By Brenda Kayo:
Authorities are expected to commence a crackdown on importers and retailers of renewable energy products who failed to meet the August 31, 2026 deadline for compliance with Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) and Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) requirements.
Mera and MBS last week reminded importers and retailers to obtain Mera licences and submit unverified stocks to MBS for quality testing.
In a joint statement, the two institutions said that under a new enforcement framework with the Malawi Revenue Authority, only licensed entities would be permitted to clear renewable energy goods at national borders.
“All traders must regularise their operations by the extended grace period ending 31st August 2026. Strict enforcement commencing 1st September 2026 will trigger heavy administrative fines, product seizures and legal prosecution for non-compliant businesses,” the institutions said.
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Mera spokesperson Fitina Khonje said Monday that the requirements were in line with the law.
“The law requires that all entities dealing with importation, selling and installation of renewable energy products must be licensed by Mera and all products must go through MBS,” she said.
Khonje said offenders could face a fine of K50 million and 10 years’ imprisonment, as determined by the courts.
She said the enforcement followed a joint market surveillance and inspection exercise conducted by Mera and MBS in March, which found that most of the shops inspected were operating without valid licences.
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The institutions also found that some renewable energy products, particularly solar batteries, had poor or misleading labelling.
Economic expert Velli Nyirongo said the enforcement was a positive development but cautioned authorities against measures that could make renewable energy products more expensive.
“We have seen a rapid growth in solar products, batteries, inverters and other renewable energy equipment, but poor-quality and unverified products can undermine consumer confidence and create safety risks,” Nyirongo said.
He said regulation should protect consumers without discouraging investment in the renewable energy sector.
