GOVERNMENT has engaged a global leader in testing and compliance, Bureau Veritas, to undertake a programme that protects consumers from harmful imported products.
BY VICTORIA MTOMBA
Bureau Veritas was appointed by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to implement the Consignment Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) programme which protects consumers and ensures that there was conformity to assurance. The programme will ensure swift customs clearance with appropriate certificate of conformity and fight against counterfeits. The CBCA programme ensures improve and secure customs duty collection.
The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) said it was engaging government on the proposals for the CBCA. CZI president Charles Msipa told NewsDay that the CZI national council met on Thursday last week to review the proposals for CBCA and there were some reservations.
“Whilst the National Council welcomed measures to curb import of selected, specific finished products that are substandard or hazardous, it resolved to engage the Ministry of Industry and Commerce regarding the proposed application of the system to a wide range of raw materials for which adequate and rigorous quality inspections are already in place,” Msipa said.
Msipa said the national council will engage government on the proposed level of fees to be levied for the CBCA which appears to be at odds with the current policy direction to reduce the cost and improve the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe.
“Consultations between CZI and officials of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce are on going to achieve a quality testing system that is fit for purpose and does not cause further damage to a manufacturing sector that is in a fragile state,”he said.
Products to be covered under the CBCA include food and agriculture, building, timber, petroleum and fuel, packaging material and electrical or electronic. They also include body care, health, automotive and transportation, clothing and textile, engineering equipment and toys.
