Online Reporter
Oliver Kazunga
Senior Reporter
BUREAU Veritas, one of the entities contracted to implement the Consignment Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) programme has blocked over 200 million units of substandard and counterfeit products entering Zimbabwe between 2016 and last year.
In 2016, the Government introduced the CBCA programme as a pre-shipment verification system aimed at ensuring that selected imported goods comply with national quality and safety standards before they are exported to Zimbabwe.
Under the framework, regulated products must undergo testing, inspection and certification in the country of origin, and be issued with a Certificate of Conformity prior to shipment.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to restrict the influx of counterfeits into the country from around the globe as well as strengthening border controls — enhance consumer protection, curb unfair trade practices and safeguard fiscal revenues.
The company’s East and Southern Africa contracts manager Mr Tendai Malunga whose organisation is headquartered in France told this publication that they are committed to supporting the Government with initiatives that underpin a robust national quality infrastructure policy — with conformity assessment and market surveillance being the key pillars.
“As Bureau Veritas, we are proud to be associated with such an important initiative to inhibit the influx and adverse effects of counterfeit and substandard products.
“Between 2016 and 2025, as Bureau Veritas we have been instrumental in blocking more than 200 units of substandard products through the CBCA trade facilitation programme,” he said.
“Blocking these products is not just about protecting brand names, it is about protecting our safety, economy, and values .at to public health and safety.”
By intercepting over 200 million non-compliant units, Bureau Veritas has helped shield Zimbabwean consumers from potentially dangerous products that could have resulted in injury, loss of life and costly property damage.
Industry experts say robust pre-shipment verification is essential in an era of complex global supply chains, where substandard goods can easily find their way into unsuspecting markets.
Meanwhile, guest speaker at the public lecture on the scourge of counterfeit products organised by Zimpapers in Harare yesterday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Dr Thomas Utete-Ushe said:
“Counterfeit products undermine legitimate businesses, create unfair competition and expose consumers to serious health and safety risks.
“For Zimbabwe, this weakens compliant companies and slows down industrial growth, making it critical for us to boost domestic production capacity.”
As Zimbabwe accelerates efforts to industrialise and grow exports, effective quality control mechanisms such as the CBCA programme will remain central to building consumer confidence, promoting fair trade and positioning local industry for sustainable growth.
