Online Reporter
Oliver Kazunga
Senior Reporter
THE crackdown on counterfeit goods has been intensified with more than 5 000 businesses inspected and 560 prosecutions finalised under a nationwide Government-led blitz to enhance consumer protection.
Recently, the Government launched an anti-smuggling drive to go beyond collecting avoided taxes and to protect local industry from an influx of counterfeit and substandard products entering the market.
The inspections form part of broader efforts to maintain a well-regulated business environment, safeguard consumers and promote fair competition in the marketplace.
The influx of counterfeit and substandard goods has increasingly threatened the viability of local industry, while exposing consumers to serious health and safety risks.
Officially commissioning the headquarters of Consumer Protection Commission in Harare and handing over operational vehicles to be distributed across the country’s 10 provinces yesterday, Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Mangaliso Ndlovu said the intensified enforcement reflected Government’s commitment to restoring order and discipline in the marketplace while protecting consumers from unsafe and fake products.
Goods that have predominantly been smuggled into the country include washing powder, liquor products, medicines, and fabric in the textile industry.
He said Government had already recorded significant progress through the Taskforce on Anti-Smuggling and Business Malpractices, which is coordinated through the Ministry’s command centre in close collaboration with the CPC.
“To date, more than 5 087 businesses have been inspected, with over 560 prosecutions finalised, 589 compliance notices issued and 6 189 seizures effected.
“Let me emphasise that these figures represent only part of the progress achieved, as much more has been accomplished by the CPC, whose statistics are yet to be fully embedded into this record.
“These outcomes clearly demonstrate the impact of enhanced institutional capacity and underscore the importance of continued resource support to sustain nationwide enforcement,” he said.
Dr Ndlovu said the new vehicles and operational infrastructure would strengthen the CPC’s ability to investigate violations, conduct inspections and respond swiftly to consumer complaints across the country.
“This will enable the commission to effectively safeguard the interests of consumers, restore order and discipline within the marketplace and decisively deal with unscrupulous business practices that continue to prejudice consumers.”
Dr Ndlovu said public pressure was mounting for the enactment of a dedicated Counterfeit Act to strengthen Zimbabwe’s legal and enforcement framework against fake goods.
“In fact, let me point out that, from reports gathered during consumer protection forums, as well as education and awareness programmes conducted across the country, there has been a strong and consistent advocacy from the public for the enactment of a dedicated Counterfeit Act.
“This growing call underscores the urgency of strengthening our legislative and enforcement framework.”
He said the Government was determined to ensure consumer protection services reached every part of the country in line with the devolution agenda and the national vision of leaving no one and no place behind.
“With resources permitting, we anticipate the modernisation of their offices and further extension into districts,” he said.
In March this year, the Cabinet approved the Consumer Protection Policy (2026-2030), which complements the Consumer Protection Act in strengthening consumer rights and promoting responsible business practices.
Speaking at the same occasion, CPC chairperson Ms Respina Zinyanduko said the commissioning of the headquarters and operational vehicles marked a major responsibility for the commission to deliver measurable results in protecting consumers and improving enforcement efficiency.
“As we commission these resources, we also commission responsibilities. I, therefore, want to implore management to ensure the headquarters and the vehicles translate into measurable impact, including reduced consumer harm, increased responsiveness to complaints, more effective enforcement and compliance outcomes, and greater public trust in the CPC,” she said.
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