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The National Consumer Commission (NCC) in collaboration with the SARS (Customs Special Operations) continue to interject imported Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather (CTFL) that are in contravention of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). Between July and September 2022, the NCC investigated non-compliant goods to a customs value of R7 632 301.08, as compared to R4 818 749.00 between April and June 2022.  Goods in the CTFL industry offend the CPA when they do not comply with section 24 of the Act read with regulation 6.

SARS (Customs) officials have an obligation to inspect consignments at the port of entry; when they suspect that the goods do not meet the labelling requirements; a detention notice is issued and the NCC is notified to follow through with its investigations. Over 90% of the investigation conducted by the NCC confirmed that the goods did not comply with the labelling requirements and standards set in the CPA.

Section 24(5) and Regulation 6 of the CPA requires that every Footwear, Leather, Clothing and Textile imported into the Republic must have a label permanently affixed and clearly indicating the following:

• A country of origin;
• Care instructions; and
• Fibre content.

The Acting National Consumer Commissioner Ms Thezi Mabuza said last quarter’s figures indicate an increase in goods not complying with the CPA, but the Commission remains hopeful that the NCC’s efforts to simplify the Act and engagements with importers will bear fruits. Last month, the Commission published guidelines to help importers understand the provisions of the Act. If goods imported do not comply with the provisions of the CPA, the importer is required to either return the goods to the country of origin or destroy them at their own cost. The guidelines are available at https://www.thencc.gov.za/regulations

Issued by The National Consumer Commission