Dili, April 11, 2025 (Média Democracia) – AIFAESA seeks to clarify its inspection and monitoring services, based on Law No. 26/2016 and its first amendment No. 29/2024. AIFAESA operates as a functional body under the authority of the Ministries of Trade, Industry, and Tourism.
On this occasion, AIFAESA announced to the public regarding the SEARA Company, which not only operates in Dili but also in other municipalities.
“When the team identified the location of SEARA’s commercial outlet in Pantai Kelapa, we only applied sanctions to that commercial point. If there are irregularities at other SEARA outlets, AIFAESA will also take action accordingly,” said Inspector General Odete Viegas during a press conference at AIFAESA headquarters on Wednesday (09/04).
The SEARA outlet that was permanently shut down was due to prior incidents in 2024, where the AIFAESA team found that the business was selling expired, damaged, and poorly stored products.
“There were several unmet requirements, and this has been a recurring issue since 2022, which we call recidivism. Additionally, the hygiene conditions were poor. The temporary closure was not limited to SEARA alone; we took similar action against several other shops,” said Inspector Odete Viegas.
She explained that AIFAESA had given SEARA a one-month grace period to comply with 22 required corrections, following a three-week sanction period.
“We then conducted a reinspection from two directions. Since they complied, we reauthorized them. However, the business owner also agreed to sign a Commitment Letter stating that if they repeated such violations, the shop would be permanently closed,” she explained.
The inspector emphasized that, unfortunately, the business repeated the same offenses.
“As a result, we decided on a permanent closure of their operation in Pantai Kelapa. However, other SEARA outlets remain open as they operate under separate establishments,” she added.
According to existing regulations, AIFAESA does not close businesses immediately upon inspection but follows a set of procedures that allow reactivation once requirements are met.
She also noted that while AIFAESA’s operations involve significant risks, all staff remain committed to serving the nation and the people of Timor-Leste.
“Therefore, public questioning is normal, but we must avoid criticism that aims to undermine. I ask the public to understand AIFAESA’s role and cooperate so we can carry out our mission effectively,” she stated.
She reported that on Wednesday (08/04), two trucks were used to remove products from the referenced SEARA shop, totaling 55 items, a significant amount that goes beyond a minor violation.
Currently, the confiscated goods are stored at AIFAESA’s facility and, according to the plan, will be destroyed this Friday in Tibar.
Report : Estefania
Photo : Estefania