Counterfeit cosmetics, unregistered skincare and grey-market medicines are flowing into South Africa in growing volumes. This raises safety concerns and exposes gaps in import controls. Illicit trade across the cosmetics, personal care and pharmaceutical sectors now exceeds R6.6bn a year. This is according to a new report from the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa and Econometrix.
The report pins the problem on unauthorised imports, counterfeit goods and weak distribution channels. Beyond the lost tax revenue, it warns, these channels expose consumers to untested products.