CONSUMER PROTECTION: DTIC PUBLISHES ILLICIT PRODUCT TRACK-AND-TRACE DISCUSSION DOCUMENT

CONSUMER PROTECTION: DTIC PUBLISHES ILLICIT PRODUCT TRACK-AND-TRACE DISCUSSION DOCUMENT

• 09 November 2026
• Trade, Industry & Competition
• SA Legal Academy

The Department of Trade, Industry & Competition has released a discussion document on the development of track and trace regulations under the 2008 Consumer Protection Act – proposing the imposition of a ‘modern’ mandatory ‘coded labelling regime’ to curb trade in illicit products. This is noting the negative implications of the activities concerned for health and safety, revenue collection and legitimate local manufacturers.

The deadline for input on the document is 14 December 2026.

According to an accompanying media statement, comments on the measures envisaged will inform the process of finalising draft regulations for Cabinet approval and further public consultation.

Against that backdrop, the discussion document explores:

• the merits or otherwise of focusing on ‘imported products in high-risk sectors … associated with border smuggling and consumer harm’, namely:
  • tobacco
  • alcohol
  • pharmaceuticals
  • food, and
  • appliances
• the introduction of product unit-specific ‘unique identifiers’ to serve as a ‘digital barcode passport’ linking the item to its origin and ownership
• the development of a digital registry/track-and-trace repository recording each code and its associated details
• measures to ensure identifier integrity, including the appointment of designated issuers and validators, and
• the powers of the inspectorate.

Please click the links below for more information:

• discussion document
• media statement

Published by SA Legal Academy Policy Watch

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