The Zimbabwe Ministry of Industry and Commerce has introduced a new requirement for imported used cars. From 1 June 2022, imported used cars and used spare parts need to be accompanied by a Certificate of Conformity for customs clearance. Valid certificates can only be issued by Ministry appointed service providers like Cotecna.
Since the government introduced the CBCA certifications in 2015, this is the first time second-hand vehicles are subject to such rigorous inspections and certification before customs clearance.
The new certification requirement is part of the government's Consignment Based Conformity Assessment programme which aims to reduce the number of unsafe products imported into the country. To achieve this, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce appointed Cotecna Inspection SA to conduct certification assessments on its behalf. Cotecna will determine product compliance as per safety standards approved by the Zimbabwe government.
With offices around the globe, Cotecna conducts vehicle inspections in exporting countries and landing ports prior to arrival in Zimbabwe. In addition, Cotecna has set up inspection points at all the major borders to ensure that all importers are covered with a Certificate of Conformity before entering Zimbabwe. In case an importer fails to get a Certificate of Conformity, Cotecna can conduct its control in
Zimbabwe under the Destination Inspection Scheme.
Apart from used car inspections, Cotecna is the only service provider appointed to inspect, test, and issue Certificates of Conformity for all four Zimbabwe CBCA programmes. As such, Cotecna can also certify General Goods, Consolidated Goods, and conduct Destination Inspections at the border for all types of imports.
Cotecna Verification of Conformity VP Lena Sodergren commented on this unique honour saying,
“It is an honour for Cotecna, to be entrusted as a bridge between the government, traders and consumers to ensure that regulated products imported into Zimbabwe comply with the set local and international safety standards.
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The CBCA project will not only help safeguard the Zimbabwean population and environment. It will also fuel wealth creation by improving quality and promoting fair competition for local businesses… We are also greatly committed in supporting the authorities with capacity building, training and expertise in conformity assessment activities.”
In collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Cotecna just conducted awareness seminars in Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Mutare, Masvingo and Beitbridge. Cotecna representatives presented on all four CBCA programmes and answered stakeholder questions regarding the certification processes, routes and other concerns.
About Cotecna
Cotecna is a leading provider of testing, inspection and certification services. We offer solutions to facilitate trade and make supply chains safer and more efficient for our clients. Our trusted network of professionals and certified laboratories provide expertise across five key sectors: government & trade solutions, agriculture, food safety, minerals & metals, and consumer goods & retail. Founded in Switzerland in 1974, Cotecna started off as a family business and has now grown to become a world- class international player with over 5,000 employees in more than 100 offices across approximately 50 countries.
Within the field of CBCA programmes, Cotecna has been trusted by governments in Nigeria, Algeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Somaliland, Sudan and more recently Congo Brazzaville for verification of conformity services.
Contact Cotecna Inspection:
Head Office: Cotecna Inspection Geneva
41 Avenue Peschier
1206 Geneva, Switzerland
+41 22 8496900
Cotecna Zimbabwe:
92 Plymouth Road
Southerton Harare
Zimbabwe
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp/Call: +263 774 243 419
Website: cotecna.com/zimbabwe
