Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
THE production of counterfeit goods, smuggling and other forms of business malpractice are undermining national efforts to industrialise the country, with substantial amounts lost to the scourge of fake products, depriving the State of duties, taxes and much-needed revenue, a Cabinet minister has said.
In a statement to mark World Consumer Rights Day today, held under the theme “Safe Products and Confident Consumers,” Industry and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu said the commemorations go beyond advocacy and provide a platform to address pressing consumer challenges.
“By holding commemorations, we are using every available opportunity to address challenges faced by consumers in the market place world-wide, including our own unique circumstances as Zimbabwe,” he said.
“The theme is crafted as a direct response to the rising global concern on product quality, consumer safety, market confidence and overall trust.
“Let me reiterate that the World Consumer Rights Day Commemorations traverse beyond advocacy. By holding commemorations, we are using every available opportunity to address challenges faced by consumers in the market place world-wide, including our own unique circumstances as Zimbabwe.
“We aspire to raise awareness and promote a better understanding so that consumer rights are not overlooked. It is important to note that Zimbabwe has not been spared from the menace involving the production of counterfeit goods, smuggling and other forms of business malpractice.
“All these illegal activities are undermining national efforts to industrialise the nation. It is also worrisome to note that every year, we lose substantial amounts to the scourge of counterfeit, depriving the State of duties, taxes and much needed revenue. In the same vein, consumers are exposed to potentially harmful products,” noted Minister Ndlovu.
He added that safeguarding consumers is central to Zimbabwe’s broader development agenda.
“As we commemorate this day, we must recognise that Consumer Protection is integral to the realisation of Vision 2030.
“In that regard, Government approved the Consumer Protection Policy 2026–2030. The policy will reinforce consumer rights leaving no one and no place behind as we heighten consumer protection.”
Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) chief executive officer Mrs Rosemary Mpofu said the theme holds great significance for Zimbabwe, particularly in light of the growing presence of counterfeit and substandard goods on the market.
“Proliferation of substandard and counterfeit goods poses significant risks that include health risks from consuming hazardous or contaminated products, economic losses due to unpaid taxes, levies as most of these products are smuggled through boarders and unfair competition with industry resulting in reduced profits and job losses,” she said.
She said the CCZ is working with Government and other authorities to strengthen consumer protection and product verification systems.
“In collaboration with Government, CCZ is conducting product testing and certification in collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
“Another feature is market surveillance in partnership with regulatory bodies to identify and remove counterfeit products in market. CCZ has developed a digital platform called CCZ Verified, a game changing tool that empowers both consumers and businesses to verify authenticity of goods and enables consumers to easily locate genuine products in their neighbourhoods and retail outlets, while businesses and regulators will be able to identify counterfeit hotspots,” she said.
Mrs Mpofu emphasised that consumer awareness and participation remain critical in tackling the counterfeit goods menace.
“Consumers will get empowered and play an important role in reporting suspicious products to relevant authorities, boycott purchasing counterfeit products and make informed choices decisions checking labels, certifications packaging.”
Zimbabwe is set to commemorate World Consumer Rights Day on Wednesday in Masvingo, where stakeholders are expected to deliberate on strategies to strengthen consumer protection and promote fair market practices.
Bongani Ndlovu