The National Consumer Commission (NCC) met with the Border Management Authority (BMA) in a working session in Pretoria on 21 July 2026. The session follows the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two entities in May this year.

The MoU provides a mechanism to strengthen the protection of consumers against unsafe, non-compliant or illicit goods entering the South African market through ports of entry and border areas. Entailed in the MoU is synergy between the two entities with an effort to tackle illicit and unsafe products entering the consumer market. The NCC and BMA to conduct joint inspections and enforcement operations, share information and coordinate public awareness initiatives.

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. The partnership further aims to strengthen regulatory compliance, support integrated border management, and improve enforcement through training, capacity building and coordinated interventions.

“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. This partnership highlights the importance of strengthening enforcement efforts and improving cooperation between the NCC and the BMA,” said Acting Commissioner Ratshisusu.

The BMA’s Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said that the session was crucial as it provided BMA the opportunity to understand the mandate of the NCC broadly.

“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.  With the 29 commercial ports of entry out of the 71 overall, it is critical that the BMA continues to enforce its mandate of port immigration, port health, port agriculture and biosecurity. 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. This partnership will enhance our capacity to identify counterfeit and unsafe products at ports. BMA officials will work closely with the National Consumer Commission to analyse product labels, barcodes and other authentication features to determine the legitimacy, safety and quality of goods entering the country. The MoU reflects the commitment of both organisations to strengthen the protection of consumers rights starting at our borders and further enhance regulatory enforcement. We will continue working towards safer borders and improved protection for South African consumers,” Commissioner Masiapato said.

Ends

For media enquiries, please contact:

Ms. Phetho Ntaba NCC Spokesperson and Media Relations Manager Cell: 082 809 2031 Email : P.Ntaba@thencc.org.za

Ms Mmemme Mogotsi Deputy Assistant Commissioner: Communications and Marketing Cell: 072 856 4288 Email: Mmemme.mogotsi@bma.gov.za

ISSUED JOINTLY BY NCC AND BMA

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