THE Industry and Commerce ministry has expanded the Consignment-Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) Programme by adding two new service providers to plug holes on the shipment of counterfeit and substandard goods.
This brings the number of approved firms to six.
The new appointments took effect on August 1, 2025.
In a statement yesterday, the ministry said the move aimed to enhance efficiency in the CBCA Programme, which ensured imported goods met national standards before entering Zimbabwe.
“The additional service providers will improve convenience and capacity in service delivery,” the statement read.
“As Zimbabwe increases its participation in regional and international trade, maintaining a robust quality control system is essential to protect consumers and local industries.”
The CBCA Programme is a pre-shipment verification system designed to enforce compliance with health, safety, environmental and quality standards.
It was introduced to curb importation of substandard, counterfeit and unsafe goods that threaten public safety and domestic manufacturing.
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“The CBCA remains a cornerstone of our national quality infrastructure. Strengthening Zimbabwe’s ability to screen goods before they reach our borders enhances consumer protection and boosts market confidence,” the ministry added.
The six authorised inspection firms are Bureau Veritas Company Limited, Cotecna Inspection SA, EAA Company Limited, Intertek International Limited, Standards Association of Zimbabwe and the World Standardisation Certification & Testing Group Company Limited.
The ministry urged importers and clearing agents to comply with CBCA requirements, warning that non-compliance can lead to shipment delays or rejection at the border.
“Importers must ensure their consignments are inspected and certified before shipping,” the ministry emphasised.
“This is both a legal obligation and a shared responsibility to uphold national standards.
“As we build a modern, industrialised economy, Zimbabweans deserve access to safe, reliable and certified products.”
Zimbabwean authorities, including the Consumer Protection Commission, recently conducted inspections in Harare, uncovering counterfeit products including illicitly packaged mealie-meal.
Fake items were identified by packaging discrepancies.
Officials urged consumers to scrutinise trademarks and logos when purchasing goods, as counterfeit products often mimic genuine brands.
Counterfeiters exploit demand and weak enforcement, with products ranging from automotive parts to pharmaceuticals entering market.
