via Act on fake Chinese goods, govt told 20/01/2015
GOVERNMENT should take action over imported goods that do not uphold consumer rights especially cheap Chinese products that have flooded the country in recent years, consumers have said.
Speaking at the public meeting held this week in Masvingo by the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) to debate on the proposed Consumer Protection Bill, residents complained that the Chinese products do not align with the consumer’s rights as inscribed in the proposed Consumer protection bill [part 111: 18(1)].
Part 111:118(1) of the bill states that every consumer has a right to receive goods that are reasonably suitable for the purposes for which they are intended, are of good quality in good working condition and free of any defects and will be usable and durable for a reasonable period of time.
“As consumers we are supposed to get products of good quality and value for our hard earned cash yet the Chinese products are compromising the rights of consumers and the government should ensure that all imported products meet that standard,” said one woman who recalled buying a sandal which was torn before she even got home.
The disgruntled residents further made an appeal to the CCZ to ban of imported foodstuffs that are compromising the health of many people from entering the country.
Most of the foodstuffs are imported into the country with their expiry date nearing and are sold in the shops at relevantly cheaper prices as compared to locally produced commodities.
Masvingo City Council’s health department on the other hand said council is worried by the increasing number of shops dealing in expired imported foodstuffs, adding that the ministry of industry and commerce should assist in dealing with the situation.
CCZ executive Director Rosemary Siyachitema told the meeting that the lobby group is in the process of creating a Consumer Protection Commission that will be appointed by the minister of industry.
She said the commission will be an independent body that will be able to sue individuals and companies that infringe consumer rights and that supply sub- standard commodities.
“The council has over the years been regarded as a toothless dog, but I must say the minister of industry will soon be announcing a Consumer Protection Commission, that will have a mandate of suing individuals or companies that supply goods and services to protect consumers and protect manufacturing standards,” she said.
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