CPA Commends FDA Over Seizure of 360 Bales of Fake Diapers in Tema

The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) has commended the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for a significant breakthrough in the fight against the importation of fake diapers in Ghana, following the seizure of over 360 bales of counterfeit products in Tema.

In a statement released by the Executive Director of CPA in charge of Media and Arbitration, Nana Prempeh Okogyeabour Aduhene, the agency expressed strong satisfaction with the FDA’s heightened enforcement efforts, describing the operation as a “massive breakthrough” that has averted a major public health threat.

According to the CPA, the FDA’s enforcement team in Tema, acting on intelligence, seized the counterfeit diapers on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at a residential facility in Community 12, Tema. The quantity approximately 360 bales translates to about two full 40-foot container loads.

Investigations revealed that the consignment was imported by a company identified as Natural Power, which attempted to evade regulatory scrutiny by misdeclaring the shipment. The goods were fraudulently labeled as Disposable Plywoven Bags (HS Code 392329) instead of the correct classification for diapers (HS Code 9619), in an apparent attempt to outwit customs and FDA officials at the Tema Port.

In a related development, CPA disclosed that two additional containers of fake diapers imported by FK Clearing Cleaning Logistics under the brand Ness-D Diapers have also been impounded by customs at the MPS terminal. The clearing agent reportedly fled and abandoned the containers in June 2025, leaving the items unclaimed.

CPA praised the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for its vigilance, emphasizing that the seizure has potentially protected over 2.5 million Ghanaian children from the adverse health effects associated with the use of substandard diaper products.

The agency has called for immediate prosecution of the importers, urging both the FDA and Customs to hand them over to the police or the National Security for legal action. CPA believes that such measures would serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar illegal activities.

“As a country, we must not allow the safety and health of our children to be compromised by selfish and unscrupulous importers,” the statement said.

CPA also revealed that it has uncovered two more entities allegedly involved in the importation of fake diapers and will formally notify the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) for further investigation.