Zimbabwe Takes Action Against Smuggling and Counterfeit Goods to Ensure Public Safety
Click to start listening
Harare, Dec 12 (NationPress) Authorities in Zimbabwe are enhancing efforts to tackle the smuggling of consumer goods into the nation as well as the rise of counterfeit and substandard products in the marketplace to ensure public safety and bolster the local industry.
Officials indicated that the increase in smuggled goods is partially fueled by public demand for affordable products available in informal markets that function outside of regulatory frameworks, according to a report from Xinhua news agency.
To combat the trade in illicit goods, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce is spearheading a multi-agency task force, which includes the police and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, with the goal of mitigating smuggling.
"Robust anti-smuggling measures have been established to shield our domestic industries from the unfair competition posed by illegal imports," stated Zimbabwe's Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Rajeshkumar Modi, during a dissemination workshop for the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (ZIRGP) in Harare on Tuesday.
"The development of value chains continues to be a priority, as the government has implemented strategies to encourage the procurement of locally produced goods," he further explained.
Initiated on November 1, the ZIRGP is a short-term transitional manufacturing policy set to continue until December 2025, aimed at enforcing consumer protection and curtailing the influx of smuggled, counterfeit, and substandard goods in the country. This plan builds on the recently concluded Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy, which spanned from 2019 to 2023.
Among the government's strategies to combat smuggling are the creation of police roadblocks along major highways and thorough inspections of retail outlets nationwide.
Smuggling also has repercussions for the collection of customs and excise duties and deters investment, as highlighted by Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube during his 2025 national budget presentation in Parliament last month.
"Furthermore, smuggling poses a risk to public health and safety as smuggled items, particularly food products, medications, and alcoholic beverages, escape health and safety regulations," Ncube emphasized.
The Consumer Protection Commission, a national body dedicated to safeguarding consumer rights, recently disclosed the prevalence of counterfeit products in the market, including toothpaste, cooking oil, beverages, and baked beans.
"Do not be deceived by counterfeit products. While they may appear less expensive, they can jeopardize your health, safety, and even your life," cautioned the commission on X, formerly Twitter.
Consumers have also expressed their worries regarding the growing presence of products in the market.
"Authorities should persist in conducting unannounced inspections on retailers and vendors to ensure public protection, especially as individuals embark on their end-of-year shopping for the holidays," suggested Leon Nkhata, a resident of Harare. He voiced concerns regarding substandard goods, including repackaged and underweight products like mealie meal, rice, and sugar.
