Cotecna Participates in Zimpapers Public Lecture on Counterfeit Products

Cotecna was honoured to participate in the Zimpapers Public Lecture Series held on 26 February 2026 at the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT). The event, themed “The Scourge of Counterfeit Products: Protecting Industry Integrity and Consumer Safety,” brought together policymakers, industry leaders, regulators, and private sector partners for a critically important national discussion. 

The discussions at the event echoed global findings that counterfeit goods are not merely a local or regional issue they represent one of the world’s fastest growing illicit trades. According to the latest joint OECD–EUIPO report (2025), the global trade in counterfeit and pirated goods was valued at approximately USD 467 billion, representing 2.3% of total global imports. 

Counterfeit products now span almost every consumer and industrial category, including electronics, automotive parts, food, beverages, medicines, cosmetics, toys, and clothing. These dangerous goods disrupt legitimate business, endanger public health, and undermine the integrity of international trade systems. The same OECD–EUIPO analysis confirms that counterfeiters have expanded into at least 50 out of 96 monitored product categories, with clothing, footwear, and leather goods alone accounting for 62% of seized counterfeits.  

The keynote address was delivered by Permanent Secretary Dr. Utete from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, who underscored the urgent need to strengthen national systems that protect consumers and industry from the growing influx of counterfeit goods. This global trend underlines the critical importance of strong national quality control systems such as Consignment‑Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) programmes. 

The Ministry is already actively confronting this challenge through several coordinated initiatives with ZIMRA, the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe, and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, all aimed at tightening enforcement, improving surveillance, and enhancing public awareness. Central to these efforts is the Ministry’s Consignment‑Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) programme, a crucial pre‑shipment verification system designed to ensure that only compliant and safe products enter the country. 

As an approved Certification Body under the Ministry’s CBCA programme, Cotecna was proud to represent our organisation and reaffirm our commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s fight against counterfeit products. 

Looking Ahead: Cotecna’s Commitment to Zimbabwe 

We commend Zimpapers and the Harare Institute of Technology for hosting this important national dialogue. The insights shared will help shape stronger multistakeholder strategies against the proliferation of counterfeit products. 

Cotecna looks forward to expanding our work in Zimbabwe, strengthening the CBCA framework, and contributing even more effectively to safeguarding consumer safety, industrial integrity, and fair trade. As the counterfeit trade continues to evolve, we stand ready to support national efforts with technical expertise, global best practices, and robust conformity assessment solutions. 

For more information on the Zimbabwe CBCA Program contact us or download our free Zimbabwe CBCA exporter guide.  

About Cotecna

For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.