The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has announced the presence of substandard Roofing sheets in the market that do not fully comply with the standard requirements.
According to KEBS, the roofing materials have failed the hot-dip galvanized plain and corrugated steel sheets and the hot-dip aluminum-zinc coated plain and corrugated steel sheets specifications.
“The test reports revealed that the weight of the coating metal used by some brands is way below what is stipulated in the standard. This not only greatly compromises the quality and performance of the Roofing sheet metal but also, manufacturers of these brands are undercutting their competitors, resulting in a very uneven playing ground,” said KEBS.
Among the brands include Haut Intl manufactured by Haut International, Mwananchi manufactured by Mwananchi Mabati Company Limited and Panda by Obor technology Kenya Limited. Standard roofing materials work well with cast iron guttering.
KEBS noted that some manufacturers are importing and processing roofing sheets whose widths are below what is stipulated in the standard.
“This is a serious malpracticé because buyers of such products do not get value for their money. Additionally, some manufacturers are not labeling at all or not properly labeling some of these roofing products; and this a major non-conformity because in the absence of adequate marking, consumers are not able to make informed decisions when purchasing the product,” added KEBS.
“Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) therefore wishes to warn manufacturers, importers and retailers that KEBS market surveillance officers will seize any substandard roofing sheets found in the market. In addition, Standardization Mark Permits for the non-complying brands shall be suspended until corrective action is undertaken under the supervision of KEBS.”
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