Online Reporter
Judith Phiri
Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Government has renewed contracts with Consignment Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) service providers, as part of continuous measures 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. This is meant to prevent sub-standard and counterfeit imports from reaching the markets.
Industry and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu said the renewal of the contracts on Monday comes at a time when the nation is 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 had an adverse effect 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 witnessed on liquor products, blankets, groceries and even car parts.”
He said the CBCA programme started in 2015 with one service provider, while to date, 10 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 imports, including general and 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 Ndlovu urged the CBCA service providers to ensure that all assessments are conducted with utmost speed, diligence and integrity to allow a smooth flow in 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 support the effective implementation of the CBCA programme.
The CBCA service providers play a vital role in supporting the Government’s efforts to combat smuggling, aligning with the objectives of the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (2024–2025) by ensuring compliance, enhancing revenue collection and promoting fair trade.
For Zimbabwe, implementing a robust CBCA system is crucial for the protection of public health and safety, prevention of revenue loss, compliance with international standards, boosting local industry competitiveness and enhancing consumer confidence.
Meanwhile, a crackdown on counterfeit and smuggled goods in the country has revealed that almost half of the groceries on the shelves of illegal tuck shops and vending stalls are fake, underweight and pose serious health hazards.
The Government, through the anti-smuggling taskforce, continues to take deterrent action, including the destruction of confiscated goods and prosecuting offenders.
The fake goods include popular items like petroleum jelly, lotions, flour and toothpaste, with some using packaging similar to genuine brands.
A survey by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in collaboration with SAZ, established that 50 percent of products tested from tuck shops did not meet required standards.
The surge in counterfeit goods is negatively impacting formal retail businesses, with some major supermarkets reporting significant losses.
The Government is also working to support legitimate businesses while cracking down on illegal trade.
The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC), Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ), Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) are also involved in combating trade in counterfeit products.
