MONROVIA — The House of Representatives has summoned authorities of the Liberia Standards Authority (LISA) to appear before Plenary next Tuesday following growing concerns over the importation and sale of potentially unsafe products on the Liberian market.
The decision came after Bong County Electoral District #6 Representative Moima Briggs Mensah submitted a communication requesting the management of LISA to explain issues relating to consumer safety, product standards, and regulatory enforcement.
Representative Mensah expressed concern over the increasing presence of imported products carrying labels written entirely in foreign languages, as well as goods entering the market without clear instructions or safety information for consumers. She specifically cited food products, fertilizers, chemicals, and construction materials that may pose risks if regulatory standards remain unenforced.
According to Mensah, public complaints about unreadable labels and potential health and safety risks prompted the communication. She requested that LISA authorities provide detailed information on regulatory measures requiring English or bilingual labeling, as well as enforcement mechanisms, inspections, penalties, and compliance efforts.
Following deliberations, Plenary voted to summon LISA officials to appear next Tuesday to respond to the concerns and clarify the institution’s oversight functions.
The Liberia Standards Authority serves as the country’s principal quality assurance institution, responsible for developing and enforcing national standards. Its duties include conducting conformity assessments, laboratory testing, inspections of imported and locally manufactured products, and preventing substandard or hazardous goods from entering the Liberian market.
LISA’s appearance before Plenary next week is expected to provide lawmakers and the public with greater insight into the authority’s operations and measures to protect Liberian consumers.
