BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Castel Malawi, the country’s leading spirit and beer producer, has issued a strong warning to customers against purchasing its products without tax stamps and urged vigilance to help combat counterfeit goods.
The company called on consumers to report any suspicious products bearing the Castel name but lacking digital tax stamps to the nearest Castel distribution representative nationwide.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 21, 2025, Castel Malawi Managing Director Thomas Reynaud highlighted the health risks posed by counterfeit products and emphasized the need for consumer awareness.
“Castel Malawi Limited urges all customers to remain highly vigilant and ensure that all spirits purchased are genuine and fully compliant with legal standards,” Reynaud said. “Authentic Castel spirits carry tax stamps, date stamps, and batch numbers, which confirm their legitimacy and regulatory compliance.”
He further cautioned, “Do not purchase or stock any spirits that lack proper tax stamps, date stamps, and batch numbers.
“We sincerely thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Together, we can ensure a safe and compliant market for all consumers.”
Castel Malawi, which manufactures an extensive range of beers and spirits including national favorites like Castel Beer and Kuche Kuche, and spirits such as Malawi Gin, Malawi Vodka, and Premier Brandy, has become the first local company to publicly embrace the digital tax stamp initiative introduced by the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) in 2024 to curb illicit products.
MRA’s digital tax stamp solution, dubbed Kalondola, was rolled out in two phases.
Phase One, which began in May 2024, covers tobacco cigarettes and alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, spirits, whisky, and opaque beer, as well as non-alcoholic drinks.
Phase Two, which started in July 2024, extended the requirement to bottled water, carbonated soft drinks, drinks made from cereals, energy drinks, fermented sweet tea, lotions, and glycerine.
According to MRA, Kalondola was introduced following amendments to the Customs & Excise Act and is implemented by SICPA Malawi, which won the contract after a competitive procurement process in 2023.
The solution is internationally recognized for improving tax compliance, enhancing consumer protection, and promoting fairness in the industry.
Rosemary Mkandawire, Deputy Commissioner Operations at the MRA, described the initiative as a significant step forward in combating counterfeit goods.
“Kalondola represents a major milestone in our fight against illicit trade and counterfeit goods in Malawi. By ensuring that only legitimate and compliant products reach consumers, we are protecting public health, securing government revenue, and creating a level playing field for local businesses,” Mkandawire said.
“The success of this initiative reflects the commitment of our partners, including manufacturers, to uphold the highest standards of compliance and consumer safety.”
Since 2024, SICPA Malawi has trained MRA officers nationwide through theoretical and practical sessions, including field visits to various border posts to assess adherence to excise tax stamp regulations among customs officials and importers.