No used undies for Tanzania

Dar Es Salaam - Tanzania has banned imports of used underwear and will enforce the health measure by inspecting consignments of second-hand clothing for offending items, a government official said on Thursday.

"We want to protect users of such goods, especially underwear, night-dresses, brassieres and socks," said Liandry Kinabo of the Tanzania Bureau of Standards.

He said the ban had been imposed to prevent Tanzanian buyers developing rashes or even venereal diseases after wearing the second-hand underclothes.

In Tanzania and most of Africa, the market for imported second-hand clothing is immense because of the low cost of such goods. Used clothes are sold and worn everywhere.

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