISIONS RELATING TO REGISTRATION 18. Appointment of Registrar. 19. Functions and duties of Registrar. 20. Registration. for bona fide acts. PART IV PROVISIONS RELATING TO REGISTRATION 18. Appointment of Registrar. 19. Functions and duties of Registrar. 20. Registration. ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.522 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] 21. Refusal to register. 22. Revocation of registration. 23. Validity of registration. 24. Certificate not to be transferable. 25. Replacement of lost or destroyed document. 26. Appeal. PART V FINANCIAL PROVISIONS 27. Establishment of Fund. 28. Functions of Fund. 29. Sources of Fund. 30. Management of Fund. 31. Remuneration of members of Board or Annual Council. 32. Proper accounting. 33. Auditing. 34. Investment. PART VI OFFENCES AND PENALTIES 35. Obstruction of officer. 36. General penalty. 37. Restriction on importation and exportation of meat and meat products. 38. Compounding of offences. PART VII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 39. Power of Minister to make regulations. 40. Minister may amend Schedules. 41. Exemptions. SCHEDULES of offences. PART VII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 39. Power of Minister to make regulations. 40. Minister may amend Schedules. 41. Exemptions. SCHEDULES ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.523 PART I PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS 1.–(1) This Act may be cited as the Meat Industry Act. (2) [Omitted.] 2.–(1) This Act shall apply to all meat and meat products. (2) Without prejudice to the provisions of subsection (1), this Act shall not apply to meat and meat products not intended for sale and those produced for consumption of the producer, members of the family or, his employees. (3) This Act shall apply to Mainland Tanzania. 3. In this Act, unless the context requires otherwise- “abattoir” means premises constructed for slaughter of livestock and processing into meat products; “animal” means cattle, sheep, goat, poultry, pig or non- conventional animal of any age; “Annual Council” means a Council established under section 4 of this Act; “Board” means the Tanzania Meat Board established under section 8 of this Act; “cattle” means a bull, cow, ox, steer, heifer, calf; Short title Application Act No. 1 of 2020 s. 35 Interpretation Act No. 1 of 2020 s. of this Act; “cattle” means a bull, cow, ox, steer, heifer, calf; Short title Application Act No. 1 of 2020 s. 35 Interpretation Act No. 1 of 2020 s. 36 CHAPTER 421 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT An Act to make provisions for the restructuring of the Meat Industry, to establish a proper basis for its efficient management, to ensure provision of high quality meat products and for matters related therewith. [1st May, 2007] [GN. No. 104 of 2007] Acts Nos. 10 of 2006 1 of 2020 9 of 2021 vision of high quality meat products and for matters related therewith. [1st May, 2007] [GN. No. 104 of 2007] Acts Nos. 10 of 2006 1 of 2020 9 of 2021 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.524 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. anzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.524 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] “Fund” means a Fund established under section 27 of this Act; “grader” means a person appointed to be a grader under section 16 of this Act; “inspector” means a person appointed, authorised or recognised as such under section 16 of this Act; “livestock” means cattle, sheep, goat, poultry, rabbit or pig; “meat” means the whole or part of the dressed carcass of any slaughtered livestock or non-convectional animal; “meat industry stakeholder” means a person involved in business or activity of commercial nature in areas of livestock production and trade, meat, trade, slaughtering of livestock, meat processing, livestock market, livestock market operation, livestock exportation and importation, meat or meat product importation or exportation, meat input supplier, livestock and meat based associations, meat input manufacturers, meat products marketing agents, butchery, abattoir owner or operator, slaughter man, and slaughter house owner or operator, meat festivals, competition and meat dealers, meat suppliers, meat technology teachings of private nature or matters associated thereto; “meat product” means any meat, edible offal taken from slaughtered livestock, or non-convectional animal, an article or substance intended for human consumption (other than a veal) that is derived wholly or substantially from slaughtered livestock; “Minister” means the Minister responsible for livestock development; “non-convectional animals” means animals other than livestock; “pig or swine” includes boar, sow or hog; “plant” means any abattoir, cold storage, canning plant, slaughter pole, bones meal factory, livestock produce store, tannery or meat processing plant; “processor” means any person, group of persons or company, carrying out the business of processing meat or meat products; ry or meat processing plant; “processor” means any person, group of persons or company, carrying out the business of processing meat or meat products; ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.525 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] “producer” means any person who keeps livestock for production of meat or meat products; “retailer” means any person or group of persons, who buy meat or meat products from a registered dealer for resale to consumers; “registered dealer” means a producer, processor, marketing agent, importer, exporter, meat inputs supplier or manufacturer registered under section 19 of this Act; “stakeholders” means individuals, organisations or institutions, private or public, interested in, concerned with, or involved in the development of the meat industry, whether directly or indirectly; and “slaughter animal” means animal slaughtered or intended to be slaughtered. PART II ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ANNUAL COUNCIL 4. There is hereby established a Council to be known as the Annual Council or in its acronym “AC”. htered. PART II ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ANNUAL COUNCIL 4. There is hereby established a Council to be known as the Annual Council or in its acronym “AC”. 5.–(1) The Annual Council shall consist of the Chairman and other members to be appointed by the Minister as follows: (a) one member from the Ministry responsible for livestock; (b) one member from the Ministry responsible for local government authorities; (c) one member from the Ministry responsible for co- operatives; (d) one member from each region representing registered meat industry stakeholder’s organisation; (e) one member from registered national livestock and meat traders’ organisation; (f) one member from registered National Meat processors organisation; (g) one member from the registered national meat consumers’ organisation; Establishment of Annual Council Composition of Annual Council Act No. 1 of 2020 s. 37 ember from the registered national meat consumers’ organisation; Establishment of Annual Council Composition of Annual Council Act No. 1 of 2020 s. 37 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.526 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] (h) one member from a public institution responsible for food quality control or food and nutrition; (i) one member from among universities majoring in agriculture; and (j) two members from Non-Government Organisations active in meat industry development. 6. Tenure of office, meetings and proceedings of the Annual Council shall be as provided for in the First Schedule to this Act. 7. The functions of the Annual Council shall be to- (a) promote the development of a sustainable meat industry in Tanzania; (b) receive and scrutinise various reports from the Board; (c) propose members of the Board for appointment by the Minister; (d) advise the Minister and the Board on issues relating to the meat industry and matters arising from the implementation and operation of this Act; and (e) carry out any other function as may be necessary for effective implementation of this Act. PART III ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TANZANIA MEAT BOARD 8. nd (e) carry out any other function as may be necessary for effective implementation of this Act. PART III ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TANZANIA MEAT BOARD 8. There is hereby established a Board to be known as the Tanzania Meat Board, or in its acronym TMB. 9.–(1) The Board shall be composed of the Chairman and other members appointed by the Minister as follows: (a) one member representing the Ministry responsible for livestock; (b) one member representing the Ministry responsible for local government authorities; Tenure of office, meetings and proceedings of Annual Council Functions of Annual Council Establishment of Tanzania Meat Board Composition of Board Act No. 1 of 2020 s. 38 etings and proceedings of Annual Council Functions of Annual Council Establishment of Tanzania Meat Board Composition of Board Act No. 1 of 2020 s. 38 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.527 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] (c) one member representing the institution responsible for food quality control; (d) one member representing institutions for meat industry research and development; (e) one member with background of agricultural economics; and (f) three members from private sector. (2) In appointing members of the Board under subsection (1), the Minister shall have due regard to gender but in any case, at least two members shall be female. 10. ing members of the Board under subsection (1), the Minister shall have due regard to gender but in any case, at least two members shall be female. 10. Functions of the Board shall be to- (a) advise the Minister on policies and strategies for promotion, development and production of meat animals, meat and meat products; (b) supervise and promote livestock groups and associations in the meat sub-sector which shall be used as a platform in the implementation of the function of the Meat Board; (c) ensure stakeholders’ compliance with national or international meat and meat products standards in collaboration with other quality control institutions; (d) collect, process, and disseminate information for the purpose of assisting production, investment, processing, product development and marketing; (e) perform regulatory activities in meat industry in accordance with the provisions of this Act; (f) search and develop markets in collaboration with the Ministry responsible for trade and marketing; (g) conduct market research; (h) develop, implement and monitor strategies and plans designed to achieve and maintain self sufficiency and efficiency in meat production, processing and marketing; (i) ensure availability of appropriate technology for the industry; Functions of Board cy and efficiency in meat production, processing and marketing; (i) ensure availability of appropriate technology for the industry; Functions of Board ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.528 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. anzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.528 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] (j) create and promote a competitive environment conducive to fair play among stakeholders in the meat industry; (k) monitor the execution of contracts and marketing arrangements between meat producers and processors or bodies related to meat sub-sector and reconcile the parties, when disputes arise; (l) promote and co-ordinate the development of small, medium and large scale livestock producers, traders and meat processors; (m) promote the training and improvement of skills in technological advancement in the meat industry; (n) promote advocacy on meat industry; (o) represent stakeholders in international fora relating to promotion and management of the meat industry; (p) register producers, processors and other dealers of meat and meat products for the purpose of their identification and involvement in promotion of the meat industry; (q) liaise or collaborate with any institution or organisation established under any other written law which deals with matters related to production, processing or marketing of livestock, meat or meat products for the purpose of promotion of the meat industry; (r) organise meat shows and participation of stakeholders in such shows within and outside the country; (s) be the agent of development for the entire meat industry; (t) identify and trace livestock, meat and meat products for matters related to good agricultural practices; (u) act as an arbitrator in any conflict between and within different categories of meat industry stakeholders; (v) act as Secretariat to Annual Council Meeting; and (w) do any other functions as may be directed by the Minister. es of meat industry stakeholders; (v) act as Secretariat to Annual Council Meeting; and (w) do any other functions as may be directed by the Minister. ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.529 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] 11.–(1) The Board may, upon recommendation by the Registrar and after consultation with the Minister, delegate some of its functions to a local government authority. (2) The functions delegated under subsection (1) shall be performed under the supervision of the Registrar. [s. 10A] 12. Tenure of office, meetings and proceedings of the Board shall be as provided for in the Second Schedule to this Act. [s. 11] 13.–(1) There shall be a seal of the Board to be under the custodian of the Registrar. (2) The seal of the Board shall not be affixed to any instrument except in the presence of the Chairman or the Registrar. [s. 12] 14. The Board may, on such terms and conditions, after approval of the Annual Council, employ such number of staff to hold appropriate offices under the supervision of the Registrar. [s. conditions, after approval of the Annual Council, employ such number of staff to hold appropriate offices under the supervision of the Registrar. [s. 13] 15.–(1) The Board may, upon recommendation by the Registrar and after consultation with the Minister, establish zonal offices as it may deem necessary for better carrying out and implementation of the functions of the Board. (2) The zonal officer in-charge shall be appointed from amongst livestock or food science professionals with proven experience in the meat industry. [s. 13A] 16.–(1) The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, appoint meat industry inspectors, meat graders and livestock graders from amongst livestock or food science professionals in the public service who shall perform functions within specified areas. Delegation of functions Act No. 9 of 2021 s. 30 Tenure of office, meetings and proceedings of Board Seal of Board Staff of Board Establishment of zonal offices Act No. 9 of 2021 s. 31 Appointment of inspectors and graders Act No. 9 of 2021 s. 31 oard Seal of Board Staff of Board Establishment of zonal offices Act No. 9 of 2021 s. 31 Appointment of inspectors and graders Act No. 9 of 2021 s. 31 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.530 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] (2) The tenure, powers, duties and functions of meat industry inspectors, meat graders and livestock graders shall be prescribed in the regulations. (3) Without prejudice to subsection (1), any person employed by the Board as a livestock or food science professional shall be deemed to be a meat industry inspector from the date of employment. [s. 13B] 17. A matter or thing done by any designated official or member or officer of the Annual Council or Board shall not where done bona fide in the execution or purported execution of the functions of the Annual Council or Board, as the case may be, render such member or officer personally liable for such matter or thing. [s. 14] PART IV PROVISIONS RELATING TO REGISTRATION 18.–(1) The Minister shall, after consultation with the Board, appoint from amongst livestock professionals in the public service, the Registrar. TION 18.–(1) The Minister shall, after consultation with the Board, appoint from amongst livestock professionals in the public service, the Registrar. (2) The Registrar appointed under subsection (1) shall be the- (a) Chief Executive Officer of the Board and shall be responsible for the day to day operation of the Board; (b) Secretary to the Board and Annual Council; and (c) head of the Secretariat of the Board. [s. 15] 19.–(1) The Registrar shall have and perform all duties assigned to him by the Board. (2) The Registrar shall in particular be- (a) responsible for the management of funds, property and business of the Board; Indemnity for bona fide acts Appointment of Registrar Functions and duties of Registrar Act No. 9 of 2021 s. 32 s, property and business of the Board; Indemnity for bona fide acts Appointment of Registrar Functions and duties of Registrar Act No. 9 of 2021 s. 32 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.531 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] (b) responsible for the administration, organisation and control of staff of the Board; (c) responsible for keeping the Board and Annual Council informed on the progress of the business of the Board; (d) taking minutes of meetings and keeping records of activities of the Board and Annual Council; and (e) perform any other function as may be directed by the Board. (3) The Registrar shall hold office for such period and upon such terms and conditions as the Minister may determine. as may be directed by the Board. (3) The Registrar shall hold office for such period and upon such terms and conditions as the Minister may determine. (4) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Registrar shall- (a) keep and maintain a register of- (i) livestock or meat producers; (ii) livestock and meat traders; (iii) livestock markets; (iv) associations of dealers in the meat industry; and (v) other meat industry stakeholders; (b) liaise with other government institutions to obtain and keep a register of- (i) meat and meat processors; (ii) meat and meat products distributors; (iii) meat and meat products importers or exporters; (iv) retailers; (v) meat input suppliers, manufactures and importers; (vi) meat and meat products marketing agents; and (vii) abattoirs; (c) publish periodically a register of persons under paragraph (a) and (b); and (d) issue certificates of registration in accordance with the provisions of this Part. [s. 16] 20.–(1) A person shall not carry on the business of a livestock producer, trader or livestock market operator without being a holder of a valid registration certificate issued by the Board under this Act. Registration Act No. 9 of 2021 s. 33 ck market operator without being a holder of a valid registration certificate issued by the Board under this Act. Registration Act No. 9 of 2021 s. 33 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.532 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] (2) The Board may, on application by any person, register such person as a meat industry stakeholder after complying with the conditions prescribed in the regulations. (3) A person registered by the Board in accordance with the provisions of subsection (2) shall be issued with a registration certificate in the form prescribed in the regulations. [s. 17] 21. The Board may refuse to register an applicant under section 17 where the applicant does not meet the prescribed conditions. [s. 18] 22.–(1) The Board may, where the registered person fails to comply with the terms and condition of the registration, revoke or suspend the registration. (2) The revocation or suspension may be in addition to any other penalty to which the registered person may be liable under this Act. [s. 19] 23. A registration issued under this Act shall be valid for one year and shall be renewable on payment of the prescribed fee. [s. 20] 24. The certificate issued under this Act shall not be transferable. [s. for one year and shall be renewable on payment of the prescribed fee. [s. 20] 24. The certificate issued under this Act shall not be transferable. [s. 21] 25.–(1) Where the registration certificate, or any other document issued under this Act is lost or destroyed, the holder of such document, may apply to the Board in that regard. (2) The Board shall, after being satisfied with proof of loss or destruction from the applicant and on payment of the prescribed fee, issue a duplicate certificate, or document. (3) The duplicate copy of the certificate or document issued under this section shall be effective as the original. [s. 22] Refusal to register Revocation of registration Validity of registration Certificate not to be transferable Replacement of lost or destroyed document ] Refusal to register Revocation of registration Validity of registration Certificate not to be transferable Replacement of lost or destroyed document ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.533 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] 26.–(1) A person who is aggrieved by decision of the Board may, within thirty days from the date of the decision of the Board, appeal to the Minister. (2) An appeal may be lodged to the Minister in respect of any refusal of the Board to issue or renew registration provided under this Act or against the revocation or suspension of persons subject to this Act and the Minister’s decision shall be final. (3) The Minister may, for any good reason, extend the time for the lodging of an appeal. (4) In determining an appeal under this section, the Minister may- (a) dismiss the appeal; (b) affirm the decision of the Board; (c) require the Board to issue a registration certificate; (d) quash any revocation or suspension or substitute suspension for any revocation; or (e) order a person to make a fresh application for registration. (5) Where the Minister gives any direction to the Board under this section, the Board shall give effect to any such direction given by the Minister. [s. ) Where the Minister gives any direction to the Board under this section, the Board shall give effect to any such direction given by the Minister. [s. 23] PART V FINANCIAL PROVISIONS 27.–(1) There is hereby established a Fund to be known as the Meat Industry Development Fund into which all monies received by the Board shall be paid into and out of which all payments required to be made by it shall be made. (2) The Board shall manage the Fund. [s. 24] 28. The functions of the Fund shall be to- (a) finance the activities of the Board and Annual Council; Appeal Establishment of Fund Functions of Fund 28. The functions of the Fund shall be to- (a) finance the activities of the Board and Annual Council; Appeal Establishment of Fund Functions of Fund ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.534 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] (b) support various meat development activities including extension service, research, breeding, market research, training, information, development and promotion of meat and meat products consumption as well as export; and (c) cover the costs of any other activities as may be required in the furtherance of the objectives of this Act. [s. 25] 29. The sources of the Fund shall be- (a) such sum of money as may be appropriated by Parliament for purposes of this Act; (b) all fees and other charges payable under this Act; (c) such donations, grants and bequeaths as the Board may receive from stakeholders or organisations; (d) income derived from investments; (e) proceeds derived from sale of assets; and (f) such sums of money or property which may become payable to or vested in the Board under this Act or any other written law or in respect of any matter incidental to the carrying out of its functions. [s. 26] 30. The fund shall be managed in accordance with sound financial accounting procedures. [s. 27] 31. ntal to the carrying out of its functions. [s. 26] 30. The fund shall be managed in accordance with sound financial accounting procedures. [s. 27] 31. A member of the Board or Annual Council shall be entitled to such remuneration or allowances for expenses as the Minister may, upon recommendations of the Board, prescribe. [s. 28] 32.–(1) The Board shall prepare accounts and records of its transactions and affairs, and shall ensure that all monies received are properly accounted for, and all payments are properly authorised and correctly made and that adequate Sources of Fund Management of Fund Remuneration of members of Board or Annual Council Proper accounting uthorised and correctly made and that adequate Sources of Fund Management of Fund Remuneration of members of Board or Annual Council Proper accounting ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.535 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] control is maintained over its property and the incurring liabilities. (2) The Registrar shall, within three months after the end of each financial year, submit to the Board an annual report in respect of that year containing- (a) audited accounts; (b) general information relating to the activities and operation of the Board and the meat industry during the preceding financial year; and (c) other information as the Board may, prior to the completion of the annual report or any supplementary to the report, request in writing. (3) The Board shall thereafter table the annual report to the Annual Council. [s. 29] 33.–(1) The accounts of the Board shall be audited within ninety days every end of financial year by any qualified firm of auditors appointed by the Board and approved by the Controller and Auditor-General. (2) The firm of auditors appointed under subsection (1) of this section, shall audit the accounts of the Board within a month after the receipt of the accounts and present its opinion to the Board. tion (1) of this section, shall audit the accounts of the Board within a month after the receipt of the accounts and present its opinion to the Board. (3) The Chairman of the Board shall cause copies of each annual report together with a copy of opinion of the auditors or firm of auditors to be laid before the Annual Council, within three months after receipt. (4) The Board may order any audit in addition to the one prescribed under subsection (1) of this section. (5) As soon as the accounts of the Board have been audited and in any case not later than four months after the close of the financial year, the Board shall submit to the Minister a copy of the statements of accounts together with a copy of the report made by the Auditor on the statements of accounts. [s. 30] Auditing e Minister a copy of the statements of accounts together with a copy of the report made by the Auditor on the statements of accounts. [s. 30] Auditing ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.536 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] 34. The Board may, where it sees fit, invest any monies not required for immediate use. [s. 31] PART VI OFFENCES AND PENALTIES 35. A person who, directly or indirectly, impedes or obstructs any officer or a member of the Board in performance of his duties under this Act, commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine of not less than fifty thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both. [s. 32] 36.–(1) A person who contravenes any provision of this Act or subsidiary legislation made under this Act where no specific penalty has been provided, on conviction shall be liable to a fine of not less than one hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both. onviction shall be liable to a fine of not less than one hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both. (2) Where an offence under this Act or subsidiary legislation is a subsequent offence, and to which no penalty is provided in respect of the continuance thereof, the person who commits that offence, shall in addition to any other penalty, be liable to a fine of not less than one million shillings or to imprisonment to a term of not less than twelve months or to both. [s. 33] 37.–(1) A person who imports into Mainland Tanzania any meat or meat product without obtaining an import clearance certificate, permit or approval from the Board, commits an offence, and on conviction shall be liable to a fine of not less than five million shillings but not exceeding fifty million shillings or to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years or to both. Investment Obstruction of officer General penalty Act No. 1 of 2020 s. 39 Restriction on importation and exportation of meat and meat products Acts Nos. 1 of 2020 s. 40 9 of 2021 s. 34 General penalty Act No. 1 of 2020 s. 39 Restriction on importation and exportation of meat and meat products Acts Nos. 1 of 2020 s. 40 9 of 2021 s. 34 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.537 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] (2) A person who exports or attempts to export any meat or meat product without authorisation from the Board commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine of not less than one million shillings but not exceeding five million shillings or to imprisonment for a term of not less than six months or to both. (3) A person who provides false or misleading information to the Board with regard to quantity or value of meat or meat product for export, commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine of not less than one million shillings but not exceeding three million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not less than six months but not exceeding twelve months or to both. [s. lings but not exceeding three million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not less than six months but not exceeding twelve months or to both. [s. 33A] 38.–(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act relating to penalties, where a person admits in writing that he has committed an offence under this Act or any other sector legislation, the Registrar or a person authorised by him in writing may, at any time prior to the commencement of the proceedings by a court of competent jurisdiction, compound such offence and order such person to pay a sum of money not exceeding one half of the amount of the fine to which such person would otherwise have been liable to pay where he had been convicted of such offence. (2) Where the person fails to comply with the compounding order issued under this section within the prescribed period, the Registrar or a person authorised by him may, in addition to the sum ordered, require the person to pay an interest at the rate prescribed in the regulations. (3) Where the person fails to comply with subsection (2), the Registrar may enforce the compounding order and interest accrued thereof in the same manner as a decree of a court. (4) The Registrar shall submit quarterly reports of all compounded offences under this section to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Compounding of offences Act No. r shall submit quarterly reports of all compounded offences under this section to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Compounding of offences Act No. 1 of 2020 s. 40 1 of 2020 s. 40 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.538 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] (5) The forms and manner of compounding of offences shall be as prescribed in the regulations made under this Act. [s. 33B] PART VII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 39. ms and manner of compounding of offences shall be as prescribed in the regulations made under this Act. [s. 33B] PART VII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 39. The Minister may, upon advice of the Board, make regulations- (a) prescribing forms required in the implementation of this Act; (b) providing methods for establishing the livestock grading systems; (c) providing requirements for grading of meat; (d) prescribing carcass description systems; (e) prescribing requirements for location, design and construction of livestock markets; (f) prescribing conditions for issuance, suspension or revocation of registration certificates under this Act; (g) prescribing requirements for good meat animal husbandry practices for farming systems; (h) prescribing procedures for application for registration; (i) prescribing various fees to be payable under this Act; (j) prescribing the manner and mode of accessing monies from the Fund; (k) prescribing identification and traceability system for livestock in Tanzania; (l) providing for the inspection of ranches, livestock markets and butchers; (m) prescribing duties of inspectors and graders; and (n) prescribing anything which may be prescribed under this Act, or which may be required for better carrying into effect of the provisions of this Act. [s. 34] Power of Minister to make regulations under this Act, or which may be required for better carrying into effect of the provisions of this Act. [s. 34] Power of Minister to make regulations ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.539 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] 40. The Minister may amend any of the Schedules to this Act. [s. 35] 41. The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, exempt any person or class of persons from all or any provisions of this Act. [s. 36] FIRST SCHEDULE (Made under section 6) TENURE OF OFFICE, MEETINGS AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE ANNUAL COUNCIL 1. The members shall elect one amongst their number to be Vice- Chairman of the Annual Council. 2.–(1) The members of the Annual Council shall hold office for a period of three years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for a further period of three years. (2) A member of the Annual Council may at any time resign by giving notice in writing addressed to the Minister, and from the date specified in the notice or, where no date is so specified, from the date of the receipt of the notice by the Minister, he shall cease to be a member. (3) In the case of a member who is a member by virtue of his holding some other office, he shall cease to be a member upon his ceasing to hold that office. 3. he case of a member who is a member by virtue of his holding some other office, he shall cease to be a member upon his ceasing to hold that office. 3. Where a member of the Annual Council who is a member by virtue of his holding some other office is unable for any reason to attend any meeting of the Annual Council another person from his organisation may attend the meeting in his place. 4. Where any member ceases to be a member for any reason before the expiration of his term of office, the appointing authority may appoint another person in his place and the person so appointed shall hold office for the remainder of the term of office of his predecessor. 5.–(1) The Annual Council shall ordinarily meet once every year for the transaction of its business at the times and the places determined by it. (2) The Chairman, or in his absence, the Vice-Chairman, shall preside at every meeting of the Annual Council and in the absence of both the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman, the members present shall appoint one of their number to preside over the meeting. Minister may amend Schedules Exemptions Vice-Chairman Tenure of office of members Proxy representation Casual vacancy Meeting of Annual Council eting. Minister may amend Schedules Exemptions Vice-Chairman Tenure of office of members Proxy representation Casual vacancy Meeting of Annual Council ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.540 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] (3) The Chairman or in his absence the Vice-Chairman, may at any time call a special meeting of the Annual Council and shall call a special meeting upon a written request by two thirds of the members in office. (4) The Chairman, or in his absence, the Vice-Chairman, may invite any person who is not a member to participate in the deliberations at any meeting of the Annual Council, but any person so invited shall not be entitled to vote. 6. The quorum at any meeting of the Annual Council shall be half of the members in office. 7.–(1) Matters proposed at a meeting of the Annual Council shall be decided by majority of votes of the members present and voting and in the event of equality of votes the person presiding shall have a second or casting vote in addition to his original or deliberative vote. oting and in the event of equality of votes the person presiding shall have a second or casting vote in addition to his original or deliberative vote. (2) A decision may be made by the Annual Council without a meeting by circulation of the relevant papers amongst the members and the expression of the views of the majority of the members in writing shall be honoured but any member may require that the decision be deferred and the subject matter be considered at a meeting of the Annual Council. 8.–(1) The Annual Council shall cause to be recorded and kept minutes of all business conducted or transacted at its meetings, and the minutes of each meeting of the Annual Council shall be read and confirmed, or amended and confirmed, at the next meeting of the Annual Council and signed by the person presiding at the meeting. (2) Any minutes purporting to be signed by the person presiding at a meeting and Secretary of the Annual Council shall, in the absence of proof of error, be deemed to be a correct record of the meeting whose minutes they purport to be. 9. The validity of any act or proceedings of the Annual Council shall not be affected by the vacancy among its members or by any defect proceedings in the appointment of any of them. 10. dings of the Annual Council shall not be affected by the vacancy among its members or by any defect proceedings in the appointment of any of them. 10. All orders, directions, notices or other documents made or issued on behalf of the Annual Council shall be signed by- (a) the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Annual Council; and (b) the Secretary. 11. Any documents purporting to be under the hand of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman or Secretary as to any resolution of Annual Council or as having been issued on behalf of the Annual Council, shall be receivable in all courts or tribunals or other bodies authorised to receive evidence and shall, unless the contrary is shown, be deemed, without further proof, to be sufficient evidence of what is contained in the document. Quorum Decision of Council Minutes of meeting Vacancies not to invalidate proceedings Orders, directions etc., of Annual Council to be signed Proof of documents ision of Council Minutes of meeting Vacancies not to invalidate proceedings Orders, directions etc., of Annual Council to be signed Proof of documents ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.541 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] 12. Subject to the provisions of this Schedule, the Annual Council may regulate its own proceedings. SECOND SCHEDULE (Made under section 12) TENURE OF OFFICE, MEETINGS AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD 1. The members shall elect one amongst their number to be Vice- Chairman of the Board. 2.–(1) The members of the Board shall hold office for a period of three years and shall be eligible for re-appointment for a further period of three years. (2) A member of the Board may at any time resign by giving notice in writing addressed to the Minister, and from the date specified in the notice or, where no date is so specified, from the date of the receipt of the notice by the Minister, he shall cease to be a member. (3) In the case of a member who is a member by virtue of his holding some other office, he shall cease to be a member upon his ceasing to hold that office. 3. he case of a member who is a member by virtue of his holding some other office, he shall cease to be a member upon his ceasing to hold that office. 3. Where a member of the Board who is a member by virtue of his holding some other office is unable for any reason to attend any meeting of the Board, he may nominate another person from his organisation to attend the meeting in his place. 4. Where any member ceases to be a member for any reason before the expiration of his term of office, the appointing authority may appoint another person in his place and the person so appointed shall hold office for the remainder of the term of office of his predecessor. 5.–(1) The Board shall have ordinarily meet for the transaction of its business at the times and at the places determined by it, but shall meet at least once in every three months. (2) The Chairman, or in his absence the Vice-Chairman, shall preside at every meeting of the Board and in the absence of both, the members present shall appoint one of their number to preside over the meeting. (3) The Chairman, or in his absence the Vice-Chairman, may at any time call a special meeting of the Board and shall call a special meeting upon a written request by two thirds of the members in office. n, may at any time call a special meeting of the Board and shall call a special meeting upon a written request by two thirds of the members in office. (4) The Chairman or in his absence the Vice-Chairman, may invite any person who is not a member to participate in the deliberations at any meeting of the Board, but any person so invited shall not be entitled to vote. Annual Council may regulate its own proceedings Vice-Chairman Tenure of office of members Proxy representation Casual vacancy Meetings of Board vote. Annual Council may regulate its own proceedings Vice-Chairman Tenure of office of members Proxy representation Casual vacancy Meetings of Board ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.542 THE MEAT INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 421 R.E. 2023] 6. The Quorum at any meeting of the Board shall be half of the members in office. 7.–(1) Matters proposed at a meeting of the Board shall be decided by a majority of the votes of the members present and voting, and in the event of inequality of votes the person presiding shall have a second or casting vote in addition to his original or deliberative vote. (2) A decision may be made by the Board without a meeting by circulation of the relevant papers amongst the members and the expression of the views of the majority of the members in writing be honored but any member may require that the decision be deferred and the subject matter be considered at the Board meeting. 8.–(1) The Board shall cause to be recorded and kept minutes of all business conducted or transacted at its meetings, and the minutes of each meeting of the Board shall be read and confirmed or amended and confirmed, at the next meeting of the Board and signed by the person presiding at the meeting and the Registrar. be read and confirmed or amended and confirmed, at the next meeting of the Board and signed by the person presiding at the meeting and the Registrar. (2) Any minutes purporting to be signed by the person presiding at a meeting and the Registrar of the Board shall, in the absence of proof of error be deemed to be a correct record of the meeting whose minutes they purport to be. 9. The validity of any act or proceedings of the Board shall not be affected by any vacancy among its members or by any defect proceedings in the appointment of any of them. 10. All orders, directions, notices or other documents made or issued on behalf of the Board shall be signed by- (a) the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Board; and (b) the Registrar. 11. Any documents purporting to be under hand of the Chairman, Vice-Chairman or Registrar as to any resolution of the Board or as having been issued on behalf of the Board, shall be receivable in all courts or tribunals or other bodies authorised to receive evidence and shall, unless the contrary is shown, be deemed, without further proof, to be sufficient evidence of what is contained in the document. 12. Subject to the provision of this Schedule, the Board may regulate its own proceedings. e sufficient evidence of what is contained in the document. 12. Subject to the provision of this Schedule, the Board may regulate its own proceedings. Quorum Decision of Board Minutes of Meeting Vacancies etc., not to invalidate proceedings Orders, directions, etc., of Board to be signed Proof of documents Board may regulate its own proceedings.
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