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January 2012 Volume 39, Lifestyle Love & Sex

Harare bans second-hand undies

Sun, Jan 08, 2012

ZIMBABWE has banned the importation of second-hand underwear.

Harare bans second-hand undies

The ban was published in the Government Gazette of December 30. It forbids bringing into Zimbabwe "second-hand undergarments of any type, form or description - whether purchased, donated or procured in any other manner".

Due to the harsh economic environment, many people buy clothing, including underwear, from flea markets and Chinese clothing shops.

Entrepreneurs have been shipping bales of second-hand clothes from the Far East, the US and the UK for resale in the country , to the detriment of the textile sector.

Job Sikhala, the leader of the MDC faction MDC 99, said the move illustrated the coalition government's desperation.

Underwear industry role-players said the ban would protect the textile sector from cheap goods flooding the market.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe is to set up new measures to mop up revenue from cross-border traders.

Cross-border traders are with immediate effect required to declare their goods to the authority at least three hours before arrival at a port of entry, via their bus or airline operator.

By Special correspondent

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