Tanzania and Kenya Set Three-Month Task to Recognise Food Radioanalysis Certificates

Thursday 29th October 2026

By inAfrika Newsroom

Tanzania and Kenya have given a joint technical team three months to develop an agreement recognising each other’s radioanalysis certificates for food and related products. The planned arrangement could reduce repeat testing at the border, but traders should not treat it as an exemption already in force.

The Tanzanian High Commission in Nairobi reported on 26 October 2026 that the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission and Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority met in Nairobi on 21–23 October. They established a Joint Technical Working Group to prepare the Mutual Recognition Agreement.

The High Commission says the intended benefits are lower compliance costs, fewer border delays and less duplicate testing. The institutions also explored a memorandum of understanding for longer-term regulatory cooperation, while The Standard reported the certificate initiative on 28 October.

Radioanalysis concerns checks for radioactive substances, rather than replacing the full range of food-safety controls. Recognising a competent authority’s test results can address duplication without implying that every product automatically meets all import requirements.

The important commercial question is which certificates, laboratories and product categories the final arrangement will cover. Exporters will also need clarity on verification procedures and how authorities will handle a disputed or unacceptable result.

Until those details are adopted and communicated, the working group’s establishment marks progress towards an agreement rather than completion of one. Businesses planning shipments should verify current requirements with the relevant authorities instead of pricing an assumed saving into contracts.

The eventual test will be measurable changes in repeat-test frequency, clearance time and compliance costs. That would complement wider efforts to improve East Africa’s food supply chains, including the investment in collection, handling and distribution infrastructure covered separately by InAfrika.