Regulatory agencies urged to familiarize with Business regulatory Act

The Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRAA) has called upon all regulatory agencies to familiarize themselves with the business regulatory Act and take into account the principles and requirements contained therein as they continue to regulate businesses in their various sectors.

BRAA Interim Director and Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Mapani says the agency has received complaints from business houses expressing concern over increases in fees relating to licenses and permits by agencies that regulate them.

Mr. Mapani says the agency has learnt that some regulatory agencies have increased fees by as much as 200 percent, stating that under the Act, all frameworks that have an impact on business whether in form of licenses, permits, authorizations, fees, levies and charges require the approval of BRAA before they are introduced or adjusted upwards.

He says the business regulatory Act no. 3 of 2014 requires introduction and adjustment of fees and other regulatory interventions that affect businesses to be notified with the agency.

Mr. Mapani further states that before the adjustment, a regulatory impact assessment that is consultative with all stakeholders should be undertaken to ascertain the necessity or justification for the measure as well as its costs and benefits.