Quality Matters

ZCSA Ensures Standards for Consumer Protection and Economic Growth at N’Cwala Ceremony

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia - (20-02-2025) - The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public safety and consumer rights.

Speaking during a courtesy call on Eastern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Lewis Mwape at the N’Cwala traditional ceremony, ZCSA’s Manager of Communications and Public Relations, Brian Hatyoka, outlined the agency’s role in enforcing national product standards.

He emphasized that ZCSA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, was established to regulate compulsory standards and protect consumers from substandard goods.

Hatyoka stressed the need for public awareness regarding product safety, particularly concerning electrical goods that fail to meet regulatory benchmarks.

“Many adaptors, sockets, and extension cables found in the market pose serious risks such as electric shocks and fires due to non-compliance with safety standards,” he warned.

To address these concerns, Hatyoka said ZCSA has intensified market surveillance, including recent actions that led to the disposal of non-compliant maize meal valued at K1,480 in Eastern Province.

Currently overseeing 61 product categories, ZCSA plans to introduce 41 additional compulsory standards, focusing on packaging materials, solar products, and fertilizers.

The agency operates regional offices in Chipata, Mwami/Mchinji, and Chanida border posts, which play a critical role in inspecting both local and imported products.

In Eastern Province alone, 24 registered establishments are subject to regulatory oversight to ensure adherence to quality and safety standards.

Dr. Mwape emphasized that compliance with product standards is crucial for boosting local manufacturing and economic expansion.

“Adhering to certification requirements broadens market access and strengthens Zambia’s position in export markets,” he noted.

He urged regulatory agencies to extend their reach, ensuring more manufacturers align with industry standards to prevent financial losses linked to poor-quality goods.

Additionally, he called for stronger collaboration between regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders to enhance quality assurance.

“A well-regulated market builds consumer confidence and promotes the 'Buy Zambian' initiative,” Dr. Mwape stated.

Hatyoka encouraged manufacturers to work closely with ZCSA from the early stages of production to meet compliance requirements and enhance their products' competitiveness.

“By prioritizing quality, we can create a safer market and strengthen Zambia’s manufacturing sector,” he concluded.

ZCSA’s commitment to enforcing stringent product standards is a crucial step in driving industrial growth and ensuring Zambian products meet both domestic and global expectations.