Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
SHOPPERS have been advised to look out for counterfeit cellphones and laptops flooding the market.
The call was made by the Consumer Protection Commission of Zimbabwe (CPC) director for Research and Public Affairs, Kudakwashe Muderere at the Consignment Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) Programme Stakeholders Consultation held in Harare yesterday.
In his presentation, Muderere said the Council has been receiving an increasing number of complaints about counterfeit products blaming the rise in the current exemption of the gadgets from the CBCA regulations.
He noted with concern one of the cases under investigation where some Guruve teachers were duped their hard earned money by a dealer, who supplied counterfeit products.
“We want to thank the Second Republic for seeing the need to protect people from unscrupulous dealers and misleading advertisements,” said Muderere.
“Counterfeit products have found their way through our borders to the market.
“We are receiving a number of complaints from consumers about products that only function for a few days.
“One of the cases reported in Guruve affected some teachers who were duped, and it is under investigations. All labels on products must be clear and with an understanding language according to the CPC Act Chapter 14:44.
“Expired products are finding their way through buses at some borders from our neighbouring countries.Products like cellphones and laptops are not subjected to CBCA hence, some dealers have taken advantage.”
Muderere urged people to check for expired products on shelves saying they are allowed to report any supplier or retailer, who refuses to refund for any counterfeit products.
“Gone are the days of stickers of NO REFUND, report to Consumer Protection Commission if they refuse. Sections 42 of Act 14:44 clarifies much on that so as Sections 18 and 26. Familiarise with your laws to be protected from these unscrupulous dealers.
“Some of us are suffering from noncommunicable diseases like cancer and they might be caused by such fake products,” said
The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) of Zimbabwe is a statutory body established to protect consumers from unfair trade practices and promote fair trading practices within the country.
It was created under the Consumer Protection Act (Chapter 14:44).
The CPC’s functions include safeguarding consumer rights, regulating consumer advocacy organisations, and providing alternative dispute resolution.
In her presentation, Consumer Council of Zimbabwe Policy Research and Advocacy officer Patience Chikwiriro acknowledged that the organisation has been limited in giving awareness campaigns to the public about CBCA leaving them exposed.
She noted with concern the weak enforcement on fake CBCA certificates in informal trade.
“We want consumers know the benefits of CBCA to us as consumers.
“It ensures safety and quality of imported goods, prevents substandard and counterfeit product entry. It empowers consumers with information (certificates, QR codes), strengthens fair competition and consumer confidence,” said Patience.
Among the participants who submitted their presentations included the Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe (SFAAZ), Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), Chief Executive Officers Round Table (CEOART), Transport Operators Association of Zimbabwe (TOAZ), Cross-border traders , Trade measures Inspector among others.
Mathew Masinge