Kenya lifts ban on import of second hand textiles, shoes amid COVID-19 pandemic
By People Daily, August 17, 2020NAIROBI,
Kenyan authorities on Sunday lifted a ban on the importation of secondhand textiles and shoes with immediate effect.
Bernard Njiraini, managing director, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), said that the resumption of imports comes after the development of protocols to enhance safety and protection of traders and consumers to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
“The guidelines provide a framework for enforcing additional safety measures such as cleaning and fumigation of used textiles and shoes at the country of origin before baling and at the wholesale and retail stores including surrounding areas every day at closure of business,” Njiriaini said in a statement.
In late March, the standards body suspended the importation of used clothing after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic.
“This precautionary measure was taken with the main objective of safeguarding handlers and users of used textiles and shoes from any risk of exposure to coronavirus as the world grappled with the fast-spreading pandemic,” Njiraini added.
He noted that the developed protocols require importers to register with KEBS and to identify the country of origin of all bales to ensure their traceability.
KEBS noted that the safety guidelines are a culmination of several weeks of research and consultation between different government agencies. (Xinhua)