It’s time to stop illegal SA trade in its tracks

Government should create awareness about illicit trading to make people understand the implications, writes Winny Shokane.

Illegal trade is the production, import, export, purchase, sale or possession of goods failing to comply with legislation. Illicit trade involves goods deemed illegal as they threaten communities. It has a negative impact on economic stability, social welfare, public health, safety and our environment.

In some communities most spaza shops have resorted to selling illegal goods at low costs, which affect our economy.

Nowadays people tend to buy cheaper without being worried about the effect these products can cause in their life and that of their children.

Illicit trade is said to be a major and growing problem, be it smuggling, counterfeit or tax evasion, and government is losing billions of rands in tax revenue.

Legitimate businesses are being undermined and consumers are being exposed to poorly made and unregulated products.

I think the SA Revenue Service should tighten their system so as to root out illicit trade.

These should include strict inspection of facilities where the counterfeit goods are manufactured and tougher enforcement at retail level, especially where products are selling below minimum collectable tax because illicit trade is an economy on its own.

I suggest government create awareness about illicit trading to make people understand the implications of this and discourage the increase of illegal products on our shelves.