KEBS Raises Alarm After Finding Used Undergarments in Mitumba Shipment

The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has warned mitumba traders against importing prohibited second-hand clothing, after officers intercepted a consignment containing used undergarments during an inspection.

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 22, the bureau said the prohibited items were discovered during inspections carried out on Wednesday, October 21.

KEBS directed importers to ensure their consignments comply with Kenyan standards, warning that restricted clothing should not be included in shipments entering the country.

Among the prohibited items listed by the bureau are used briefs, brassieres, camisoles, socks, stockings and swimwear.

The standards agency said the restrictions are intended to protect consumers and ensure imported second-hand clothing meets the country’s regulatory requirements.

“KEBS inspects all imported used clothing and footwear consignments, with 100 per cent inspection being undertaken to ensure compliance with applicable standards,” the bureau stated.

The interception highlights the ongoing scrutiny of mitumba imports, which remain a major source of affordable clothing for many Kenyans.

According to KEBS, every consignment of imported used clothing and footwear undergoes a full inspection before it can be cleared, allowing officers to identify items that do not meet the required standards.

The bureau said importers have a responsibility to check their shipments before they arrive in the country to avoid including prohibited goods.

The warning signals that enforcement efforts will continue as authorities seek to keep restricted second-hand items out of the local market.

KEBS did not disclose the quantity of used undergarments found in the intercepted consignment or identify the importer involved.

The agency has maintained that compliance inspections form part of its broader role in regulating imported products and protecting public health.

For mitumba traders, the latest directive serves as a reminder that only clothing permitted under Kenya’s standards should be included in imported bales.

The bureau has indicated that inspections will continue at entry points, with prohibited items expected to face enforcement action whenever they are detected during the clearance process.

LINK: https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/128783-kebs-flags-used-undergarments-found-imported-mitumba-shipment?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=SW&fbclid=IwY2xjawVG9m1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzQwOTk2MjYyMzA4NTYwOQABHqeV7s8desYvFVJt-cM_onoQLd-5bwr9d5pgudfURIu-gHfGGCGeMNgKnjLy_aem_LsGjhRUKlvp4Ecykmc93LQ

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