The Produce Export Act

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.CHAPTER 137
THE PRODUCE EXPORT ACT
[PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION]
Arrangement of Sections
Section Title
1. Short title.
2. Interpretation.
3. Prohibition of export except through prescribed ports or without inspection.
4. Prohibition of export of unsound produce.
5. Seizure and destruction of diseased animal and unsound produce intended
for export.
6. Registration of certain premises and producers.
7. Power to enter premises and give directions.
8. Causes for which registration may be cancelled.
9. Information to be supplied by producers.
10. Rules.
11. Obstruction, resistance or hindrance.
12. Forging certificate or brand and false warranties.
13. Penalty.
14. Appointment of Board of Appeal.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.

Board of Appeal.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.697
CHAPTER 137
THE PRODUCE EXPORT ACT
An Act to provide for the grading, inspection, regulation and preparation of
produce to be exported from Mainland Tanzania. [1st May, 1930]
1. This Act may be cited as the Produce Export Act. 2. In this Act, unless the context requires otherwise-
“brand” when used as a verb means to step, mark, label or in
any other manner distinguish by visible sign, and, when
used as a noun, has a corresponding meaning;
“export” means export from Mainland Tanzania for purposes
of sale;
“inspector” means a person generally or specifically
designated by the Commissioner responsible for
agriculture or, as the case may be, for veterinary services
to examine or grade produce intended for export;
“Minister” means the Minister responsible for agriculture;
“prescribed” means prescribed by rules under this Act;
“produce” or “product” means any article whatever produced
or derived from farming operations or stock-keeping
which the Minister for Agriculture may declare to be
produce for the purpose of this Act. Short title
Interpretation
GNs.

operations or stock-keeping
which the Minister for Agriculture may declare to be
produce for the purpose of this Act. Short title
Interpretation
GNs.

Nos. 478 of 1962
201 of 1970
Ords. Nos. 7 of 1929
10 of 1943
9 of 1954
GNs. Nos. 478 of 1962
201 of 1970

Nos. 478 of 1962
201 of 1970
Ords. Nos. 7 of 1929
10 of 1943
9 of 1954
GNs. Nos. 478 of 1962
201 of 1970

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PRODUCE EXPORT ACT [CAP. 137 R.E. 2023]
698
3. A person shall not export or cause or permit to be exported
or attempt to export, any produce to which this Act applies-
(a) except from a port prescribed by rules under this Act;
and
(b) unless such produce shall have been inspected, graded
or inspected and branded in manner prescribed by the
inspection rules:
Provided that where such rules do not prescribe a port
for the export of such produce, this Act shall not prevent the
export of such produce from any port. 4.–(1) A person shall not export or cause or permit to be
exported or attempt to export-
(a) produce intended for human consumption which at
the time of presentation for export is unfit for such
consumption;
(b) produce which owing to its condition or for any other
reason is unlikely to be brought to its destination in a
sound or good marketable state; or
(c) produce of any animal intended for human
consumption, which is infected with any disease
rendering such produce unfit for such consumption.

te; or
(c) produce of any animal intended for human
consumption, which is infected with any disease
rendering such produce unfit for such consumption.

(2) The question whether any produce is or is not in such a
condition as would render it subject to any of the prohibitions
contained in this section, shall be determined by an inspector
according to the instructions given generally or specifically by
the Commissioner responsible for agriculture or as the case
may be for veterinary services. 5.–(1) Where any produce intended for human consumption is
found at the time of inspection or at the time of its presentation
for export, to be unfit for such consumption, an inspector may
cause it to be seized and destroyed or otherwise dealt with or
disposed of, in a manner that such intended produce cannot
be used for human consumption for export or as food for
animals:
Prohibition
of export
except through
prescribed
ports or without
inspection
Ord. No. 9 of 1954
Prohibition
of export of
unsound produce
GN. No. 201 of 1970
Seizure and
destruction of
diseased animal
and unsound
produce intended
for export

f 1954
Prohibition
of export of
unsound produce
GN. No. 201 of 1970
Seizure and
destruction of
diseased animal
and unsound
produce intended
for export

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.699
THE PRODUCE EXPORT ACT [CAP. 137 R.E. 2023]
Provided that any moneys received from such disposal
shall, after deduction of the expenses incidental thereto, be
paid to the owner of the carcass. (2) Where an inspector has good ground for believing that
any animal is to be slaughtered and that the meat is intended
for export, he may, if such animal is found to be so infected with
disease as to render the meat unfit for human consumption,
cause the animal to be seized and slaughtered and the carcass
dealt with or disposed of as the inspector may determine, but
in such a manner that such carcass cannot be used either for
human consumption or as food for animals:
Provided that, any moneys received from such disposal
shall, after deduction of the incidental expenses, be paid to the
owner of the carcass.

animals:
Provided that, any moneys received from such disposal
shall, after deduction of the incidental expenses, be paid to the
owner of the carcass.

6.–(1) A person shall not export, cause or permit to be exported
or attempt to export-
(a) the meat or the produce of the meat of any animal,
unless the place where such animal was slaughtered was
at the time of slaughter, registered by the Commissioner
responsible for veterinary services in accordance with
the provisions of this section; and
(b) any milk product, its composition of or its substitute,
unless the premises from or in which, such milk
product, composition or substitute who collected,
prepared or stored who at the time of recollection,
preparation or storage, registered by the Commissioner
responsible for veterinary services in accordance with
the provisions of this section. (2) The Commissioner responsible for veterinary services
may, on application being made in that behalf, register any
slaughtering place in which meat or the produce of meat is to
be prepared for exportation and any premises in which milk
products, compositions or substitutes are collected, prepared
or stored for exportation, if in his opinion such place or
premises are suitable for such purpose. Registration of
certain premises
and producers
Ord. No. 10 of 1943 s. 2
GN. No. 201 of 1970

nion such place or
premises are suitable for such purpose. Registration of
certain premises
and producers
Ord. No. 10 of 1943 s. 2
GN. No. 201 of 1970

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PRODUCE EXPORT ACT [CAP. 137 R.E. 2023]
700
(3) There shall be allotted to every place or premises
registered under subsection (2) of this section a registration
certificate and number, and the person to whom such
certificate is issued, shall have the exclusive right to use that
registration number for the purpose of designating the meat,
milk products, compositions or substitutes manufactured at
such place or premises. (4) For the purposes of this section-
(a) meat and the produce of meat;
(b) milk products, its compositions and substitutes; and
(c) produce intended for use as seed,
shall be deemed to be produce within the meaning of this Act,
notwithstanding that a declaration has not been made on in
that behalf under the provisions of section 2 of this Act. 7.

thin the meaning of this Act,
notwithstanding that a declaration has not been made on in
that behalf under the provisions of section 2 of this Act. 7.

For the purposes of this Act, every inspector and any person
generally or specifically authorised in writing by or on behalf
of the Commissioner responsible for agriculture or, as the case
may be, for veterinary services may, at all reasonable times enter
any registered place or premises or the land or premises of any
registered grower or any premises in which the inspector or
that other person has good reason to believe that any produce
is kept which is intended for exportation and, may examine any
part of such place or premises or any receptacle or package in
such place or premises and may give such directions in regard
to the method of cultivation or treatment of any such produce
as he may consider necessary to ensure that the produce will
be exported in a proper condition. 8.

hod of cultivation or treatment of any such produce
as he may consider necessary to ensure that the produce will
be exported in a proper condition. 8.

Where the occupier of any place or premises registered
under section 6 or any producer registered under that section,
fails to keep the place or premises or land in such a condition
or does not possess such appurtenances or facilities, as to
ensure that the produce produced by him for export will be fit
for export in conformity with the provisions of this Act or fails
Power to enter
premises and give
directions
Ord. No. 10 of 1943 s. 2
Causes for which
registration may
be cancelled
Ord. No. 10 of 1943 s. 2

or fails
Power to enter
premises and give
directions
Ord. No. 10 of 1943 s. 2
Causes for which
registration may
be cancelled
Ord. No. 10 of 1943 s. 2

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.701
THE PRODUCE EXPORT ACT [CAP. 137 R.E. 2023]
to carry out any directions given to him under section 7 or has
been convicted of any breach of the provisions of this Act or
rules made under the Act, the registration may be cancelled. 9. Every producer of produce intended for use as seed or
of other produce as defined by in section 2 shall, on being
requested by the Commissioner responsible for agriculture
or, as the case may be, for veterinary services, furnish such
information concerning the production and shipment of such
produce as may be specified in the request.

e may be, for veterinary services, furnish such
information concerning the production and shipment of such
produce as may be specified in the request.

10.–(1) The Minister may make rules providing for the
following:
(a) the specific designation under which any particular
kind of produce may be exported and the definition of
each such kind of produce;
(b) the percentage of impurity and the maximum amount
of moisture which may be present in different kinds of
produce intended for export;
(c) the standard of composition and the maximum
percentage of moisture, salt, preservatives or other
substances in milk products, milk compositions or milk
substitutes, margarine and butter substitutes intended
for export and the prohibition of the export of any such
article in which the prescribed requirements are not
maintained;
(d) the prohibition of the export of produce which has
been so treated as to give it the appearance of an article
of different commercial value;
(e) the inspection of animals the produce of which is
intended for export and the inspection of the place
or premises in which animals are slaughtered or the
premises in which produce is prepared, manufactured
or otherwise dealt with;
Information to
be supplied by
producers
Ord. No. 10 of 1943 s. 2
Rules
GN. No. 478 of 1962

produce is prepared, manufactured
or otherwise dealt with;
Information to
be supplied by
producers
Ord. No. 10 of 1943 s. 2
Rules
GN. No. 478 of 1962

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PRODUCE EXPORT ACT [CAP. 137 R.E.

f Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PRODUCE EXPORT ACT [CAP. 137 R.E.

2023]
702
(f) the time and place at which and, the manner in which,
notice of intention to export shall be given, the manner
of packing, the size, description, quality and material
of the receptacles to be used, the weight of the contents
and the marking of such weight and of the receptacles;
(g) the time and place at which delivery of the produce
shall take place at the port of shipment;
(h) the place and manner of storage, the conveyance and
the treatment of any produce;
(i) the inspection of produce, the fixing of grades, the place
and manner of inspection and of grading or branding
of any produce and the manner in which different
designations or grades of produce, shall be branded or
indicated whether on the receptacle or on a certificate
of an inspector or otherwise;
(j) the percentage which shall be inspected in any one
consignment;
(k) the temperature at which conveyance by rail and
shipment of the produce shall take place;
(l) the abstraction or removal of samples by an inspector
for examination, inspection or analysis;
(m) the circumstances in which different kinds of produce
may be accepted or rejected and, degraded, regraded
or rebranded by an inspector after examination and
inspection;
(n) the circumstances in which and the condition on which
produce inspected and graded may be withdrawn from
shipment;
(o) the forms of notices, certificates and other documents
to be used or issued for the purpose of this Act;
(p) the fees which shall be paid by the owner or the
consignor of produce or animals for grading and for
inspection; and
(q) generally, for the better carrying out of the objects and
purposes of this Act.

onsignor of produce or animals for grading and for
inspection; and
(q) generally, for the better carrying out of the objects and
purposes of this Act.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.703
THE PRODUCE EXPORT ACT [CAP. 137 R.E. 2023]
(2) Rules made under paragraph (p) of subsection (1) of
this section, shall be laid before the National Assembly for
confirmation by resolution immediately after the National
Assembly be then in session and, if not in session, immediately
after the commencement of the next session and in any case
where the rules confirmed by resolution of the National
Assembly within twenty-one days after such rules are laid
before the National Assembly, the rules shall be void, but
without prejudice to the validity of anything done under the
rules or to the power to make new rule. 11.–(1) A person who obstructs, resists or hinders an inspector
in the lawful exercise of the powers or duties under this Act
or under any rule made under the Act, commits an offence
and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one
thousand shillings.

er this Act
or under any rule made under the Act, commits an offence
and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one
thousand shillings.

(2) A person who fails, within the time required by an
inspector, to remove any produce from any place of inspection,
reception or shipment where such removal is so required,
commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine
not exceeding one hundred shillings for every day during
which the offence continues. 12.–(1) A person who forges or utters knowing it to be forged,
any certificate, brand, label, any writing or signature required
by or provided for in this Act, commits an offence and on
conviction shall be liable to the penalties prescribed by law for
the offence of forgery under the Penal Code. (2) A person who willfully applies to produce intended for
export, a certificate, invoice, label or warranty given in relation
to any other produce, commits an offence and on conviction
shall be liable to imprisonment for a period not exceeding
twelve months. (3) A person who with intent to deceive issues a written
warranty, invoice, label, certificate or notification in respect
of produce intended for export, if such written document
Obstruction,
resistance or
hindrance
Forging certificate
or brand and false
warranties
Cap. 16

f produce intended for export, if such written document
Obstruction,
resistance or
hindrance
Forging certificate
or brand and false
warranties
Cap. 16

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PRODUCE EXPORT ACT [CAP. 137 R.E. 2023]
704
falsely describes such produce or is false in any other material
particular, commits an offence and on conviction shall be
liable to the penalties prescribed for the offence of cheating. 13. A person who contravenes any provision of this Act or
of any rule made under the Act or fails to comply with any
provision with which it is his duty to comply, commits an
offence and shall, if no penalty is specifically provided for
the contravention or failure, be liable in the case of a first
conviction, to a fine not exceeding two thousand shillings or
in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not
exceeding five thousand shillings or in default of payment of
fine in either case, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding
six months.

to a fine not
exceeding five thousand shillings or in default of payment of
fine in either case, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding
six months.

14.–(1) Where any person is aggrieved by any decision of or
action taken by an inspector under this Act, the inspector shall,
if required by such person, state in writing the reasons for the
decision or action and the matter shall be referred to a Board
which shall be appointed by the Commissioner responsible for
agriculture or, as the case may be, for veterinary services, or at
the request of such Commissioner, by an administrative officer. (2) The decision of the Board in the matter shall be in
writing and shall be final. (3) Before any matter is referred to the Board, the person
aggrieved shall deposit with the inspector such reasonable
amount as, in the opinion of the officer appointing the Board,
shall be sufficient to defray the necessary expenses which will
be incurred by the Board but the amount so deposited, shall
be refunded to such person if the appeals upheld by the Board. Penalty
Appointment of
Board of Appeal