The National Consumer Commission (NCC) will now be working with the Border Management Authority (BMA) to address the sale of illicit and unsafe goods in South Africa.
The Commission announced on Wednesday that it concluded a Memorandum of Understanding with the BMA earlier this year to prevent non-compliant goods from entering the country.
The two agencies will work together on inspection and enforcement operations.
This will involve checking product labels, barcodes, and other security measures to confirm that goods entering the country are genuine, safe, and of good quality.
“The MoU will see a collaboration between both organisations where monitoring of imports arising from e-commerce, courier and postal shipments, and the identification of risks associated with cross-border scams and fraudulent trade activities will be prioritised,” read the NCC’s statement.
This morning, the Commissioner of @TheBMA_SA Dr Michael Masiapato supported by BMA EXCO members is meeting with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) delegation led by their Commissioner, Mr Hardin Ratshisusu in Pretoria. This follows the established cooperation between the BMA… pic.twitter.com/gOYta6SGY8
— The Border Management Authority SA (@TheBMA_SA) July 21, 2026
The BMA and the National Consumer Commission have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) which is an important step in improving integrated border management and protecting the economy from illicit trade activities. pic.twitter.com/jk8pJDprSf
— The Border Management Authority SA (@TheBMA_SA) July 21, 2026
Acting Commissioner of the National Consumer Commission, Hardin Ratshisusu, said the working session between the organisations on Tuesday highlights the importance of bolstering enforcement efforts and improving cooperation between them.
“The NCC has identified the Border Management Authority as a strategic partner in curbing the proliferation of unsafe, illicit and non-compliant products into the South African consumer market,” said Commissioner Ratshisusu.
The BMA’s Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said that working with the NCC will help his agency’s ability to identify counterfeit and unsafe goods at the 29 commercial ports in the country.
“The working session with the NCC and the milestone of signing an MOU was very imperative as we step in improving integrated border management and protecting the economy from the movement of illicit goods using the ports… Illicit goods, including medicaments, cigarettes, clothing, selected food products and meat products, must continue to be intercepted and prevented from entering the Republic through this strengthened collaboration,” said Commissioner Masiapato.
