CPC Raises Alarm Over Counterfeit Goods Threaten...

CPC Raises Alarm Over Counterfeit Goods Threatening Public Health

Rutendo Mazhindu

Zim Now

The Consumer Protection Commission has sounded the alarm over the increasing influx of counterfeit and substandard products in Zimbabwe, with baby products, beverages, and food among the most affected sectors.

These smuggled goods not only endanger public health but also undermine the country’s economy, resulting in significant revenue losses and job cuts, especially in the agricultural and retail industries.

Speaking to ZimNow, CPC Research and Public Affairs Officer Kudakwashe Mudereri highlighted hotspots such as Mbare, where counterfeit goods are being repackaged with fraudulent labels.

“Manufacturers of substandard products are targeting marginalized markets where consumers are less discerning. For instance, Delta Beverages has reduced the volume of its 500ml soft drinks to 440ml without changing the price. Additionally, the absence of Delta's 1L soft drinks has forced retailers to import cheaper alternatives,” said Mudereri.

Downtown tuck shops, often operated by foreign nationals from Zambia, China, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are stocked with smuggled products. These include popular brands such as Mazoe Orange Crush, Coca-Cola, Power Play energy drinks, and Lactogen NAN baby formula sourced from neighbouring countries like Zambia and Botswana.

The CPC also flagged a worrying increase in counterfeit electrical gadgets entering the market, bearing fake labels from reputable brands. This surge undermines local businesses, with ripple effects on sectors like agriculture and retail.

Dr. Nkosi, a regulatory expert, shed light on the practice: “You have people repackaging products or altering them, resulting in underweight goods and other irregularities. Some producers use labels that closely resemble genuine products, creating a false sense of authenticity.”

A recent CPC price monitoring survey revealed that while prices for basic commodities like mealie meal, bread, and cooking oil have remained relatively stable, shortages persist for items such as sugar and salt in larger supermarkets. Meanwhile, bread prices have seen slight increases, with Proton bread now costing US$1.05.

The persistent demand for cheap products, coupled with porous borders, has fuelled the smuggling of counterfeit goods. Currently, the CPC estimates that 15% of goods sold in downtown retail shops are counterfeit.

The International Criminal Police Organisation recently conducted a regional crackdown on counterfeit goods and health products. The operation led to the arrest of 179 suspects and the seizure of illicit goods valued at over US$3.5 million.

Mudereri called for heightened investigations by Zimbabwe’s Immigration Department to trace the origins of smuggled products and the production of fake labels. He emphasised the need for stricter border controls and consumer awareness campaigns to combat the menace.

“Counterfeit products pose not only economic challenges but also grave public health risks. We are committed to protecting consumers and ensuring a fair market for legitimate businesses,” Mudereri concluded.