ZCSA Compliance Hits 93.4%

.... As Chizinga urges for Public Vigilance on Product Safety and environmental protection 

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia – (31-12-2024) – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) nationwide market surveillance inspections conducted in 2024 have revealed significant improvements in product safety and compliance, with the overall compliance rate rising from 92.8% in 2023 to 93.4%.

ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga presented the findings at the end-of-year media briefing, highlighting the progress made despite challenges, including the adverse effects of drought conditions.

He stated, “As we close 2024, it is an honor to reflect on the year's progress, particularly in the face of challenges. Our national open market surveillance inspections, conducted in Lusaka, Central, Southern, Muchinga, Northern, Northwestern, Western, and Copperbelt provinces, have yielded encouraging results.”

The agency regulates 61 product categories under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, covering a wide range of sectors, including food and beverages, chemicals, fertilizers, and electrical appliances.

A list of these products was shared during the review, underscoring the breadth of the agency’s work. This year’s inspections were expanded to cover more provinces and product categories than in 2023, enabling a more comprehensive assessment of market compliance.

While overall compliance improved, Chizinga noted that the most significant gains were made in trading outlets, where compliance rose from 92.8% in 2023 to 94.9% in 2024.

“We have seen significant improvement in trading outlets, which now have a compliance rate of 94.9%, up from 92.8% last year,” he said.

However, Chizinga explained that compliance among manufacturers slightly declined, from 92.4% to 91.6%, although brand compliance improved marginally from 93.3% to 93.6%.

Additionally, Chizinga stated that the ZCSA flagged products valued at 818,000.39 ZMW for non-compliance, removing them from the market to protect consumers.

Despite these positive trends, Chizinga emphasized that non-compliant products, particularly in the electrical goods category, continue to pose significant safety risks.

“Items such as adapters, sockets, and extension cables were flagged due to safety hazards like electric shocks, property damage, and personal injury,” he explained.

“In response, we are enhancing educational efforts, increasing market surveillance, and applying stricter enforcement, particularly targeting electrical goods manufacturers.”

He indicated that the ZCSA has also focused on educating consumers about product safety, urging them to be vigilant.

“Many consumers do not have sufficient information on how to identify unsafe products,” Chizinga said.

“Simple steps, such as checking expiry dates, can help consumers make informed decisions.”

The agency plans to expand its public education efforts in 2025, with an emphasis on educating rural and urban communities.

The agency also highlighted the ongoing sale of banned products, including filament and incandescent bulbs and used undergarments.

“Despite the restrictions, some retailers continue to sell these products,” Chizinga remarked.

“We are committed to combating the sale of these banned goods through stronger enforcement actions and public education.”

In 2024, the agency conducted media workshops and outreach programs to increase public awareness about compulsory standards and product safety.

From November 11 to December 20, the ZCSA conducted a round of post-market surveillance inspections to ensure that products in circulation met safety standards.

“These workshops and outreach programs are part of our ongoing efforts to educate the public about the importance of product safety and compliance with standards,” Chizinga said.

Chizinga confirmed that market surveillance would continue, with an increased focus on high-risk products.

“We will use a variety of media channels, including community radio stations, television, newspapers, and digital media, to reach a broader audience across Zambia, including rural and urban communities,” he noted.

The agency will also strengthen its inspections in higher-risk categories, such as food safety and electrical appliances, to safeguard consumers from dangerous or substandard goods.

Chizinga concluded by thanking stakeholders for their support in 2024 and calling for continued cooperation in the coming year to ensure the ZCSA’s efforts in safeguarding consumer interests remain strong.

“Together, we can ensure that consumer safety standards are upheld,” he said.