Consumer Safety Boost

... ZCSA is set to begin the Enforcement of New Standards from October 1

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) will begin enforcing 41 new compulsory standards on October 1, 2025, in a landmark step aimed at strengthening consumer safety, safeguarding public health, and protecting the environment.

ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga said the new standards will significantly expand the Agency’s regulatory oversight, which has so far been limited to 61 products — a figure he described as inadequate given the growing volume and complexity of goods on the Zambian market.

“The introduction of these 41 new standards will allow us to address gaps in market surveillance and ensure that only safe, quality, and environmentally friendly products reach consumers,” Mr. Chizinga said yesterday when he opened a training workshop for inspectors in Lusaka.

The products now falling under regulation include solar equipment, food and packaging materials, carbon steel bars, fish and fish products, energy drinks, milk and milk products, fresh fruits and vegetables, table wines, tomato products, and other widely consumed goods.

The standards were declared under Statutory Instrument No. 20 of 2025 issued by the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry. Enforcement will begin nationwide after ongoing training of ZCSA inspectors, designed to equip them with the skills required to implement the new measures effectively.

ZCSA Communications and Public Relations Manager Brian Hatyoka said the initiative demonstrates the Agency’s commitment to its legal mandate under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, which requires ZCSA to enforce standards for the protection of consumers, public health, and the environment.

“The training is part of the preparatory activities ahead of the implementation of the new compulsory standards. Our inspectors must be ready to ensure citizens are protected from unsafe products and practices harmful to the environment,” Mr. Hatyoka said.

Mr. Chizinga further stressed that ZCSA will intensify awareness campaigns in partnership with stakeholders, including the media, ahead of the October 1 rollout. 

In the recent past ZCSA has warned that enforcement will be strict, and businesses that fail to comply risk having their goods confiscated, withdrawn from the market, or facing legal penalties.