Trade Standards Strengthened
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 — (27-01-2026) —
The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has strengthened trade standards across the country, ensuring that measuring instruments are accurate, reliable, and comply with international standards, Executive Director Humphrey Nkobeni said.
Speaking at the end-of-year performance briefing, Nkobeni said the Agency achieved this through type approvals of measuring instruments, statutory verifications, licensing of technicians, and registration of companies.
He explained that these efforts have improved industry compliance, consumer protection, fair trade, and measurement accuracy nationwide.
Nkobeni also highlighted a major international milestone, with Zambia elected Vice President of the Intra-Africa Metrology System (AFRIMETS) and securing a seat on the Presidential Council of the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).
“This gives Zambia a strategic role in shaping measurement standards in Africa and globally,” he said.
In 2025, ZMA strengthened the legal framework by drafting 15 Statutory Instruments covering health, petroleum, mining, electricity, water, pre-packaged commodities, and technician certification.
Nkobeni said these regulations will undergo Regulatory Impact Assessments in early 2026 before submission to the Ministry of Justice for final approval.
The Agency received 22 applications for type approval of measuring instruments, approving 19 and rejecting three, Nkobeni reported.
He explained that type approval ensures only instruments that meet accuracy, safety, and performance standards enter the market.
“This protects consumers, businesses, and reduces trade disputes,” he said.
To ensure professionalism, ZMA licensed 298 metrology technicians by December 2025, up from 278 in 2024, Nkobeni said.
He added that the Agency also registered 88 companies involved in manufacturing, installing, repairing, and servicing measuring instruments, up from 87 in 2024.
“Licensing technicians and registering companies ensures compliance, promotes fair trade, and builds public confidence,” Nkobeni said.
The Agency conducted 76,961 statutory verifications, exceeding the target of 70,834, Nkobeni said.
“This supports fair competition, reduces trade disputes, and strengthens economic efficiency across key sectors such as petroleum, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and transport,” he explained.
Nkobeni said compliance inspections of local industry, imports, and market surveillance recorded high adherence to regulations.
3,684,254 imported commodities were 98 percent compliant, 1,233,084 locally manufactured products reached 94 percent, and 540,202 commodities inspected through market surveillance achieved 95 percent compliance. 12,095 measuring instruments achieved 97 percent compliance.
He noted that some products required targeted enforcement. Essential goods such as cassava meal, roofing sheets, LPG, and full cream milk recorded 100 percent compliance.
Other products performed strongly, including mineral and purified water (99.9%), rice (99.8%), cooking oil (99.7%), flour (99.3%), alcoholic drinks and lagers (99%), fertilizers (99%), animal feed (98%), disinfectants (98%), and mealie meal (97%).
However, Nkobeni said compliance was lower in some areas, including seed products (89%), battery acid (85%), tile adhesive (80%), and bread (79%).
Critical low compliance products flagged for urgent enforcement included radiator coolant (44%), oils and lubricants (71%), and wall plaster (4%).
The Agency applied enforcement measures such as product quarantine, fines, corrective directives, and mandatory reverification of measuring instruments.
Nkobeni said that 15 enforcement cases were successfully concluded in 2025, covering underweight commodities, unverified instruments, and unapproved labeling.
“All cases were closed following compliance with our directives, strengthening consumer protection,” he said.
ZMA also handled 26 complaints related to fuel dispensing, roofing sheets, weighing instruments, and pre-packaged goods.
Nkobeni said inspections confirmed many complaints, including under-dispensing or over-dispensing of fuel and the use of unverified measuring instruments.
Non-compliant instruments were withdrawn and affected complainants compensated. “All complaints were resolved within the year, demonstrating the Agency’s responsiveness and accountability,” he added.
Nkobeni said ZMA conducted 72 joint inspections with the Energy Regulation Board, Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency, and Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
“These joint inspections improved enforcement efficiency, reduced duplication, and lowered compliance costs for businesses,” he said.
The Agency maintained National Measurement Standards with full traceability to the International System of Units (SI).
Nkobeni reported 4,741 calibrations conducted, surpassing the target of 4,146.
ZMA also accredited its sixth laboratory under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and maintained 15 Calibration and Measurement Capabilities on the BIPM database, enabling services for neighbouring countries.
At the national level, Nkobeni said ZMA signed MoUs with five universities to support research and skills development in metrology.
Internationally, the Agency partnered with the National Institute of Metrology of China and signed a Mutual Recognition Framework Arrangement with Tanzania, improving cross-border trade, especially in the petroleum sector.
Nkobeni added that Zambia continued to chair SADCMEL, promoting uniform measurement standards across SADC.
He serves as Chairperson of the AFRIMETS Legal Committee, and Zambia’s participation in the OIML Presidential Council ensures a voice in shaping global metrology policies.
Nkobeni said ZMA will focus on expanding public access to metrology services, implementing digital platforms, strengthening measurement traceability, and continuing industry support through calibration and verification services.
“In 2025, ZMA exceeded its targets, enhanced international recognition, and delivered tangible benefits to consumers and the economy,” Nkobeni said.
“We remain committed to fair trade, transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in service of the people of Zambia.”
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