News / National
'No refund' signs now illegal
1 hr ago |
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The Government has declared the common practice by some retail outlets of displaying "No Refund" signs illegal, warning that businesses that continue using such disclaimers risk prosecution.
The directive follows Cabinet's approval of the Consumer Protection Policy (2026–2030), presented by Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube during Tuesday's Cabinet meeting.
Authorities say the policy was introduced in response to a surge in restrictive trade practices within the electronics and retail sectors, where some businesses have been imposing refund restrictions that violate consumer rights.
Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said the widespread use of "No Refund" notices by some retailers — particularly informal traders commonly known as "runners" — is unlawful.
"Some people do not know that it is illegal to put a disclaimer that there is no refund," Ndlovu said.
"It is illegal, and if there are people who are doing that, an informed consumer is advised to notify the authorities. It could be the police or ourselves as the ministry so that we can prosecute such businesses."
The signs have frequently been displayed by runners selling clothing and kitchenware, as well as by mobile phone shops that impose arbitrary three-day guarantees — conditions the Government now says have no legal basis.
Ndlovu noted that the only exception applies to the health and pharmaceutical sector due to safety and hygiene concerns.
"It's only in the health sector that it is acceptable, because you can't take a drug and then you want to return it," he said. "It cannot be consumed by other people."
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda said the new policy aims to strengthen consumer rights while promoting fair trading practices across all sectors of the economy.
According to the Cabinet statement, the policy is anchored on several strategic pillars, including strengthening institutional frameworks for consumer protection, improving dispute resolution mechanisms, enhancing product safety and quality standards, and tackling counterfeit and illicit trade.
It also seeks to expand consumer education programmes, strengthen regulation of e-commerce and digital transactions, and enhance regional and international cooperation on consumer protection issues.
Authorities say the policy will also improve coordination among regulatory agencies, intensify market compliance checks and ensure clearer guidelines for resolving consumer disputes.
Other policy measures include reviewing laws governing digital transactions and strengthening the Consignment-Based Conformity Assessment system to ensure goods entering the country meet required quality standards.
Officials believe the new framework will empower consumers, encourage the production of quality goods and services and ultimately boost Zimbabwe's competitiveness both locally and internationally.
The directive follows Cabinet's approval of the Consumer Protection Policy (2026–2030), presented by Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube during Tuesday's Cabinet meeting.
Authorities say the policy was introduced in response to a surge in restrictive trade practices within the electronics and retail sectors, where some businesses have been imposing refund restrictions that violate consumer rights.
Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said the widespread use of "No Refund" notices by some retailers — particularly informal traders commonly known as "runners" — is unlawful.
"Some people do not know that it is illegal to put a disclaimer that there is no refund," Ndlovu said.
"It is illegal, and if there are people who are doing that, an informed consumer is advised to notify the authorities. It could be the police or ourselves as the ministry so that we can prosecute such businesses."
The signs have frequently been displayed by runners selling clothing and kitchenware, as well as by mobile phone shops that impose arbitrary three-day guarantees — conditions the Government now says have no legal basis.
Ndlovu noted that the only exception applies to the health and pharmaceutical sector due to safety and hygiene concerns.
"It's only in the health sector that it is acceptable, because you can't take a drug and then you want to return it," he said. "It cannot be consumed by other people."
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Zhemu Soda said the new policy aims to strengthen consumer rights while promoting fair trading practices across all sectors of the economy.
According to the Cabinet statement, the policy is anchored on several strategic pillars, including strengthening institutional frameworks for consumer protection, improving dispute resolution mechanisms, enhancing product safety and quality standards, and tackling counterfeit and illicit trade.
It also seeks to expand consumer education programmes, strengthen regulation of e-commerce and digital transactions, and enhance regional and international cooperation on consumer protection issues.
Authorities say the policy will also improve coordination among regulatory agencies, intensify market compliance checks and ensure clearer guidelines for resolving consumer disputes.
Other policy measures include reviewing laws governing digital transactions and strengthening the Consignment-Based Conformity Assessment system to ensure goods entering the country meet required quality standards.
Officials believe the new framework will empower consumers, encourage the production of quality goods and services and ultimately boost Zimbabwe's competitiveness both locally and internationally.
Source - The Herald
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