CZI sounds alarm over substandard goods in Zimbabwe

The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) has raised concern over the continued flood of substandard and mispriced goods entering the country, despite the existence of the Consignment-Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) programme — a system designed to safeguard Zimbabwean consumers and industries from harmful and counterfeit imports.

Speaking during a government-led CBCA consultation workshop held in Harare yesterday, CZI trade and regulatory affairs officer Chinyaradzo Phiri criticised the enforcement of the programme, warning that it was failing to protect the local market.

"As the private sector, we pushed for this to protect our markets from counterfeit products. But the CBCA is not helping much — mispriced and substandard goods are still entering through porous borders," Phiri said.

Introduced in 2015, the CBCA programme mandates that selected imported goods be inspected and certified for compliance with national quality and safety standards in their country of origin before they can enter Zimbabwe. However, CZI says the system is being circumvented by informal traders, leaving formal businesses at a competitive disadvantage.

"The process is only enforced on formal importers," Phiri explained. "Informal players are bypassing it and flooding the market with cheaper, non-compliant products, making it harder for compliant businesses to compete."

Phiri also highlighted lengthy certification delays of up to three weeks — far exceeding the stipulated three to five days — which are disrupting supply chains and raising production costs for manufacturers. Additionally, foreign suppliers, particularly from China and Europe, are reportedly reluctant to comply with CBCA documentation requirements, forcing local companies to seek costlier alternatives.

"The inspection costs are being passed on to buyers, which is increasing raw material prices. In the end, the local industry is being disadvantaged, leading to increased incentives for corruption," she said.

In response, Macheka Muchumairi, director of quality assurance and trade measures in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, acknowledged the concerns and assured stakeholders that government is committed to refining the CBCA framework to improve efficiency and enforcement.

"We're not here to impose, but to listen. This is a pivotal moment to shape the future of the CBCA programme together," Muchumairi said.

He reaffirmed the CBCA programme's central role in the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan, aimed at fostering fair competition, consumer protection, and eliminating counterfeit trade. He also pointed to reforms under Statutory Instrument 35 of 2024, which were developed after broad consultations with industry players.

The ministry is also pursuing ISO 9001 certification, signalling its intent to align local quality assurance processes with international best practices.

Industry stakeholders are hopeful that ongoing reviews will lead to a more balanced system that protects both consumers and local producers from unfair competition, while promoting transparency and economic growth.