The Tea Industry Act

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CHAPTER 275
THE TEA INDUSTRY ACT
[PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION]
Arrangement of Sections
Section Title
part i
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. Short title.
2. Interpretation.
part ii
THE TEA BOARDS OF TANZANIA AND THE TANZANIA
SMALL-HOLDER TEA DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
3. Establishment of Tea Board and Development Agency.
4. Assets.
5. Powers and functions of Board.
6. Investments.
7. Tea research.
8. Directions.
9. Appointment of Director General and other employees.
10. Funds.
11. Report.
12. Accounts and audit.
13. Liability of members, etc.
part iii
PLANTING OF TEA
14. Registration of tea growers.
15. Regulation of purchase of tea leaves.
part iv
MANUFACTURE OF TEA
16. Prohibition to manufacture tea without licence.
17. Illegal manufacture, possession, etc.

on of purchase of tea leaves.
part iv
MANUFACTURE OF TEA
16. Prohibition to manufacture tea without licence.
17. Illegal manufacture, possession, etc.

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50
part v
ENTRY AND INSPECTION
18. Entry and inspection.
19. Powers of search and seizure.
part vi
EXPORT AND IMPORT OF TEA
20. Power to prohibit export of manufactured tea without permit.
21. Penalty for exporting manufactured tea without permit.
22. Restriction on export of tea, seed, etc.
23. Power of Board to refuse export permit.
24. Penalty of wrongful export.
part vii
GENERAL PROVISIONS
25. Contract farming.
26. Stakeholders’ meeting.
27. Powers to make by-laws.
28. Returns.
29. General penalty.
30. Offence committed by bodies corporate.
31. Rules.
32. Appeals.
33. Repeal.
SCHEDULES

27. Powers to make by-laws.
28. Returns.
29. General penalty.
30. Offence committed by bodies corporate.
31. Rules.
32. Appeals.
33. Repeal.
SCHEDULES

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PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. This Act may be cited as the Tea Industry Act. 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires-
“Agency” means the Tanzania Small-holder Tea Development
Agency established by section 3;
“Association” means an association formed and registered
under the Co-operation Societies Act;
“blending” means blending and packing of made tea;
“Board” means the Tea Board of Tanzania established by
section 3;
“contract farming” means farming undertaken under an
agreement between tea growers, farmers or producers
on one part and financiers including green leaf buyers,
factory investors or bankers on the other part;
“Director General” means the Chief Executive Officer of the
Tea Board of Tanzania appointed under this Act;
Short title
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 4
Interpretation
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 5
GNs. Nos. 440 of 1998
34 of 2001
Cap.

of Tanzania appointed under this Act;
Short title
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 4
Interpretation
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 5
GNs. Nos. 440 of 1998
34 of 2001
Cap.

211
CHAPTER 275
THE TEA INDUSTRY ACT
An Act to repeal the Tea Ordinance and enact the Tea Industry Act to provide
for the establishment of Tanzania Tea Board and the Tanzania Small-
holder Tea Development Agency, and the promotion and regulation of
the growing and export of tea, and for matters incidental thereto. [1st October, 1997]
[GN. No. 688 of 1997]
Acts Nos. 3 of 1997
2 of 1998
12 of 2004
20 of 2009
GNs. Nos. 440 of 1998
34 of 2001

ers incidental thereto. [1st October, 1997]
[GN. No. 688 of 1997]
Acts Nos. 3 of 1997
2 of 1998
12 of 2004
20 of 2009
GNs. Nos. 440 of 1998
34 of 2001

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of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE TEA INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 275 R.E.

2023]
52
“financial year” in relation to the Board or the Agency
includes the Board’s or Agency’s first accounting period,
whether shorter or longer than a year, and if the Board
or the Agency changes its accounting year, includes any
accounting period, whether shorter or longer than a year,
employed to give effect to the change;
“green leaf tea” means leaf detached from tea plants but not
dried or processed in any way;
“input” means planting materials, agrochemical, fertilizers,
packaging material and farm implements;
“local government authority” means a district authority or
urban authority established under the local Government
(District Authorities) Act and the Local Government
(Urban Authorities) Act;
“made tea” means the leaf of the tea plant when manufactured;
“manufacturing” means the conversion of green leaf tea to
made tea;
“Minister” means the Minister responsible for agriculture;
“Ministry” means the Ministry responsible for agriculture;
“regulatory function” includes quality control, licensing,
data collection, analysis and dissemination, market
information, enforcement of law and order, enforcing
rules and regulations for proper production, processing,
marketing, importation, exportation, storage of tea
inputs and products setting indicative price, representing
Government in international and local fora, control of
export and import of tea, and control of pests and diseases
and such other related functions;
“shared function” means a joint function to be undertaken
by all tea stakeholder as may be agreed upon including
research, training extension services, inputs supply, tea
crop development, crop promotion, tea infrastructure
development, generic promotion of tea consumption and
promotion of fair trade and competition;
“stakeholder” means a person or an organisation dealing
in tea industry including the central government, local
Caps.

n of fair trade and competition;
“stakeholder” means a person or an organisation dealing
in tea industry including the central government, local
Caps.

287 and
288

287 and
288

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THE TEA INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 275 R.E.

Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.53
THE TEA INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 275 R.E.

2023]
government authorities, cooperative societies, the tea
board, the Agency, Tea Research Institute of Tanzania, the
Small-holder Tea Growers Association, Tea Association
of Tanzania and private players such as producers, input
suppliers, research and extension institutions and all
person with a vested interest in tea industry;
“stakeholders meeting” means a meeting of all tea
stakeholders referred to under section 26;
“register” means the register maintained under section 14
of this Act;
“tea” means the tea plant known botanically as Camellia
Thea (Sinensis) and includes its seed; and
“tea industry” means the growing, manufacturing, packing
and blending of tea;
PART II
THE TEA BOARD OF TANZANIA AND
THE TANZANIA SMALL-HOLDER
TEA DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
3.–(1) There are hereby established bodies corporate namely
the Tea Board of Tanzania and the Tanzania Small-holder Tea
Development Agency which each respectively shall-
(a) be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a
common seal;
(b) in its corporate name be capable of suing and being
sued;
(c) be capable of holding, purchasing or otherwise
acquiring, and disposing of any property, movable
or immovable, for the purposes of carrying out the
functions conferred upon it by or under this Act.

acquiring, and disposing of any property, movable
or immovable, for the purposes of carrying out the
functions conferred upon it by or under this Act.

(2) The provisions of the First Schedule and Second
Schedule to this Act shall have effect as to the functions, powers,
responsibilities, constitution and proceedings in respect of the
Board and the Agency respectively. Establishment of
Tea Board and
Development
Agency

responsibilities, constitution and proceedings in respect of the
Board and the Agency respectively. Establishment of
Tea Board and
Development
Agency

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54
4. The assets and liabilities of the Authority shall by virtue of
this Act and without further assurance vest in the Board or the
Agency as the Minister in consultation with the Minister for
the time being responsible for finance may determine. 5.–(1) It shall be the duty of the Board in the exercise of its
powers and in the performance of its functions under this
Act to act in such manner as appears to it best calculated to
promote the tea industry in Tanzania. (2) In the exercise of its powers and in the performance of
its functions under this Act, the Board shall act in accordance
with any general or special directions that may be given to it
by the Minister. (3) The Board shall carry out regulatory functions and
such other activities necessary, advantageous or proper for the
benefit of the tea industry.

r. (3) The Board shall carry out regulatory functions and
such other activities necessary, advantageous or proper for the
benefit of the tea industry.

(4) Without prejudice to subsection (3), the specific
functions of the Board shall be to-
(a) advise the Government on the policies and strategies
for the development of the tea industry;
(b) regulate and control the quality of tea and tea by-products;
(c) collect, refine, maintain, use or disseminate information
or data relating to the tea industry;
(d) monitor the production and exportation of tea;
(e) regulate processing, exportation and storage of tea and
tea by-products;
(f) represent the Government in international and local
fora in matter relating to the tea industry;
(g) regulate import and export of tea;
(h) control pests and diseases; and
(i) promote and protect interest of farmers against
syndicates of buyers which may be formed through
associations. (5) The licences or permits to be issued by the Board shall be-
(a) in the prescribed form;
(b) subject to such terms and conditions as may be
prescribed or endorsed therein;
Assets
GN. Nos. 440 of 1998
34 of 2001
Powers and
functions of
Board
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 6

and conditions as may be
prescribed or endorsed therein;
Assets
GN. Nos. 440 of 1998
34 of 2001
Powers and
functions of
Board
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 6

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THE TEA INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 275 R.E. 2023]
(c) issued subject to the payment of fees as may be
prescribed by the Board. (6) The Board may authorise any of its members, or any
officer employed by it, to exercise on its behalf, at any time
when it is not meeting, such of its powers as it may resolve. (7) The exercise of powers under subsection (6) of this
section shall, unless and so far as the Board may otherwise
require, be reported without unreasonable delay to a next
meeting of the Board. 6. The Minister may, in consultation with the Minister
responsible for finance, direct the Board subject to such terms
and conditions as he may think fit to own or transfer any
investment or shares or interest of the Board to any institution,
or otherwise dispose of all or any of its shares or interest in any
investment made under this section. 7. All agricultural research in respect of tea may be carried out
by any institution interested in the tea research including the
Tea Research Institute of Tanzania. 8.

l research in respect of tea may be carried out
by any institution interested in the tea research including the
Tea Research Institute of Tanzania. 8.

The Minister may give to the Board directions of a general
character as to the carrying out of its functions and the exercise
of its powers in relation to matters appearing to the Minister
to be of national interest and the Board shall give effect to any
such directions. 9.–(1) The Minister shall with the recommendation of the
Board appoint the Director General of the Board who shall be
the Chief Executive Officer. (2) The Director General appointed under subsection (1)
shall hold office for term of five years and may be eligible for
re-appointment subject to satisfactory performance of his
functions. (3) The Board of Directors may appoint, at such salaries
and upon such terms and conditions such number of senior
officers to the management of the Board. Investments
Tea research
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 7
Directions
Appointment
of Director
General and other
employees
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 8

of the Board. Investments
Tea research
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 7
Directions
Appointment
of Director
General and other
employees
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 8

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56
(4) The Director General shall employ such number
of employees as may be necessary for proper and efficient
performance of the functions of the Board. 10. The funds and resources of the Board shall consist of-
(a) such sums as may be provided by Parliament;
(b) any loan granted to the Board by the Government or
any other person;
(c) any sum or property which may in any manner become
payable to or vested in the Board in respect of any
matter incidental to the carrying out of its functions. 11. The Board shall, within six months after the end of each
financial year, make a report to the Minister on the conduct of
its business during that year and the Minister shall lay a copy
of such report before the National Assembly. 12.–(1) The Board shall keep proper accounts and other records
in relation thereto and shall prepare in respect of each financial
year a statement of account in a form approved by the Minister. (2) The accounts of the Board shall be audited by the
Controller and Auditor-General.

year a statement of account in a form approved by the Minister. (2) The accounts of the Board shall be audited by the
Controller and Auditor-General.

(3) As soon as the accounts of the Board for any financial
year have been audited, the Board shall cause to be sent to
the Minister a copy of the statement of account prepared in
respect of that year together with a copy of any audit report
made thereon. (4) The Minister shall, within a period of six months or such
longer period as the National Assembly may by resolution
appoint after the end of the financial year to which the accounts
relate, lay a copy of every statement of account and audit report
before the National Assembly. 13. A matter or thing done by any member, officer, servant
or agent of the Board shall not if the matter or thing is done
in good faith for the purpose of carrying out the provisions
of this Act or of any order or regulations made thereunder,
Funds
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 9
Report
Accounts and
audit
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 10
Liability of
members, etc.

any order or regulations made thereunder,
Funds
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 9
Report
Accounts and
audit
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 10
Liability of
members, etc.

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THE TEA INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 275 R.E. 2023]
subject any person as aforesaid to any action, liability, claim or
demand whatsoever. PART III
PLANTING OF TEA
14.–(1) The Board shall cause a register to be maintained of
all land planted with tea and of the owners, occupiers and
managers thereof in such form as the Board deems fit. (2) For the purposes of such register, the owner, occupier
or manager of any land which has been planted with tea, at
any time, prior to the date of coming into operation of this Act
shall, upon request in writing by the Board, make to the Board
a return containing such particulars of any matter relating
to the said land, the tea planted thereon, and himself as such
owner, occupier or manager as aforesaid as may be prescribed
by the Board in rules made under this Act. (3) Upon receipt of the return, the Board shall cause the
particulars to be entered in the register and thereupon the
owner, occupier or manager shall in regard to the land be a
registered tea grower for the purposes of this Act.

ered in the register and thereupon the
owner, occupier or manager shall in regard to the land be a
registered tea grower for the purposes of this Act.

(4) Where any person who is required to make a return
under subsection (2) of this section-
(a) fails or refuses to make such a return upon request in
writing by the Board; or
(b) makes or causes to be made a return which to his
knowledge is false in any particular manner,
commits an offence against this Act. 15.–(1) A person may, whether or not he manufactures tea or
he is the agent of the manufacturer, purchase any tea leaves
from any producer. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), any person who
purchases tea leaves in pursuance of this section shall, in dealing
with the leaves, comply with conditions and restrictions imposed
or prescribed by the Board to safeguard the quality of the tea
Registration of
tea growers
Regulation of
purchase of tea
leaves
Act No. 2 of 1998 Sch.

or prescribed by the Board to safeguard the quality of the tea
Registration of
tea growers
Regulation of
purchase of tea
leaves
Act No. 2 of 1998 Sch.

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58
so purchased, and it shall be an offence against this Act, which
shall be punished, in addition to any other penalty, with an order
prohibiting that purchaser from any further dealing in tea. PART IV
MANUFACTURE OF TEA
16.–(1) A person shall not manufacture tea for sale, whether
by sun drying or otherwise, except under and in accordance
with a licence. (2) The Board may, after consultation with the Minister,
issue a manufacturing licence, subject to such terms and
conditions the Board thinks fit, or may, after such consultation,
refuse to issue a manufacturing licence of any ground which
may appear to the Board to be sufficient. (3) The Board may, after consultation with the Minister,
cancel, vary or suspend any licence issued under this section, or
suspend any such licence in respect of a specified factory only.

with the Minister,
cancel, vary or suspend any licence issued under this section, or
suspend any such licence in respect of a specified factory only.

(4) Where under this section the Board refuses to issue or
suspends tea manufacturing licence, the applicant for such
licence may within ninety days of such refusal or suspension
appeal in writing to the Minister whose decision shall be final. (5) An application for a licence under this section shall be
made in writing in the prescribed form. 17.–(1) A person who-
(a) manufactures tea for sale in contravention of section 15;
(b) buys, sells, exposes for sale, transports or has in his
possession any tea which to his knowledge or belief-
(i) has been grown, manufactured or dried otherwise
than in accordance with this Act; or
(ii) is being or has been moved otherwise than in
accordance with regulations controlling such
movement,
commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine
not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment for a
term not exceeding two years or to both. Prohibition to
manufacture tea
without licence
Act No. 2 of 1998 Sch. Illegal
manufacture,
possession, etc. Act No. 2 of 1998
Sch;
GN. No. 34 of 2001

Prohibition to
manufacture tea
without licence
Act No. 2 of 1998 Sch. Illegal
manufacture,
possession, etc. Act No. 2 of 1998
Sch;
GN. No. 34 of 2001

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THE TEA INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 275 R.E. 2023]
(2) Where a person has in his possession or under his control
any tea for which he is unable to account to the satisfaction of
a person authorised under section 17 or 18, such tea shall be
deemed to have been grown, manufactured or dried otherwise
than in accordance with this Act until the contrary is proved. (3) Where a person is convicted of an offence under this
section, the court shall order that any tea and any vehicle,
vessel or other conveyance in relation to which an offence has
been committed shall be forfeited to the Government unless,
in the case of a vehicle, vessel or other conveyance, the court
sees good reason, to be recorded by it in writing, not do so.

o the Government unless,
in the case of a vehicle, vessel or other conveyance, the court
sees good reason, to be recorded by it in writing, not do so.

PART V
ENTRY AND INSPECTION
18.–(1) A person duly authorised in writing in that behalf by
the Board may, at all reasonable times and on production of
his authority to any person requiring, enter upon any land
and buildings occupied by a licensee, or by the holder of a
manufacturing licence issued under section 19 and may make
such inspection and inquiries as he thinks fit for ascertaining
whether the provisions of this Act, and of any regulations made
there under, and may require any person found thereon to give
him such information as he may reasonably require. (2) A person who hinders or obstructs any person duly
exercising or attempting to exercise any of the powers
conferred by subsection (1) or who fails to give to the best of
his ability any information reasonably required of him under
that subsection commits an offence. 19.–(1) An officer of the Ministry of Agriculture or of the
Board, authorised in writing by or on behalf of the Board,
upon production of his authority on demand, and any police
officer or administration officer may-
(a) enter and search any premises upon which he has reason
to believe there is tea in respect of which an offence
Entry and
inspection
Act No.

er may-
(a) enter and search any premises upon which he has reason
to believe there is tea in respect of which an offence
Entry and
inspection
Act No.

2 of 1998 Sch. GN. No. 34 of 2001
Ord. 2
Powers of search
and seizure
Act No. 2 of 1998 Sch.;
GN. Nos. 440 of 1998
34 of 2001

2 of 1998 Sch. GN. No. 34 of 2001
Ord. 2
Powers of search
and seizure
Act No. 2 of 1998 Sch.;
GN. Nos. 440 of 1998
34 of 2001

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60
under section 16 is being or has been committed, and
seize and remove any tea found thereon which he has
reasonable cause to believe may provide evidence of
that offence:
Provided that, before removing any tea under this
paragraph, the person removing it shall furnish the person in
whose custody or possession the tea at the time of removal
with written receipt therefore;
(b) stop, search and detain any vehicle, vessel or other
conveyance which he has reason to believe is being or
has been used for conveyance of tea in respect of which
an offence under this section is being or has been
committed.

as reason to believe is being or
has been used for conveyance of tea in respect of which
an offence under this section is being or has been
committed.

(2) A seizure under subsection (1)(a) of this section shall be
reported without unnecessary delay to a subordinate court, and
where any vehicle, vessel or other conveyance has been stopped
and detained under subsection (1)(b), the person so stopping
and detaining shall forthwith take it or cause it to be taken
together with its contents, or report the fact of its detention, to
the nearest police station and the officer in charge of the police
station may thereupon order that the vehicle, vessel or other
conveyance, together with any tea found therein, be seized. (3) A person who hinders or obstructs a person acting
in the exercise of his powers under this section commits an
offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding
one million shillings or to imprisonment for a period of not
exceeding two years, or to both. PART VI
EXPORT AND IMPORT OF TEA
20.–(1) Subject to subsection (3), the Board may, by order,
prohibit generally for such period as may be specified in such
order, the export of manufactured tea otherwise than under
and in accordance with the terms and conditions of an export
permit. Power to prohibit
export of
manufactured tea
without permit
Act No.

se than under
and in accordance with the terms and conditions of an export
permit. Power to prohibit
export of
manufactured tea
without permit
Act No.

2 of 1998 Sch.

2 of 1998 Sch.

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THE TEA INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 275 R.E. 2023]
(2) An order made under subsection (1) shall make such
provisions for supplementary and incidental matters as the
Board may think fit. (3) Nothing in this section shall apply to-
(a) the export of manufactured tea parcel post in package
not exceeding one kilogram in weights;
(b) the export of sample of manufactured tea;
(c) the re-export of manufactured tea. 21. A person who exports manufactured tea in contravention
of an order made under subsection (1) of section 20 commits
an offence. 22.–(1) A person shall not, without the permission in writing
of the Board, export or import tea, seed, any living seed
plant which may be used or is capable of being used for the
propagation of tea. (2) A person who refuses or fails to comply with the
provisions of subsection (1) commits an offence. 23.

le of being used for the
propagation of tea. (2) A person who refuses or fails to comply with the
provisions of subsection (1) commits an offence. 23.

The Board may, in its discretion, refuse to issue a tea export
permit under this Act on any ground which may appear to it
to be sufficient,
Provided that, a person aggrieved by a decision of the Board
may, within sixty days from the date of the decision, appeal in
writing to the Minister. 24.–(1) A person exporting or attempting to export made tea in
contravention of the provisions of this Act or of any tea export
permit commits an offence against this Act and on conviction
shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand
shillings or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two
years, or to both. (2) Where any person is convicted of an offence under
subsection (1) of this section, the Board in its discretion may
cancel any tea export permit granted to the person convicted:
Penalty for
exporting
manufactured tea
without permit
Act No. 2 of 1998 Sch. Restriction on
export of tea,
seed, etc. Act No. 2 of 1998 Sch. Power of Board
to refuse export
permit
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 11
Penalty of
wrongful export
GN. No. 34 of 2001

f tea,
seed, etc. Act No. 2 of 1998 Sch. Power of Board
to refuse export
permit
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 11
Penalty of
wrongful export
GN. No. 34 of 2001

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62
Provided that any person aggrieved by a decision of the
Board to cancel any such tea export permit may appeal to
the Minister in writing within ninety days of the date of such
refusal whose decision on any such appeal shall be final and
binding. PART VII1
GENERAL PROVISIONS
25.–(1) A registered farmer may, for the purpose of facilitating
farming activities, enter into contract farming with financier,
tea buyers, tea processor, investors or bankers. (2) The contract farming entered into under subsection (1)
shall be in the prescribed standard form and shall contain-
(a) name, address and status of the registered farmer;
(b) name, addresss and status of the financier;
(c) obligations of the parties;
(d) type or kind of facilitation to be granted to the farmer;
(e) terms and conditions imposed on the contract
farming; and
(f) such other information as may be necessary for the
purpose of the contract farming.

(e) terms and conditions imposed on the contract
farming; and
(f) such other information as may be necessary for the
purpose of the contract farming.

(3) A contract farming entered into under this section shall
be submitted to the Board for scrutiny and registration. (4) The Board shall monitor the implementation of the
contract farming in order to protect rights of both parties. (5) A person being a financier, tea buyer, tea processor
investor or banker shall not facilitate a registered farmer in
any manner without a contract farming as required under this
section. (6) A person who contravenes the provisions of this section
commits an offence and on conviction shall be liable to a fine of
not less than five million shillings or to imprisonment for a term
of not less than six months but not more than two years or to both. 1 This Part has been introduced by Act No. 20 of 2009, s. 12
Contract farming
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 12

months but not more than two years or to both. 1 This Part has been introduced by Act No. 20 of 2009, s. 12
Contract farming
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 12

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THE TEA INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 275 R.E. 2023]
26.–(1) For the purposes of promoting the development of the
tea industry, there shall be a stakeholder’s forum which shall
be responsible for-
(a) putting in place mechanisms for the management and
funding of the shared functions;
(b) making procedures for conducting annual general
meetings;
(c) determining modalities for financing its activities and
meeting, and
(d) establishing stakeholders’ secretariat and other organs
for better carrying out of the shared functions. (2) The stakeholders meeting shall be held at least once in
a year to agree on the funding, implementation of the shared
functions and other matter of common interest. 27. The local government authorities may, upon consultation
with the Minister, make by-laws for the better carrying out the
shared functions agreed by the tea stakeholders. 28.

uthorities may, upon consultation
with the Minister, make by-laws for the better carrying out the
shared functions agreed by the tea stakeholders. 28.

A tea manufacturer, blender and packer, registered tea
grower and tea export permit holder shall submit such returns
in form at such periods and to such persons as the Board may
prescribe in rules to be made under this Act, and any person
who fails to submit such returns when called upon to do so
commits an offence against this Act. 29. A person who commits any offence against this Act
on conviction shall be liable for every such offence, except
where in any other section a special penalty is provided for
any particular offence, to imprisonment not exceeding twelve
months or to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousands
shillings or to both. 30. Where any offence against this Act is committed with the
consent or approval of any director, manager, secretary or
other officer of the body corporate, such persons as well as the
Stakeholders’
meeting
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 12
Powers to make
by-laws
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 12
Returns
GN. No. 34 of 2001
Ord. 2
General penalty
Offence
committed by
bodies corporate

of 2009 s. 12
Powers to make
by-laws
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 12
Returns
GN. No. 34 of 2001
Ord. 2
General penalty
Offence
committed by
bodies corporate

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE TEA INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 275 R.E. 2023]
64
body corporate, commits an offence against this Act and shall
be liable to be prosecuted against and punished accordingly. 31.The Minister may, for better carrying our of the provisions
and purposes of this Act and upon consultation with the
Board, make rules-
(a) governing the manufacture and export of made tea;
(b) prescribing the form of and the particulars to be included
in any returns to be made under the provisions of this
Act, and all other matters relating to such returns;
(c) fixing any penalty not exceeding a fine of five hundred
thousand shillings or twelve months imprisonment for
the breach of any rules made hereunder;
(d) prescribing anything which is to be or may be prescribed
under this Act by the Board; or
(e) generally for the better carrying out of the purposes of
this Act. 32.

nything which is to be or may be prescribed
under this Act by the Board; or
(e) generally for the better carrying out of the purposes of
this Act. 32.

In every case in which under this Act provision is made
for an appeal to the Minister, the appellant and the Board
may make any representations to the Minister by way of a
memorandum in writing but neither party shall be obliged to
appear in person before the Minister. 33. [Repeals the Tea Industry Ordinance,]
Rules
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 14
GN. No. 34 of 2001
Ord. 2
Appeals
Repeal
Act No. 31 of 1950

ore the Minister. 33. [Repeals the Tea Industry Ordinance,]
Rules
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 14
GN. No. 34 of 2001
Ord. 2
Appeals
Repeal
Act No. 31 of 1950

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.65
THE TEA INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 275 R.E. 2023]
FIRST SCHEDULE
(Made under section 3(2))
CONSTITUTION, FUNCTIONS, AND
PROCEEDINGS OF THE BOARD
1. The Board shall consist of the Chairman, appoint the Chief Executive
Officer who shall also be the Secretary to the Board. 2.–(1) The Board shall, consist of the Chairman who shall be appointed
by the President upon the advice of the Minister and seven other
members appointed by the Minister, being-
(a) one person representing the Tea Association of Tanzania;
(b) one person representing the Tanzania small-holder’s Grower
Association;
(c) one member from the Ministry responsible for agriculture;
(d) the Chief Executive Officer of the Tea Research Institute of
Tanzania;
(e) the Chief Executive Officer of the Agency; and
(f) two person who posses knowledge and experience in the
development of the tea industry.

anzania;
(e) the Chief Executive Officer of the Agency; and
(f) two person who posses knowledge and experience in the
development of the tea industry.

(2) A member of the Board may authorise a representative to attend
any meeting of the Board in his place, and any such representative shall
be deemed to be a member of the Board for the purposes of any meeting
which he is so authorised to attend. (3) The Board may co-opt to serve on it for such length of time as
it thinks fit any person or persons whose assistance or advice it may
require, but a person so co-opted shall not be entitled to vote at any
meeting of the Board or be counted as a member for the purpose of
forming a quorum. (4) The Board shall elect a deputy chairman annually from amongst
its members. (5) Any member who ceases to hold office as such shall be eligible
for reappointment. (6) The life of the Board shall be three years. 3.–(1) The Board shall meet at least four times a year and at such other
times as may be necessary or expedient for the transaction of its business
and all meetings of the Board shall be convened by the Chairman or, in
his absence from the United Republic or incapacity through illness, the
Vice-Chairman, who shall appoint a suitable time, place and date for
the holding of each meeting.

e United Republic or incapacity through illness, the
Vice-Chairman, who shall appoint a suitable time, place and date for
the holding of each meeting.

(2) The Chairman or, in his absence from the United Republic or
incapacity through illness, the Vice-Chairman, shall convene a special
meeting of the Board on a request in writing signed by not less than four
members of the Board for such a meeting and shall cause the meeting
to be held within twenty-one days of the receipt by him of such request. Secretary
Composition of
Board
Acts Nos. 12 of 2004 Sch. 20 of 2009 s. 15
Meetings

held within twenty-one days of the receipt by him of such request. Secretary
Composition of
Board
Acts Nos. 12 of 2004 Sch. 20 of 2009 s. 15
Meetings

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE TEA INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 275 R.E. 2023]
66
(3) Except in the case of a special meeting such as is referred to in
subparagraph (2) at least fourteen days notice in writing, specifying the
business to be transacted at the meeting, shall be given of each meeting
to every member of the Board. (4) The Chairman, or in his absence, the Vice-Chairman shall preside
at the meeting of the Board and in the absence of both the Chairman
and the Vice-Chairman the members present at the meeting shall elect
one of their number to be an interim chairman. 4.–(1) Five of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum at
any meeting. (2) All acts, matters and things authorised to be done by the Board
shall be decided by resolution at a meeting of the Board at which there
is a quorum. (3) A decision of the majority of members present and voting at a
meeting of the Board shall be deemed to be a decision of the Board.

ere
is a quorum. (3) A decision of the majority of members present and voting at a
meeting of the Board shall be deemed to be a decision of the Board.

(4) Every member of the Board shall have one vote and in the event
of an equality of votes the Chairman of the meeting shall have a second
or casting vote in addition to his deliberative vote. (5) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (2), where the
Chairman so directs, a decision may be made by the Board without a
meeting by circulation of the relevant papers among all the members
and the expression in writing of their views, but any member shall be
entitled to require that any such decision be deferred until the subject
matter shall be considered at a meeting of the Board. 5. Minutes in proper form of each meeting of the Board shall be kept
and shall be confirmed by the Board at its next meeting and signed by
the Chairman of the meeting. 6. The Board may from time to time appoint upon such terms and
conditions of service as it may think fit such employees as it may deem
necessary for the proper and efficient conduct of the business and
operations of the Board. 7. The Board shall have power to regulate its own procedure and may
from time to time make standing orders providing for all matters
relating to the meetings of the Board and the proper conduct of its
business. 8.

may
from time to time make standing orders providing for all matters
relating to the meetings of the Board and the proper conduct of its
business. 8.

All deeds, instruments, contracts and orders and other documents
shall be deemed to be duly executed by or on behalf of the Board-
(a) if sealed with the seal of the Board and signed by the Chairman
and the Secretary or if signed by the Chief Executive and two
other members of the Board;
(b) if executed in that behalf by one member of the Board and
the Secretary both of whom have been authorised by the
Board for the purpose. Quorum
Minutes
Employees
Power to regulate
procedure
Seal

the Board and
the Secretary both of whom have been authorised by the
Board for the purpose. Quorum
Minutes
Employees
Power to regulate
procedure
Seal

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.67
THE TEA INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 275 R.E. 2023]
9. Subject to the provisions of this Schedule relating to the quorum, the
Board may act notwithstanding any vacancy in the membership thereof
and no act or proceeding of the Board shall be invalid by reason only of
some defect in the appointment of a member or a person who purports
to be a member. SECOND SCHEDULE
(Made under section 3(2))
1.–(1) The functions of the Agency shall-be to-
(a) enhance capacity building for small holder tea growers;
(b) facilitate tea extension services to small-holder tea growers;
(c) strengthen the existing ground level tea grower groups. (d) facilitate development of tea cultivation in new areas; and
(e) mobilise small-holder growers in the construction of green
leaf processing facilitate.

facilitate development of tea cultivation in new areas; and
(e) mobilise small-holder growers in the construction of green
leaf processing facilitate.

(2) The Minister may by order published in the Gazette add to or
replace any of the functions of the Agency provided always the minister
may give to the Agency directions of a general or specific character as
to the carrying out of its functions and in the exercise of its powers in
relation to matters appearing to the Minister to be of national interest
and the Agency shall give effect to any such directions.

ise of its powers in
relation to matters appearing to the Minister to be of national interest
and the Agency shall give effect to any such directions.

(3) Subject to the consent in writing of the Minister and after the
consultation with the Minister for the time being responsible for
finance, the Agency shall have power to promote, establish operate or
invest any or all of its funds in a tea estate or factory in the United
Republic and in any business or undertaking which may be incidental
or conducive thereto and may for such purpose acquire interest or
shares in any company and may, for the purpose of obtaining interest
or shares in such company, transfer to such company any of its assets
provided always if he deems fit the Minister may direct the Agency to
withdraw from or otherwise withhold any investment interest, shares
previously made in any venture or undertaking in accordance with the
provisions of this section and the Agency shall act accordingly.

interest, shares
previously made in any venture or undertaking in accordance with the
provisions of this section and the Agency shall act accordingly.

2.–(1) The Board of Directors of the Agency shall be appointed by the
Minister as follows:
(a) two members representing small-holder tea growers;
(b) one member from the Ministry responsible for agriculture;
(c) two member with knowledge and experience in the tea
industry who shall be appointed by the Minister responsible
for agriculture;
(d) one member from tea research institute, and
(e) the Chief Executive Officer of the Board. Vacancy
Functions
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 16. GN. No. 34 of 2001
Constitution
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 16

and
(e) the Chief Executive Officer of the Board. Vacancy
Functions
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 16. GN. No. 34 of 2001
Constitution
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 16

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE TEA INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 275 R.E. 2023]
68
(2) The Chairman shall be appointed by the Minister. (3) The Chief Executive Officer of the Agency shall be secretary to
the Board. (4) The members shall annually appoint from amongst themselves
a Vice-Chairman;
(5) The term of office for each member of the Board shall be three
years and the member may be re-appointed;
(6) The Chairman and other Board of Directors of subsidiary
companies shall be appointed by the Minister on recommendation of
the Board of the Agency. (7) The Board or the Agency shall meet at such times as may be
necessary or expedient, at least not less than four times a year, for the
transaction of its business and all meetings of the Board or the Agency
shall be convened by the Chairman or in his absence from the United
Republic or incapacity through illness, the Vice-Chairman, who shall
appoint a suitable time, place and date for the holding of each meeting.

e United
Republic or incapacity through illness, the Vice-Chairman, who shall
appoint a suitable time, place and date for the holding of each meeting.

(8) The Chairman or, in his absence from the United Republic or
incapacity through illness, the Vice-Chairman, shall convene a special
meeting of the Board or the Agency one request in writing signed by
not less than four members of the Agency for such a meeting and shall
cause the meeting to be held within twenty-one days of the receipt by
him of such request. (9) Except in the case of a special meeting such as is referred to in
subparagraph (b) at least fourteen days’ notice in writing, specifying the
business to be transacted at the meeting, shall be given of each meeting
to every member of the Board of the Agency. (10) The Chairman, or in his absence, the Vice-Chairman, shall
preside at the meeting of the Board or the Agency. In the absence of
both the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman the members present at
the meeting shall elect one of their number to be Chairman for that
meeting. 3.–(1) Four of the members shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of
the Board or the Agency. (2) All acts, matters and things authorised to be done by the Agency
shall be decided by resolution at a meeting of the Board or the Agency
at which a quorum is present.

rs and things authorised to be done by the Agency
shall be decided by resolution at a meeting of the Board or the Agency
at which a quorum is present.

(3) A decision of the majority of members present and voting at a
meeting of the Board or the Agency shall be deemed to be a decision of
the Agency. (4) Every member of the Agency shall have one vote and in the event
of an equality of votes the Chairman of the meeting shall have a second
or casting vote in addition to his deliberative vote. (5) Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph (2) where the
Chairman so directs a decision may be made by the Agency without a
meeting by circulation of the relevant papers among all the members
Quorum

here the
Chairman so directs a decision may be made by the Agency without a
meeting by circulation of the relevant papers among all the members
Quorum

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.69
THE TEA INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 275 R.E. 2023]
and the expression in writing of their views, but any member shall be
entitled to require that any such decision be deferred until the subject
matter shall be considered at a meeting of the Agency. 4. Minutes in proper form of each meeting of the Board or the Agency
shall be kept and confirmed by the Board at its next meeting signed by
the Chairman of the meeting. 5.–(1) The Minister shall, upon the recommendation of the Board of the
agency, appoint the Director General who shall be the Chief Executive
Officer of the Agency. (2) The Director General of the Agency shall hold office for a term
of five years and may be eligible for renewal subject to the satisfaction
of the Board of the Agency on his performance. (3) The Board of Directors of the Agency may appoint, at such
salaries and upon such terms and conditions such number of officers to
the management of the Agency.

d of Directors of the Agency may appoint, at such
salaries and upon such terms and conditions such number of officers to
the management of the Agency.

(4) The Director General of the Agency shall employ such number
of employers as necessary for proper and efficient performance of the
functions of the Agency. 6. Subject to the provisions of this Schedule and to any rules which may
be made under section 31 of the Act, the Agency shall have power to
regulate its own procedure and may from time to time make standing
orders providing for all matters relating to the meetings of the Agency
and the proper conduct of its business. 7. All deeds, instruments, contracts and other documents shall be
deemed to be duly executed by or on behalf of the Agency-
(a) if sealed with the seal of the Agency and signed by the
Chairman or the Vice-Chairman or the Chief Executive and
two other members of the Board of the Agency or;
(b) if executed in that behalf by one member of the Board of the
Agency and the Secretary to the Board of the Agency both of
whom have been authorised by the Agency for the purpose. 8.

one member of the Board of the
Agency and the Secretary to the Board of the Agency both of
whom have been authorised by the Agency for the purpose. 8.

Subject to the provisions of this Schedule relating to the quorum,
the Agency may act notwithstanding any vacancy in the membership
thereof and no act or proceeding of the Agency shall be invalid by
reason only of some defect in the appointment of a member or a person
who purports to be a member. 9. Subject to the availability of vacancies or positions the services of
persons employed by the Authority may be transferred to the Board
or the Agency as the Minister may find expedient and the employment
of all such persons so transferred shall be regarded as continuous
provided that the Board or the Agency as the case may be shall not be
bound by virtue of the provisions hereof to engage any person who was
Minutes
Appointment of
Director General
of Agency and
other employees
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 16
Agency to
regulate its own
proceedings
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 10
Seal
Vacancy not
to invalidate
proceedings
Vacancy

employees
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 16
Agency to
regulate its own
proceedings
Act No. 20 of 2009 s. 10
Seal
Vacancy not
to invalidate
proceedings
Vacancy

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE TEA INDUSTRY ACT [CAP. 275 R.E. 2023]
70
previously employed by the Authority and whose service or services are
non-existent in the Board or the Agency as the case may be the services
of that such an employee shall be considered terminated and such an
employee shall be paid his terminal benefit by the Agency according to
the law governing his contract of employment.
10. The following provisions relating to the Board shall also apply
mutatis mutandis to the Agency namely sections 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 29,
30, 31 and 32.
Application of
certain provisions
of Board to
Agency