Zimbabwe To Introduce Tough New Law Against Fake Goods
The Government is considering introducing a tough new law aimed at cracking down on counterfeit and substandard products flooding Zimbabwean shops and informal markets. Authorities say fake goods are threatening local industries, exposing consumers to possible health risks and undermining economic growth as Zimbabwe deepens trade ties under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said the growing presence of counterfeit products had become a major concern across the country.
According to the Sunday Mail, Ndlovu said:
“The ministry has also noted with concern the proliferation of counterfeit products, which threatens the national economy by reducing competitiveness, compromising revenue inflows to the fiscus and exposing consumers to health risks.”
He added:
“From reports gathered during consumer protection forums, as well as education and awareness programmes conducted across the country, there has been a strong and consistent advocacy from the public for the enactment of a dedicated counterfeit Act.”
Govt Tightens Crackdown On Fake Products
The proposed counterfeit law comes as Zimbabwe increases enforcement operations through the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) and the Task Force on Business Malpractices.
Ndlovu said authorities had already inspected thousands of businesses across the country.
“To date, more than 5 087 businesses have been inspected, with over 560 prosecutions finalised, 589 compliance notices issued and 6 189 seizures effected.”
The minister said the figures showed the need for stronger laws and more resources to sustain nationwide operations.
The planned law is also expected to support Zimbabwe’s industrialisation drive under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
Zimbabwe is one of 54 countries participating in the AfCFTA agreement, which seeks to create a continental market valued at around US$2,3 trillion (about R41,9 trillion).
Half Of Goods Tested Failed Standards
The push for stricter laws follows alarming revelations made to Parliament earlier this year.
On February 26, 2025, Ministry of Industry and Commerce chief director Douglas Runyowa told legislators that nearly half the products tested from tuck shops and informal markets failed safety and quality checks.
According to reports presented before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce, Runyowa said:
“We recently carried out a survey with the Standards Association of Zimbabwe where we went and bought products from the shelf and took them for testing and compared what was written in the results; 50 percent of the products did not comply.”
He added:
“You can actually see fake Vaseline, fake flour, fake rice, fake toothpaste, and this is an alarming rate.”
Runyowa also warned that some cheap products sold in informal markets could pose serious health risks.
“It might be cheap but it’s coming at an expense to your health, because we cannot guarantee what is not there.”
Industry Leaders Demand Stronger Border Controls
Buy Zimbabwe general manager Munyaradzi Hwengwere said counterfeit products had become one of the biggest threats facing local industry.
He warned that Zimbabwe should avoid opening borders without adequate safeguards.
“We are doing so to take advantage of the US$2,3 trillion (about R41,9 trillion) market, not to become poorer because of it.”
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce chairperson Clemence Chiduwa said the proposed law should also deal with intellectual property theft and trademark infringements.
He said regional cooperation would be critical to stop countries becoming transit routes for fake products.
The post Zimbabwe Declares War On Fake Goods With Tough New Counterfeit Law appeared first on iHarare News.
