Securing our future: How Zimbabwe’s new CBCA program raises the bar on import standards

Zimbabwe has long sought to balance open trade with the protection of consumers, local industries, and the environment.

In April 2025, the government advanced this objective by introducing the Control of Goods (Open General Import License) Standards Assessment – Consignment Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) Notice, 2024 (S.I. 35 of 2024). This new regulation replaces the 2015 framework and aims to ensure that only goods meeting Zimbabwean standards are permitted into the country.

At its core, the CBCA program mandates that all regulated imports—from electrical appliances and foodstuffs to chemicals and machinery—undergo pre-shipment verification of conformity (PVoC) in the exporting country. Globally recognized bodies such as Bureau Veritas, Cotecna, and EAA Company are responsible for these inspections, while the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) conducts destination verifications. The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) then enforces compliance at ports of entry, releasing only certified consignments and imposing penalties—12% of the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value—on non-compliant shipments.

Why the shift was necessary

Zimbabwean consumers and manufacturers have, for years, faced the detrimental effects of substandard, counterfeit, and occasionally hazardous imports. Low-quality goods not only undermine local industries that maintain higher production standards but also pose serious health and safety risks. Once such products entered the market, weak post-market surveillance made their removal difficult—causing long-term environmental and economic damage.

The CBCA’s pre-shipment verification model directly addresses these issues. It aims to create a level playing field for domestic producers, protect public welfare, and ensure that consumers are not short-changed by unsafe or defective products.

Anchored in international best practices

The CBCA framework aligns with internationally recognized Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) principles, which call for clearly defining problems, setting objectives, evaluating alternatives, and forecasting regulatory impacts. The new approach adopts a risk-based strategy, focusing resources on high-risk goods, while emphasizing transparency, efficiency, and mutual recognition agreements to harmonize standards across borders.

By adhering to ISO and IEC guidelines and aligning with the World Trade Organization’s Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement, Zimbabwe enhances its regulatory credibility and signals its commitment to global best practices in trade governance.

Weighing the costs and benefits

The CBCA has introduced new revenue streams through certification and penalty fees and is pressuring local producers to improve product quality to remain competitive. In the long run, this could lead to a stronger, more resilient industrial base and improved competitiveness.

However, the transition has presented challenges. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in particular, report increased operational costs and occasional border delays, with these burdens often passed on to consumers through higher retail prices. Despite these short-term pains, many stakeholders acknowledge that a robust conformity assessment system is crucial for long-term gains in market confidence, product quality, and public trust.

On the social front, the impact has been immediate and positive. Consumers now encounter fewer defective vehicles, safer chemicals, and reduced availability of counterfeit electronics. Public health and safety have measurably improved. Environmentally, the CBCA restricts the entry of toxic or harmful goods, although proper mechanisms must be in place to prevent rejected consignments from being dumped in neighboring countries.

Toward a more efficient future

Industry feedback points to the need for greater clarity in guidelines and the digitization of assessment procedures to reduce bureaucratic delays. Importers have also called for greater recognition of SADC regional standards to eliminate duplication of conformity checks. Expanding the pool of accredited assessment bodies could help alleviate bottlenecks, while enhanced training for inspectors and mutual recognition agreements with trading partners are vital next steps.

Learning from regional peers

Regional examples offer valuable insights. South Africa combines pre- and post-market surveillance under its Bureau of Standards, allowing for regulatory flexibility. Tanzania’s fully digitalized Pre-Shipment Verification of Conformity program stands out for its efficiency. Rwanda’s emphasis on harmonized East African Community standards illustrates the benefits of regional cooperation, while Mauritius demonstrates how selective pre-shipment inspections can be complemented by rigorous post-shipment checks.

The road ahead

The CBCA initiative signals Zimbabwe’s commitment to maintaining high standards in trade, protecting consumers, and bolstering the competitiveness of its domestic industries. Full optimization will require continued investment in digital infrastructure, stakeholder engagement, and phased fee models, especially to support SMEs.

Nonetheless, the long-term dividends of a transparent, credible, and efficient conformity assessment system are substantial. By learning from regional peers and continuing to embrace international standards, Zimbabwe can ensure that its trade regime remains open yet secure—ultimately benefitting consumers, businesses, and the broader economy.

Call to Action:
To explore the full CBCA Impact Assessment Report and access additional resources, visit www.ncc-zim.co.zw.