FAQ

The Consignment-Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) Programme in Zimbabwe is a mandatory pre-shipment verification of conformity (PVoC) scheme implemented by the Government of Zimbabwe. Its primary objective is to ensure that all regulated imported goods comply with applicable Zimbabwean national standards, regional standards, or internationally recognized standards before they are shipped from the country of origin.

 The programme aims to:

• Protect Zimbabwean consumers from unsafe, substandard, or counterfeit products.
• Environmental protection from non-compliant goods.
• Safeguard local industries from unfair competition posed by low-quality imports.
• Facilitate trade by streamlining customs clearance processes, reducing delays and demurrage at Zimbabwean borders, and preventing the entry of non-compliant goods.
• Enhance customs revenue collection through proper classification and compliance.

• Goods with a Free on Board (FOB) value below USD 1,000.00 excluding motor vehicles under tariff heading 87.01, 87,02, 87.04, 87.05, 87.06, 87.07 and 87.16
• Diplomatic goods that is Imports by diplomatic missions or personnel.

• No, the CBCA programme generally does not apply to goods that are purely in transit through Zimbabwe. The programme is specifically designed for goods destined for consumption or use within Zimbabwe. Goods in transit are subject to different customs procedures and regulations, primarily focused on ensuring they leave the country without being diverted into the local market.

• The list of regulated products under the CBCA programme is determined and updated by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in consultation with relevant stakeholders and industry representatives. The process often involves Risk Assessment, Industry Consultations, review of National priorities and Legal gazetting.

Generally, once all required documentation is submitted and the goods are ready for inspection, the process for issuing a Certificate of Conformity can range from:

•  24-72 hours for simple, well-documented consignments.
• 5-7 working days for consignments requiring laboratory testing.
• Potentially longer if issues arise during inspection or testing, or if further documentation is requested.

Importers are strongly advised to initiate the CBCA process well in advance of shipment to avoid potential delays and associated costs at the port of entry in Zimbabwe.

• If a consignment fails the pre-shipment inspection, the appointed CBCA service provider will issue a Non-Conformity Report. This indicates that the goods do not meet the required Zimbabwean standards or specifications.

The consequences and available options for the importer/exporter typically include:

• The exporter may be given an opportunity to rectify the non-conformity (e.g., repackaging, relabeling, minor repairs) and resubmit the goods for re-inspection. Additional fees may apply for re-inspection.
• For severely non-compliant or hazardous goods, the service provider may recommend or insist on the destruction of the goods at the origin, or they will simply refuse certification.
• The exporter may need to find an alternative market for the non-compliant goods.

• Yes, the appointed CBCA service providers generally offer online platforms or digital systems for importers and exporters to submit applications, upload required documents, and track the status of their inspection requests.

• Beyond the significant penalty fee (currently 12% of the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value)- The goods will be held at the port of entry or a designated bonded warehouse and subjected to a mandatory destination inspection by an authorized CBCA service provider often Standards Association of Zimbabwe and or Cotecna Inspection SA.