Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Ministry of Industry and Commerce has renewed contracts with Consignment Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) service providers, a development critical to ensure that only safe, quality and compliant goods are imported into Zimbabwe.
The service providers included Bureau Veritas, EAA Company Limited, Cotecna Inspection Société Anonyme, Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ), World Standardisation Certification and Testing Group and Intertek.
Through the CBCA programme, goods that come into the country are subject to conformity assessments which include inspection, testing and certification, while it also prevents the importation of sub-standard and counterfeit goods from reaching the markets.
The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu said the renewal of the contracts on Monday comes at a time the nation was currently battling an influx of smuggled and uncertified products, some of which are hazardous to health.
“The influx of sub-standard and counterfeit products in our markets has been a serious concern. Of late, it has impacted adversely on the health of our citizens and the economy at large. This programme (CBCA programme) is our proactive response to safeguard consumers and uphold quality standards,” he said.
“A lot of second hand clothes have found their way into the market creating a serious threat to local clothing manufacturers like Carousel among others. This problem has also been witnesses on liquor products, blankets, groceries and even car parts.”
He said the CBCA programme started in 2015 with one service provider, while to date, ten years later they have taken a significant step by increasing the number of CBCA service providers to six.
The Minister said the companies they have engaged will cover a wide range of goods including general goods, consolidated goods, motor vehicles and spare parts, all governed by Statutory Instrument (SI) 35 of 2024.
He added: “As we move forward with implementation, let us remember that the primary goal of this programme is not financial gain. Our focus must always be on protecting the citizens of Zimbabwe and the environment that we live in.”
Minister Ndhlovu urged the CBCA service providers to ensure that all assessments are conducted with utmost speed, diligence and integrity to allow a smooth flow on the import process.
He called on the service providers to also consider making strategic investments in Zimbabwe, particularly in the establishment of local laboratories, inspection facilities and other elements of quality infrastructure.
The Minister assured the nation that the Government was fully committed to supporting the effective implementation of the CBCA programme.
