The Agency had seized 1,222 cartons through the land and sea of the country which they said such activities were in breach of the requirements stipulated in the Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides Control Management Act.
During the public awareness campaign after a seizure of the unauthorised imported chemicals and pesticides, the Executive Director Dr. Dawda Badjie, said the unauthorised importation of the chemicals and pesticides not only undermines their national regulatory frameworks but also exposes society and the environment to potential hazards and risks.
“It is our responsibility, according to the laws of this country, to ensure that any product that enters into this country, we need to get it back. It will give people the opportunity to know what is actually coming into this country,” Dr Badjie said.
Dr Badjie also noted that some of the negative impacts that could emanate from the unauthorised importation of hazardous chemicals and pesticides, importers were required to seek for clearance to import prior to any importation of chemicals into the country.
“Importers and dealers were also required to obtain the necessary registration and clearance of their chemical products and licenses as prescribed by law.”
Omar Sey, director of Technical Services Network, NEA, explained that importers and dealers of products need to have a landscape and import management plans because it is significant and it provides them with certain information.
Mr Sey further explained procedures importers need to do upon following what the law requires. He added that upon that verification of the chemicals and pesticides, samples are collected. “Three samples are collected. One is for the importer, the registrar, and one for the lab,” he explained.
He added that the landscape is given to the legal right to import chemicals. “But it doesn't give you a total legal right to import chemicals into the country. We need to provide a clearance,” he emphasised.
Lamin Jaiteh, registrar of Pesticides at the NEA, stated that they were mandated by law to regulate appropriately. “We are here to cover this issue and also do more visibility, ensuring that the companies are aware of what is happening. And by doing so, they also learn the new things that are emerging.”
He added that they work together with stakeholders in ensuring that the law is implemented appropriately. “Enforcement of laws requires a lot of effort and commitment from staff and also from the general public.”
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