Strengthening Protection

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... Hatyoka says, the role of ZCSA is not only to ensure human and environmental safety but also to promote compliance in the marketplace.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia (21-11-2024) – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has become a cornerstone of consumer protection, ensuring product safety and quality in a market where substandard goods threaten public well-being.

Through its unwavering commitment and innovative regulatory strategies, ZCSA is setting a benchmark for consumer protection not only in Zambia but also beyond its borders.

Brian Hatyoka, the Acting Manager for Communications and Public Relations at ZCSA, highlighted the agency's comprehensive efforts to safeguard public health, protect the environment, and foster fair trade.

Hatyoka says the role of ZCSA is not only to ensure human and environmental safety but also to promote compliance in the marketplace.

“Our primary objective is clear: to ensure that every product in the market is not only safe and reliable but also complies with the established standards,” he said.

Established under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, ZCSA regulates 61 compulsory standards for various products, including both imported and locally manufactured goods. These standards are designed to ensure public safety, health, consumer protection, and environmental preservation. Additionally, ZCSA has proposed 48 more standards to enhance its regulatory framework.

The agency inspects products, enforces compliance, and prosecutes violators to ensure public safety and product integrity.

“ZCSA’s mandate covers various sectors, including food, chemicals, and electrical goods, where non-compliance can pose significant dangers,” Hatyoka explained.

The agency has taken decisive action to remove hazardous goods from the market, such as contaminated food, improperly labeled beverages, and unsafe chemicals.

“Faulty electrical appliances and substandard building materials have been removed to prevent catastrophic outcomes like fires or electrocution,” he added.

Beyond enforcement, ZCSA prioritizes consumer education. The agency has launched public awareness campaigns through roadshows, exhibitions, and media outreach.

“We educate the public on identifying unsafe products and demanding better standards,” Hatyoka said. The agency also operates a consumer complaints hotline, providing the public with a platform to report non-compliant products.

“This hotline gives consumers an accessible way to report unsafe goods,” Hatyoka noted.

To improve operations, ZCSA has adopted digital tools under the Smart Zambia Initiative.

“These tools have revolutionized our work, speeding up the identification and removal of substandard products while aligning us with global best practices,” Hatyoka said. The use of technology has significantly enhanced efficiency and market surveillance.

ZCSA collaborates with regional and international organizations, such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO), to harmonize product standards.

“Harmonizing standards across the region makes trade easier and benefits the entire Southern African community,” Hatyoka remarked. This cooperation strengthens Zambia’s position in global markets.

The agency's efforts have produced tangible results.

“In the past six months, consumer complaints about unsafe goods dropped by 30%, while public recognition of the ZCSA compliance mark rose by 50%,” Hatyoka reported. Seizures of substandard goods have doubled, reflecting the success of ZCSA's enhanced market surveillance.

“These results demonstrate that our efforts are making a difference,” he added.

ZCSA’s focus on quality control supports Zambia’s economic growth.

“Ensuring local products meet international standards opens doors for exports and attracts investment,” Hatyoka explained. The agency’s work helps enhance Zambia’s global competitiveness.

With 16 satellite offices, including those in provincial towns and border posts, ZCSA oversees 61 products under compulsory standards. These include food, chemicals, motor vehicles, and textiles.

“ZCSA uses Domestic and Import Quality Monitoring schemes to ensure compliance, with plans to expand the list of regulated products,” Hatyoka explained.

In 2023, ZCSA drafted over 50 new compulsory standards for industrial and food products.

“The process of declaring these standards compulsory will be completed by the second quarter of 2024,” Hatyoka revealed.

The agency also monitors labeling and packaging, ensuring that product labels include essential information such as the product name, ingredients, net content, and expiry dates.

ZCSA inspects imported goods at border points to verify compliance before they enter Zambia.

“Inspectors ensure that both documents and products meet required standards,” Hatyoka noted.

The agency also investigates consumer complaints. If a product is deemed substandard, inspectors conduct assessments and require proof of purchase for verification.

“We act on consumer complaints by conducting independent assessments,” Hatyoka said.

By collaborating with other regulatory bodies, ZCSA ensures products entering the market meet safety and quality standards.

“We work closely with other regulators to maintain consistency and safety in the marketplace,” Hatyoka emphasized.

Through these efforts, ZCSA not only protects consumers but also strengthens Zambia's competitive economic environment.