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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 52066, member: 636"] Zimbabwe has extended agreements with six certification companies to maintain import quality standards and prevent counterfeit merchandise from entering domestic markets. Bureau Veritas, EAA Company Limited, Cotecna Inspection Société Anonyme, Standards Association of Zimbabwe, World Standardisation Certification and Testing Group, and Intertek received contract renewals under the Consignment Based Conformity Assessment program. Minister of Industry and Commerce Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu announced the Monday renewal amid rising concerns about smuggled products threatening public health. The program requires imported goods to undergo inspection, testing and certification before market entry. These measures protect consumers from hazardous items while supporting local manufacturers facing unfair competition. The certification initiative expanded from a single provider when launched in 2015 to six companies serving various import categories. Statutory Instrument 35 of 2024 governs assessments covering general merchandise, consolidated shipments, motor vehicles and automotive components. Ndlovu emphasized consumer protection over financial considerations as the program's primary objective. Service providers must conduct evaluations with speed and integrity to maintain smooth import procedures. The minister encouraged companies to establish local laboratories and inspection facilities within Zimbabwe. Recent enforcement actions revealed that approximately half of grocery items sold through informal vendors fail quality standards and pose health risks. Popular products such as petroleum jelly, lotions, flour and toothpaste frequently appear in counterfeit versions using deceptive packaging. Major supermarkets report substantial losses from illegal competition affecting legitimate retail operations. Multiple agencies collaborate on anti-smuggling efforts through confiscation, destruction and prosecution measures. The Consumer Protection Commission, Consumer Council of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and Zimbabwe Republic Police coordinate enforcement activities against fraudulent trade practices. [/QUOTE]

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