By Regis Chingawo
The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) is investing in verification processes of counterfeit products in a bid to protect consumers.
In an interview with The Blast on the commemoration of the World Anti- Counterfeiting Day, CCZ Chief executive officer, Rose Mpofu said the consumer watchdog has formed CCZ verified plaforms which inlvove consumers and the business community where these stakeholders work hand in gloves to tackle the issue of counterfeit products.
“Its a collaboration between the CCZ and the business sector which aims to verify counterfeit products,” she said.
“Consumers are now demanding stricter requirements business services and we really need to enhance our fraud prevention mechanisms.
Currently we are building partnerships with brands and we are deepening our collaboration with law enforcement agencies to protect consumers,”she added.
Mpofu said it was imperative that a high level of accountablity be set in all sectors that involve business and consumers.
“CCZ being a member of the National Standards Board, Standards Association of Zimbabwe , a member of the African Regional Standards Organisation Consumer Committee, ISO Consumer Policy Committee..we have a lot of responsibility in ensuring that the consumer voice is taken on board when standards are being developed, right at the technical level from the national standards body to the regional board and also to the international body.”
World Anti-Counterfeiting Day is an annual event observed on June 6th, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of counterfeit goods and illicit trade. The day encourages collective action to combat counterfeiting and protect consumers and businesses.
The primary goal of World Anti-Counterfeiting Day is to educate the public about the risks associated with counterfeit products, including potential health hazards, financial losses, and legal consequences.
The day emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness, enforcement efforts, and collaboration between industry stakeholders, law enforcement, and policymakers.