INDUSTRY and Commerce deputy minister Roy Bhila says traders have recorded faster turnaround times since the government engaged Swiss-based firm, Cotecna Inspections, to conduct pre-shipment inspections.
In 2015, the government signed a four-year Consignment Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) contract with a French global company, Bureau Veritas, to provide pre-shipment services to limit the importation of sub-standard goods.
The contract was renewed and government has engaged three more service providers that include Standards Association of Zimbabwe and the Japan based, EAA Company Limited (Japan), as well as Cotecna Inspections. These firms provide a wide range of testing, inspection and certification services.
Under the contract with government, the Swiss firm provides a wide range of testing, inspection, and certification services to businesses in Zimbabwe.
“Last year, we took a significant step forward by introducing Cotecna Inspection as a trusted player in Zimbabwe. Their role in issuing certificates of conformity for imports has proven invaluable,” Bhila said this week.
“We were impressed by the technical expertise and commitment to quality that Cotecna brings to the table, and this led us to entrust them with a contract to inspect general goods, consolidated goods, vehicles and parts and destination inspection.
“It gives me immense satisfaction to state that after a year of collaboration, we are witnessing tangible results. I am glad to inform you that after a year, we can see the results in which the majority of the industry is commenting that they are experiencing faster turn-around times and a smooth process.”
He said the ministry noted that there were now less requests for exemptions by industry as most of their concerns have now been dealt with effectively by the CBCA providers.
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“The programme is a success in promoting quality in the Zimbabwean market by reducing substandard and hazardous products,” Bhila added.
The CBCA programme is one of the initiatives launched by the Industry and Commerce ministry to combat the proliferation of low-quality imports.
Cheap, low-quality and fake goods flooding the domestic market pose risks to consumers’ health and safety as well as to the environment and the competitiveness of the domestic manufacturing sector.
Bhila said the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority continues to enforce the full implementation of this programme at all ports of entry, appealing to importers of goods, to always abide by the requirements of the CBCA programme.
Government’s long-term goal with the CBCA programme is to integrate it seamlessly into the broader strategy to improve the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe.
“We are committed to fostering an environment that encourages entrepreneurship, supports economic growth, and safeguards the well-being of our citizens. The long-term target of the CBCA programme is to be part of the government approach on the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe,” Bhila said.
A 5% charge on cost insurance freight was imposed on goods imported into the country without going through pre-inspection processes to discourage exemption considerations and increase compliance.
Traders have however complained of the high costs in seeking pre-shipment services.
