By Eamonn Ryan
Efforts to curb the flow of illicit and counterfeit goods into South Africa are being stepped up following a new enforcement partnership between the Border Management Authority (BMA) and the National Consumer Commission (NCC).
© RACA Journal
The two organisations have begun implementing a joint strategy aimed at strengthening inspections and enforcement at the country’s ports of entry after holding a working session in Pretoria to put into action the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) they signed in May.
The collaboration will focus on co-ordinated enforcement operations and targeted inspections, particularly in areas experiencing growing volumes of cross-border e-commerce, courier and postal deliveries, as well as fraudulent trading activities. The agreement also provides for greater information sharing, public awareness initiatives and specialised training to improve border enforcement capabilities.
According to acting NCC Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu, the Border Management Authority is a critical partner in preventing unsafe, counterfeit and non-compliant products from reaching South African consumers.
BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato said the partnership would better align border management with consumer protection while strengthening efforts to intercept illicit goods before they enter the domestic market.
“With 29 commercial ports among South Africa’s 71 ports of entry, it is critical that the BMA continues to enforce its mandates relating to immigration, health, agriculture and biosecurity. Illicit goods, including medication, cigarettes, clothing, selected food products and meat products, must continue to be intercepted and prevented from entering the Republic through this strengthened collaboration,” Masiapato said.
He added that closer co-operation between the two organisations would improve the identification of counterfeit and potentially unsafe products at ports of entry. “Officials will work closely with the NCC to analyse product labels, barcodes and other authentication features to determine the legitimacy, safety and quality of goods entering the Republic.”
The BMA said the agreement demonstrates both organisations’ commitment to strengthening regulatory enforcement while improving consumer protection across South Africa’s borders.
For the cold chain sector, the initiative has particular significance. Illegally imported food products, meat, pharmaceuticals and other temperature-sensitive goods may not have been transported or stored under compliant cold chain conditions, increasing the risk of spoilage, contamination and foodborne illness. Strengthening inspections at ports of entry helps protect consumers, supports biosecurity, creates a more level playing field for legitimate importers and producers, and reinforces confidence in the integrity of South Africa’s temperature-controlled supply chains.
Illicit trade continues to place considerable pressure on South Africa’s formal economy. The Consumer Goods Council of South Africa estimates that illicit trade costs the country more than R100-billion annually, while illicit cigarettes alone account for around R15-billion in lost tax revenue each year. South African Revenue Service (SARS) customs enforcement data also identifies counterfeit clothing, textiles and footwear among the products most frequently intercepted at the country’s borders.