Kenya offers to refund US and Canada over recalled 100,000 substandard baby jeans
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Investigations commence after US and Canada recall 100,000 substandard baby jeans made by EPZ in Kenya
Investigations commence after US and Canada recall 100,000 substandard baby jeans made by EPZ in Kenya.
Over 100,000 pairs of baby jeans made in Kenya were recalled by the US due to safety concerns as Kenya offers to refund more than Sh375 million.
This happens as the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs) distances itself from the recalled jeans saying it is not responsible for the mess.
The jeans, made in different Export Processing Zones (EPZ) in Kenya for babies and distributed at retail outlets in America, were recalled over faulty features.
Kebs absolved itself from the matter saying its mandate is only to certify goods consumed within the country and those with agreement with it within the East African Community (EAC). “Products destined for export are not subjected to certification. There is no policy requiring export verification by Kebs since the products are meant to meet standards for the export country, not Kenyan standards,” said Kebs.
“We are gathering details regarding the issue but we suspect foul play. We intend to give more details soon after we get details from the consignment originator,” said Kenya Export Manufacturers Association (KEMA) vice chairman Thomas Puthoor. The recall of more than 100,000 pairs of jeans made in Kenya by the US over safety concerns could threaten confidence in a sourcing locale working to attract new business and strengthen US ties.
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The Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) has also commenced an investigation into the recalling of over 100,000 pairs of jeans by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
In a statement, the agency indicated that it was yet to be informed of the reasons behind the recalling of the apparel meant for children.
EPZA affirmed that it was committed to finding a solution to the concerns raised by the US Commission with the aim of enabling Kenyan companies to continue with their exports.
“We have launched investigations concerning this garment manufacturing issue and in collaboration with the affected stakeholders will share a comprehensive statement upon conclusion of the same,” read the statement in part.
The jeans had been exported to the US and Canada in September 2022 with the sales set to be completed.
According to the Commission over 90,000 pieces of jeans had already been sold with parents asked to return them to the shops.
Each piece was retailing at an average of Ksh3,600.
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