Illicit trade is one of the biggest threats to economic order and growth in South Africa.
This threat affects various industries which include but are not limited to Alcohol, Cigarettes, pharmaceuticals, food, and Apparel. Illicit Trade and counterfeiting of goods rob the fiscus of taxes and in so doing impair the government’s ability to serve the citizens of South Africa effectively. Counterfeit food also poses a health risk to the consumer as the contents of these products are unknown and not verified.
In efforts to stop illicit trade, the consumer goods council of South Africa launched a toll-free hotline that the public can use to anonymously report information related to illicit trade and the counterfeiting of products such as alcohol, cigarettes, food, pharmaceuticals, and clothing.
The purpose of reporting this information is to assist law enforcement mitigate and addressing the threat.
