THE Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA) has urged Tanzanians to use its internationally accredited laboratory services on order to reliable scientific evidence for criminal investigations, consumer protection and environmental safety.

Speaking at the ongoing 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) yesterday, the Director of Product and Environmental Analysis at the GCLA, Shimo Peter, said the authority remains committed to protecting public health through scientific analysis of samples related to forensic investigations, product quality and safety, and environmental pollution.

He said the authority serves as Tanzania's national reference laboratory, providing scientific findings that support government decision-making, law enforcement agencies, regulatory institutions, businesses and the public.

"Our responsibility is to conduct scientific analyses and provide credible evidence and expert advice to help protect human health, ensure the safety of products on the market and safeguard the environment," he said.

To improve access to its services, the authority has established laboratories and offices across six geographical zones, with facilities in Dodoma, Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza, Geita, Tanga, Mtwara and Songea.

According to director, the decentralisation of laboratory services has reduced the need for individuals and institutions to travel long distances to access specialised testing and analytical services.

He said the authority also regulates the management and safe use of industrial and household chemicals, urging manufacturers, importers, distributors and users to comply with the Industrial and Consumer Chemicals (Management and Control) Act No. 3 of 2003.

Peter added that the authority oversees laboratories conducting chemical analyses across the country to ensure they comply with national and international standards and produce accurate, reliable and internationally recognised results.

 It also enforces legislation governing the use of human genetic materials to ensure laboratories and institutions undertaking such work operate within the law.

During this year's DITF, GCLA experts are educating the public on the safe handling and use of chemicals, procedures for submitting laboratory samples, registration requirements for chemical handlers and the range of analytical services offered to individuals, businesses and government institutions.

Peter said all GCLA laboratories have attained international accreditation, giving clients confidence that results generated by the authority meet globally accepted standards and can be relied upon in legal proceedings, regulatory decisions, trade and scientific research.

He encouraged members of the public to visit the authority's pavilion at the exhibition to learn more about its services and receive guidance from laboratory experts.


The GCLA plays a critical role in Tanzania's public health and regulatory systems. Besides supporting criminal investigations through forensic science, it analyses food, water, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, industrial products and environmental samples to verify compliance with safety and quality standards.

 Its findings help government agencies detect harmful substances, combat counterfeit and substandard products, monitor pollution and strengthen consumer protection.

 As demand for reliable laboratory services grows, the authority says expanding public awareness and improving access to accredited testing remain central to its mission of protecting lives, promoting fair trade and preserving the environment.