Selling packaged cassava and banana crisps

I want to start a business of making and selling cassava and banana crisps but am hesitant because my friends are telling me that there is a long process of obtaining a licence from the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS). Is it true that this simple business legally needs getting a licence from TBS?
LK, Mbeya

If the crisps intended to be sold are in the form of processed food in the sense that their shelf life is extended and they are packaged and labeled then such crisps are pre-packaged food for the purposes of standards regulation and the producer must get a licence to fry, distribute or sell them. Pre- packaged food is prescribed under the Standards Act and the Standards (Registration of Premises and Certification of Products) Regulations, 2021 as products regulated by the TBS.

Therefore before commencing this business you need to seek and obtain registration and certification from the TBS. The crisps you want to sell must be registered and even the premises in which you intend to use for frying crisps, storing, selling or distributing crisps must be registered with TBS.

Moreover, even if the crisps are not pre-packaged, the TBS still has the power to inspect them to ensure they meet good hygienic practices. Just to remind you, the TBS licence is in addition to business licence, TIN and other licences that may be required under applicable laws.