By Nizam Samsoodeen , South African Product Certification Services ( SAPCS )
BUSINESS AND TRAINING
Product certification vs compliant / accepted / listed products schemes
Nizam Samsoodeen walks us through how important product certification is .
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In an attempt to accentuate the gravity , consequence and importance that product certification has on consumers as well as the environment within the context of social responsibility , our focus on the following will be outlined :
• The Consumer Protection Act and its requirements .
• The attempts to shy away from “ the two market ” theory .
• Water shortages and dwindling water resources .
• The benefits of a Type 5 mark scheme .
• The confusion between approved / certified products and accepted , compliant and listed products based on single test reports , etc ( Type 1 schemes ).
• Discrepancies and dangers of regulated products subjected to a typical Type 1 scheme .
The reality is that not all industries are in the same boat but in the same storm , where the global economy is turbulent and there is inordinate dependency . Whilst the storm has intensified for some , truth be told others have been blessed with all amenities still at their disposal , and businesses strive to continue . However , there should not be any compromises to quality . This is vitally important in order to create a sustainable economy and environment . The current status quo on the supply chain allows for the ever-increasing trends of inferior goods .
“ An inferior good is one when incomes are low or the economy contracts , inferior goods become a more affordable substitute for a more expensive good . Inferior goods are the opposite of normal goods , whose demand increases even when incomes increase .”
The Consumer Protection Act and its requirements : “ The Consumer Protection Act ( CPA ) serves several essential purposes to safeguard consumers and promote a fair marketplace . Here are the key objectives of the CPA :
• Legal Framework for Fair Consumer Markets : The CPA establishes a legal framework for a consumer market that is fair , accessible , efficient , sustainable , and responsible .
• Promotion of Fair Business Practices : The act seeks to promote fair business practices among suppliers , retailers , and service providers . By setting standards , it ensures that businesses operate transparently and ethically .
• Protection Against Unfair Trade Practices : The CPA protects consumers from unfair , unreasonable , or fraudulent trade practices . It prohibits deceptive conduct , misleading information , and other improper practices that could harm consumers .
• Social , Economic , and Environmental Responsibility : The act encourages social , economic , and environmental responsibility within consumer markets . It emphasises sustainable practices and responsible behaviour by businesses and consumers alike .
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• Enhancing Consumer Awareness and Choice : The CPA aims to improve consumer awareness and information . Informed consumers can make better choices , leading to responsible decision-making .
• Empowering Consumers : By promoting consumer confidence and empowerment , the CPA encourages individuals and groups to be vigilant , advocate for their rights , and actively participate in consumerrelated matters .
• Dispute Resolution Mechanisms : The act provides an accessible , efficient system for resolving disputes arising from consumer transactions . It ensures that consumers have a fair avenue for seeking redress .”
So , in summary , the Consumer Protection Act strives to create a balanced and protective environment for consumers while also holding businesses accountable for their practices . The requirements of the CPA are clear – we need to take responsibility , as a collective , as to what we buy and sell into our markets . This process can only be controlled if we promote certified products into plumbing and other sectors into order to sustain the economy and the environment at large .
Attempts to shy away from “ the two market ” theory Given the above , South African markets are doing a disfavour to their inhabitants by promoting inferior goods , which lead to much water loss in the plumbing areas , further affecting the product-certified clients – who need to compete with non-compliant products that are being distributed
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May 2024 Volume 30 I Number 3 www . plumbingafrica . co . za