ZCSA Empowers Media on Consumer Safety

Journalists from across Zambia attend ZCSA workshop to report effectively on new compulsory standards protecting public health and consumer rights

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

LUSAKA, Zambia24 (26 September 2025) – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) is holding a media training workshop today, designed to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills to accurately inform the public on product safety, consumer rights, and public health ahead of the enforcement of 41 new compulsory standards on October 1, 2025.

Executive Director Gerald Chizinga said the updated regulations, introduced through Statutory Instrument No. 20 of 2025, expand ZCSA’s oversight from 61 to 102 product categories, covering solar equipment, food items, energy drinks, table wines, packaging materials, construction materials, fertilizers, and other products critical to consumer safety and market integrity.

“These are not just rules; they are safeguards that protect Zambians from unsafe products, promote fair trade, and enhance confidence in our markets,” Mr. Chizinga said at the opening of the workshop in Lusaka.

Journalists from all 10 provinces are participating in the one-day event, representing a wide range of media including private, public, community, radio, television, and online platforms.

Chizinga explained that training journalists from diverse media sectors is crucial because they serve as the primary link between ZCSA and the public, ensuring that accurate information reaches citizens across the country.

Well-informed reporters can explain the purpose and scope of the new standards, highlight responsibilities for producers and consumers, and help communities understand the risks of non-compliant products.

The workshop also allows journalists to clarify technical details and learn how to present information in ways that are accessible to both urban and rural audiences in English and Zambia’s seven major local languages.

Under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, ZCSA is mandated to enforce product standards, conduct inspections at borders and manufacturing facilities, monitor markets, and educate the public. The expanded regulations reinforce the agency’s role in controlling unsafe goods and promoting product quality.

Chizinga stressed that enforcement alone is insufficient and urged media houses to actively participate in public sensitisation.

“The media is our strongest partner in reaching households and businesses across the country. Together, we can ensure that every Zambian understands these standards and how they protect their health, safety, and rights,” he said.

Consumers were encouraged to purchase products from trusted outlets, check manufacture and expiry dates, and report any expired or suspicious goods to ZCSA.

The agency has already trained inspectors and engaged key stakeholders to ensure readiness ahead of enforcement. Surveillance and inspections will be intensified nationwide to guarantee compliance.

“These standards are not barriers; they are tools that protect families, support legitimate businesses, and build trust in the market,” Chizinga added.

The media workshop, supported by the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) to include Zambia’s seven major local languages, aims to reach both urban and rural communities, ensuring the public is fully informed about the new standards.

With the rollout of these regulations, ZCSA is reinforcing its position as a guardian of consumer protection, public health, and environmental responsibility, reaffirming its commitment to safer products and accountable markets across Zambia.