Rwanda: Standards Body Withdraws S-Mark for Over 80 Alcoholic Beverages
[New Times] The Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) has withdrawn the standardisation certification licences for products manufactured by 47 alcoholic beverage manufucturing companies.
On August 4, the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB) rescinded the S-Mark certifications for more than 80 alcoholic beverages produced by 47 manufacturing companies. This decision followed joint inspections aimed at ensuring compliance with quality standards and proper usage of quality marks. Authorities sought to safeguard public health and safety amidst ongoing inspections of alcoholic beverages sold on the Rwandan market.
The S-Mark, a quality mark awarded to products meeting established standards, was prohibited from being used on affected products. Manufacturers have been instructed to recall their products from distribution channels and remove them from the market in accordance with guidelines issued by the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority on August 2 and August 3.
Non-compliance may result in further enforcement actions as stipulated by relevant laws and regulations. This move is part of a broader crackdown on illicit alcohol, which has seen nearly 140 manufacturing facilities closed over the past two weeks. Health Minister Dr Sabin Nsanzimana reported over 50 deaths and 100 cases of blindness linked to illicit alcohol consumption, with more than 500 people seeking medical attention.
Local Government Minister Dominique Habimana noted that over 95% of youth in rehabilitation centers tested positive for illicit alcohol use. The RSB cautioned that additional manufacturing facilities could face enforcement measures as regulators continue monitoring compliance across sectors. Stakeholders are urged to cooperate and adhere to quality mark regulations.
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