Govt engages French to curb sub-standard imports

Govt engages French to curb sub-standard imports | The Herald 15 October 2014

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce is engaging a French pre-export verification firm with a view to curbing the importation of substandard goods into the country. Industry and Commerce Minister, Mike Bimha said discussions between ministry and Bereau Veritas are at an advanced stage.

“We are potentially sourcing sub-standard goods that are have flooded our markets. In addressing these imports, we need to enforce standards.

“We have to urgently define acceptable standards of goods that are being imported and exported.  Zimbabwe as a nation has to be assured that these goods which are landing on our shores have been tested properly.

“In dealing with the issue of substandard goods that have flooded our markets, the ministry through the Standards Development and Quality Assurance (SDQA) department is at an advanced stage of engaging Bureau Veritas, a French company that is involved in pre-export verification of conformity to curb the importation of sub-standard goods. We therefore need to also accredit laboratories as we find a lasting solution through standards,” he said.

Minister Bimha said his ministry, through SDQA is expected to domesticate Zimbabwe’s international and regional commitment for standards and quality assurance.

The department will also formulate and monitor the implementation of the SDQA policy in line with national priorities and socio-economic objectives. It will also co-ordinate the enforcement of standards applied by other enforcement bodies.

“The department will also closely monitor the compliance of goods and services with the requirement of mandatory national standards and supervise and monitor the application of legal Meteorology standards in line with International best practices.

“As a country, we need to therefore recognise the global terrain which has become the framework for international trade. For Zimbabwe to survive in the global economy, we need to be aggressive in market access, competitiveness and build confidence as a reliable trading partner,” he added.

Speaking at the same occasion, SAZ director general, Eve Gadzikwa said Government has since approved the principles for the establishment of Zimbabwe Quality Standards Authority Bill, which is currently being fine-tuned.

Lomkhosi Mkhonta, who is the chief executive of the Swaziland Standards Authority urged SAZ to develop standards that can be applied to domestically produced products.

She also called on SAZ to embrace and empower the SME sector