The Rwanda Bureau of Standards, (RBS) has told garment dealers that they will not be allowed to sell used underwear after December 31.

This is the second ultimatum from the standards’ body.

Simeon Kwizera, RBS’s Public Relations Officer, however, explained that the ban was revised after consultations with the dealers.

"We had initially placed the ban on importation of all underwear, effective last February. 

"But, we decided to stop traders from strictly making fresh orders after that date and let those who already placed their orders to proceed with importation and sell their last stock.”

He noted that after July 31, all dealers were told not to make any fresh orders.

According to Philip Nzaire, the bureau’s Director of Quality Assurance, so far, the deadlines have been respected.

"We have our inspectors on the ground and they confirm that there is no more importation,” Nzaire said.

RBS decided to ban used underwear to avoid the spread of disease.

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