Overview of Zimbabwe’s CBCA Programme
The Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, has implemented the Consignment Based Conformity Assessment (CBCA) Programme to protect consumers, the environment, and the national economy from substandard or hazardous products.
The programme ensures that all regulated goods entering Zimbabwe meet quality and safety requirements before shipment.
Authorized inspection bodies, appointed by the Ministry, carry out conformity assessment and certification prior to export.
Exporters receive an electronic Certificate of Conformity (CoC) that must accompany their goods for customs clearance.
Main objectives include:
- 🛡️ Protection of consumers and environmental safety
- ✅ Verification of conformity to international standards
- 🚚 Swift customs processing with a valid CoC
- 🧾 Prevention of counterfeit and non‑compliant goods
⚙️ Program Scope and Coverage
Two key CBCA contracts are currently active in Zimbabwe:
- General Goods CBCA Programme – covering a wide variety of consumer and industrial products
- Motor Vehicles & Spare Parts CBCA Programme – ensuring compliance and roadworthiness for vehicles, tyres, and automotive components
Both programmes will continue under the Ministry’s mandate for an additional five years from August 1, 2025.
📦 Regulated Product Categories (General Goods)
Products subject to conformity assessment include, but are not limited to:
- Food & Agriculture (including fertilizers and beverages)
- Building & Civil Engineering materials
- Petroleum, Fuels & Lubricants
- Packaging Material and Plastics
- Electrical & Electronic Products
- Body Care and Cosmetic Items
- Clothing & Textiles
- Toys and Child Products
- Medical Ethanol and Chemical Products
- PPE and Health & Safety supplies
🚗 Motor Vehicles & Spare Parts Programme
From August 1, 2025, new and used motor vehicles, tyres, brake pads, lights, trailers, and other vehicle parts will require a CBCA certificate before shipment.
Vehicles over 10 years old under specific HS codes are prohibited.
📜 Regulatory Framework & Updates
The programme was first introduced under Statutory Instrument (SI) 132 of 2015, later expanded to include new product categories:
- SI 124 of 2020 – extended the initial product list
- SI 186 & 187 of 2023 – mandated new categories effective 1 January 2024
- SI 35 of 2024 – further product additions under the 2024 regulation
Mandatory Certificates of Conformity (CoC) now apply to all products under these SIs.
Shipments without a CoC incur a 12% penalty on CIF value and destination inspection.
🕓 Key Implementations & Updates
- 🟩 2015: CBCA introduced by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
- 🟦 2022 – 2024: Phased implementation for newly included products & used vehicles.
- 🟧 March 2024: Mandatory CoC for products under SI 186 & 187 of 2023.
- 🟥 August 2025: Launch of revised CBCA programmes for both General Goods and Motor Vehicle categories.
All exemption letters issued before June 2022 expired on 30 September 2022, making CBCA certification compulsory for imports.
🧾 CBCA Process – Step‑by‑Step Overview
1- Application / Request for Certificate (RFC)
Exporters submit required documents – invoice, conformity reports, and product data – to the authorized inspection office before shipment.
2- Routes to Compliance
To simplify trade and adapt to risk levels, three routes apply:
- Route A: All exporters / any goods – standard documentary review and inspection.
- Route B: Registered exporters with consistent compliance history.
- Route C: Licensed manufacturers whose systems are pre‑evaluated for quality assurance.
3- Documentary Review & Testing
Provided documents are verified against international and Zimbabwean standards.
Testing may be performed if reports are incomplete or unacceptable.
4- Physical Inspection
Inspectors confirm product identity, labelling, markings, and standard compliance.
Samples may be collected for further testing if required.
5- Conclusion & Issuance of Certificate
When results are satisfactory, an electronic Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued.
If non‑compliance is found, an Electronic Non‑Conformity Report (NCR) is provided.
🚀 Facilitation & Trade Efficiency
For regular exporters to Zimbabwe, Registration (Route B) and Licensing (Route C) offer fast‑track options.
Approved Statement of Registration (SoR) or Statement of Licensing (SoL) allows streamlined CBCA processing with reduced inspections and rapid certificate issuance.
Benefits of CBCA participation include:
- ⚡ Shorter customs clearance time
- 📈 Improved market access and trust in exports
- 🧰 Structured compliance monitoring for manufacturers
- 💡 Recognition of international quality management systems (e.g. ISO standards)
💰 Fees and Responsibilities
The exporter bears the assessment fees.
Charges vary by route and category:
- General Goods: Between 0.25% and 0.50% of FOB value (per consignment).
- Used Vehicles/Spare Parts: Fixed rates per vehicle or percentage of FOB.
Fees cover documentary review and inspection but exclude testing or re‑inspection costs.
🧠 Why Compliance Matters
Zimbabwes CBCA Programme safeguards the market from counterfeit and unsafe products while helping exporters build consistency with global trade standards.
A valid CoC demonstrates that goods meet legal import requirements – protecting consumers, ensuring fair competition, and supporting trusted trade relationships.
🤝 ComplyMarket – Your Partner for Seamless CBCA Compliance
ComplyMarket offers comprehensive support to exporters navigating Zimbabwe’s CBCA requirements.
Our platform simplifies the end‑to‑end process through:
- Expert guidance on documentation and testing standards
- Assistance with application review & submission
- Real‑time tracking of CBCA requests and certification status
- Updated notifications on regulatory amendments and new product categories
With ComplyMarket, exporters can achieve and maintain full compliance effortlessly, ensuring timely delivery and customs clearance for every shipment.