Mandate:
The Tanzania Sisal Board (TSB) is the Supreme Sisal Regulatory Institution in Tanzania. Its mandate is enshrined under Section 3 of the Sisal Industry Act No.2 enacted in 1997. The TSB is the overseer of laws, regulations and development of the sisal sector in Tanzania and its Chief Executive Officer is appointed by the Board upon prior approval of the Minister in accordance with sub section (1) of section 9 of the Sisal Industry Act No.2 of 1997. The CEO is assisted by the three Directors. The Functions and Powers of TSB are clearly stipulated under sub section 1 and 2 respectively of section 5 of the Sisal Industry Act No.2 of 1997.

Functions of Board:
The TSB has been mandated by law to carry out the following functions: -
i. To promote the development and improvement of the sisal industry.
ii. To make regulations for the control of pests and disease.
iii. To finance and or conduct research directly or through agents in any matter related to the sisal industry.
iv. To issue export and import license upon such terms and conditions.
v. To regulate and control the quality, marketing and export of sisal.
vi. To collect, refine and disseminate information concerning sisal and promote its use.
vii. To advise the government on all matters pertaining to the sisal industry.
viii. To carry out such other functions in relation to the sisal industry as the Minister may direct from time to time.

Powers of Board:
TSB has the following powers: -
i. To register sisal products and to determine the qualifications and conditions for such registration.
ii. To make orders or give directions for compulsory registration of all producers of sisal or sisal products or of any particular category of producers.
iii. To collect from producer’s information and statistics for use by the industry.
iv. To establish quality standards for sisal and sisal products and to ensure the compliance of such standards by persons so licensed.
v. To issue export license for sisal and sisal products.
vi. To do anything or enter into any transaction which, in the opinion of the Board is calculated to facilitate the proper and efficient carrying out of the Board’s activities and the proper exercise of its functions.
vii. with the approval of the Minister, by order published in the Gazette, to impose a levy on all sisal whether produced, sold or exported, any such Order may prescribe different rates for different species, grades, descriptions or origins of sisal and in determining the amount of such levy the Board shall take into account what moneys are required for the purpose of maintenance, operation, research and training, marketing information system, extension and any other uses as the Board may determine;
viii. in liaison with producers to represent the Government and the industry at all international forums relating to or dealing with the sisal industry;
ix. In consultation with farmer’s association to represent the Government and the industry at all international forums relating to or dealing with the sisal industry.
x. Subject to the prior approval in writing by the Minister, to perform any commercial functions as the Minister may consider necessary.