Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies says South Africa will proactively contest the importation and sale of illegal goods in South Africa, assuring delegates attending a destruction of noncomplying goods function hosted by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), in Durban, on Tuesday, that the economy will not be "invaded" by substandard products.

He said government and its agencies would double their efforts to ensure that noncomplying, substandard, unsafe and harmful products were locked out of the market.

“The majority of South African companies and industry associations do comply with the standards set by the NRCS, but we need to up our game in ensuring that those who do not comply do so.

“We will also work to encourage collaborations with various stakeholders, including the private sector, that will lead to fair competition, while protecting consumers and manufacturers,’’ he commented.

Davies said the department would strengthen its partnerships with other government departments and the private sector, while tightening regulation activities and encouraging fair competition.

NRCS CEO Asogan Moodley said the organisation had confiscated about 15-million noncompliant products to the value of R10.2-million, adding that it was
determined to locate and destroy noncompliant products.

He encouraged the country to be more aware of the potential damage that unchecked goods could impose on the sustainability of local businesses.