Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has warned consumers to be on alert for counterfeit Nivea and Hullets sugar products after recent seizures, as it intensifies a nationwide crackdown that has seen 471 businesses prosecuted for failing to display prices.
In a recent interview, CPC Board Chairperson Commissioner Respina Zinyanduko said counterfeiters were now targeting well-known brands, with fake Nivea cosmetics, Shield Sheen and Eversharp pens, as well as counterfeit Hullets sugar, among products seized in recent blitzes.
“Recent seizures of counterfeit Hullets sugar and Eversharp pens, as well as fake Nivea and Shield Sheen products, show that even well-known brands are being targeted by counterfeiters,” Commissioner Zinyanduko said.
Since January 2026, the CPC has prosecuted 1 615 businesses nationwide. Failure to display prices accounted for 471 prosecutions, the second-highest offence after the sale of expired goods at 572.
Non-issuance of receipts stood at 26 violations.
The Commission said it conducted 12 105 inspections between January and July, resulting in 1 615 prosecution notices and 925 compliance notices.
Commissioner Zinyanduko urged consumers to check packaging carefully before buying, particularly for fast-moving goods.
“Consumers should look out for valid expiry dates, full supplier details and warning labels. Be wary of unusually cheap or unbranded goods, especially cooking oil, sugar, mealie-meal, milk, matemba and snacks sold loose or in unmarked packaging,” she said.
She added that familiar household brands sold at suspiciously low prices or with slightly altered packaging should also be treated with caution.
She also advised consumers to report suspected counterfeit, expired or illegally repackaged products to the CPC on toll-free numbers Econet 080 803 23 and NetOne 080 123 01.
The Commission said it was working with ZRP, ZIMRA, City Health Departments, the Standards Association of Zimbabwe and manufacturers including Lobels and the Dairy Board to curb smuggling and counterfeiting.
Six national enforcement blitzes have been conducted so far this year targeting counterfeit goods, expired products and improper labelling, with 31 cases referred to other regulators in July alone.
Fake products, including Nivea cosmetics and Hullets sugar, are reportedly being sold during night vending and sometimes during broad daylight, with vendors targeting busy streets and markets.
Several retail outlets operating from glass-partitioned shops are allegedly neither displaying prices nor issuing receipts, leaving consumers vulnerable to exploitation.
