Consumer protection bodywarns against profiteering

Judith Phiri,Business Reporter
WITH the festive season approaching, the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has urged consumers to remain vigilant and exercise caution to avoid falling victim to businesses engaging in profiteering practices.

This time of year often sees unjustified price increases on goods and services, as opportunistic businesses seek to maximise their profits at the expense of consumers.
In an interview, CPC chairman Dr Mthokozisi Tafadzwa Nkosi cautioned consumers against falling prey to such businesses.

“The festive season is that time of the year when most businesses want to maximise their returns by any means necessary. Deceptive promotional campaigns are rampant and we urge consumers to be vigilant and exercise extreme caution,” said Dr Nkosi.
He said there was life after the holidays and consumers must try and avoid impulse buying.
Dr Nkosi said where consumers felt it was absolutely necessary to make a purchase, they should shop around, bargain, exercise care and demand their rights.

“They should not blindly accept the words of businesses. We expect them to insist on getting full disclosure, information and education on product quality, usage, utility, price and other things,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Government has said it would continue addressing various business malpractices, including currency manipulation, the use of fraudulent scales, and the sale of underweight and unlabelled goods.

An inter-ministerial taskforce chaired by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce was formed following a Cabinet directive to promote ethical business practices and combat rampant misconduct within the economy.
In addition to these issues, the taskforce is also tackling the growing problem of smuggled and counterfeit products, which pose significant risks not only to the survival of the industrial sector but also to the health and safety of consumers.

The initiative coincides with ongoing joint operations by various institutions, including the CPC, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), and law enforcement agencies, aimed at uncovering widespread trade in smuggled goods at local shops, often referred to as tuck shops, across the country.
Industry and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Ndlovu is on record stating that the influx of illegally imported goods, including baby formula, detergents, and harmful substances has been ongoing for some time, but mechanisms had been put in place to save the public from potential harm, while protecting the local manufacturing sector.

“We want to ensure that smuggled and counterfeit goods do not enter Zimbabwe this December. Our goal is to protect consumers from potential violations during this period,” he said.
To enforce these regulations, Minister Ndlovu said the Government had deployed personnel to marketplaces and border points to eliminate smuggled and counterfeit products.
“We have declared war on counterfeit goods and are strengthening our institutions to tackle this issue effectively,” he said, referencing recent enhancements in trade measures.

Looking ahead, the minister outlined plans to bolster national quality infrastructure by prioritising the implementation of compulsory standards as part of the country’s national quality policy.
“This will significantly reduce the influx of counterfeit and substandard products, which are particularly prevalent during this season,” he said.
The rise in smuggled goods on the local market is largely driven by porous borders and a high demand for cheaper alternatives.

Downtown areas in most cities and towns have been identified as hotspots where unscrupulous traders repackage substandard goods to mislead consumers.
The Government’s renewed focus seeks to protect the public and ensure the marketplace’s integrity.