Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal base and custodian of “Tanzania Honey Trademark”?

The legal base of this trademark revolves around various national laws, regulations, and standards that govern food safety, trademark registration, and beekeeping practices.
The “Tanzania Honey Trademark” was officially sealed on the 12th of July 2024 in the United Republic of Tanzania (URT) under the Trade/Service Marks Act 1986, Section 28 (2) and Regulation 50. The custodian of the Tanzania Honey Trademark is the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TANTRADE

What are the goals of the Tanzania Honey Trademark?

The Tanzania Honey Trademark Program was established to enhance the quality and competitiveness of Tanzanian honey in both local and international markets. The goal is to create a distinctive brand that differentiates Tanzanian honey from competitors, highlighting its natural and unique qualities. It helps consumers identify the origin or source of a product or service.

By choosing Tanzania Honey Trademark certified honey, consumers contribute to a system that prioritizes the long-term health and sustainability of bee populations. This, in turn, helps ensure the survival of bees, which are vital to global ecosystems.

For honey producers, exporters, and consumers, this trademark is a certification mark that signifies the authenticity, quality, and origin of honey produced in Tanzania.

What are the requirements to use Tanzania Honey Trademark?

To qualify for the Tanzania Honey Trademark, honey must adhere to specific standards and originate from Tanzania. It should be free from artificial additives and contaminants, meet the necessary quality and purity standards, and undergo rigorous testing and certification to confirm its authenticity. Here are the key requirements:

  1. Certification and Registration: Producers and Processors: Beekeepers, honey producers, and processors must be registered and certified by relevant bodies such as the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS). Processing plant and products must be registered and certified by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS)

  2. Traceability is a crucial requirement for users of Tanzania's honey trademark. 

  3. Trademark Authorization: Registered producers need to apply for and receive the Tanzania Honey Trademark to ensure their honey meets the set quality standards.

  4. Consumer Verification: QR Codes and Digital Platforms, the products shall have QR codes that consumers can scan to verify the origin, production details, and certifications of the honey.

Does the use of the Tanzania Honey Trademark mandatory?

The Tanzania Honey Trademark is voluntary, any company that is legally registered and meets the TBS standards can apply for the Tanzania Honey Trademark.

Is Tanzania Honey Trademark certified honey superior to other honey?

Tanzania Honey Trademark certified honey is not necessarily "superior" to all other honey, but it does meet specific quality standards that ensure it is safe, pure, and of high quality. The certification focuses on several key aspects: 

Purity: The honey is guaranteed to be natural, without adulteration or contamination, ensuring its authenticity. 

Quality Control: Certified honey is subject to rigorous testing for moisture content, sugar composition, and other parameters to meet both local and international quality standards. 

Safety: The certification ensures that honey is free from harmful substances such as pesticides, chemicals, and heavy metals. 

Sustainability: Certified honey often comes from beekeepers who follow sustainable practices that support biodiversity and environmental conservation. 

While Tanzania Honey Trademark certified honey may offer these assurances, other high-quality honey from different regions or brands may also meet or exceed similar standards. The certification helps differentiate Tanzanian honey, particularly in global markets, but it doesn't automatically make it superior to all other honey, as quality depends on several factors, including source, processing, and storage. 

Who conducts the audits for the Tanzania Honey Trademark certification?

The audits for the Tanzania Honey Trademark Certification are carried out by TANTRADE, the custodian of Tanzania Honey Trademark